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Laughlin partners with community for inaugural “Wings of XLence” recognition

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  • By 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  

The 47th Flying Training Wing partnered with the Del Rio Military Affairs Association (MAA) to host the inaugural “Wings of XLence” quarterly luncheon to recognize Airmen, and create a venue for community crosstalk, April 4, 2025.  

The luncheon began with a five-minute presentation from each of the recognized Airmen, to share a bit about themselves, their role at Laughlin, and their future plans or goals. 

Laughlin Leadership and the MAA recognized five total force Airmen for outstanding performance from across the wing. 

Congratulations to our first quarter “Wings of XLence” Airmen: 

47th Operations Group - SrA Anthony Harsh (47th Operations Support Squadron) 

47th Medical Group- SrA Ruiz Martinez (47th Healthcare Operation Squadron) 

47th Maintenance Directorate - Mr. Robert Sandoval 

47th Mission Support Group - SSgt Katherine Wells (47th Contracting Squadron) 

47th Wing Staff Agency - Mrs. Christina Wolfe (47th Inspector Generals Office) 

Col Tyler Ellison, 47th Flying Training Wing commander, and Shannalea Taylor, Del Rio MAA Board Member, presented certificates as well as a small token of appreciation for each Airman’s contributions.  

The mission of the MAA is to promote goodwill between Laughlin and the community, assisting in the integration of military personnel to Del Rio, coordinating efforts to strengthen current missions and assist in possible new missions, and implementing measures to be taken to ensure Laughlin and Del Rio’s future relationship.  

The Del Rio MAA regularly hosts functions to support the Airmen and families at Laughlin while providing support and advocacy for 47th FTW. 

“The MAA focuses on projects to attack for Laughlin,” said Blanca Larson, Del Rio Chamber of Commerce Vice President and Military Affairs Association Board Member, “whether they be infrastructure or resiliency projects.” 

Following the ceremony, Ellison, Taylor and Larson provided an opportunity for questions from attendees on topics of interest for Airmen and the community.  

“We focus a lot on quality-of-life initiatives,” said Taylor following questions about water levels and drought conditions, city infrastructure and the future of the T-7A Red Hawk arrival to Laughlin.  

Taylor encouraged Airmen to be “the voice” in strategic messaging about life in Del Rio.  

“Know your community loves you and we welcome you here,” she continued. “How do you message how great Laughlin is? And how do you message how great Del Rio is? That’s not something you can put on a billboard. We need each of you to take the message of how much you’re enjoying the community. And if you’re not enjoying the community, I encourage you to get out and experience [it].”  

In addition to the Del Rio MAA, various Honorary Commanders from the 47 FTW also attended the luncheon. 

“We cannot do what we do at Laughlin without the continuous support,” said Ellison, “from the Honorary Commanders to the MAA. Because we ask so much out of Team XL, having you all here to support us, to be able to advocate on our behalf and do the things we cannot do, it’s a gamechanger.”