The 96th Test Wing of the U.S. Air Force will be conducting munitions testing in the Gulf of America Nov. 4-6 and again Nov. 9 and 10.
According to a press release, testing on Nov. 4 and 10 will take place from 5:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Meanwhile, testing on Nov. 5, 6 and 9 will take place from 5 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The hazard zone is approximately 30 nautical miles south of the Destin East Pass, extending approximately 50 nautical miles west to Navarre Beach. The Air Force states that all vessels are required to remain clear of the hazard zone during these tests.
Residents, visitors and recreators in and around the Eglin Test and Training Complex and surrounding waters are reminded not to touch, move, disturb or try to recover unidentified military or test-related items.
Officials ask that anyone who finds an item mark its location using nearby landmarks or, preferably, GPS coordinates and report it to local law enforcement or the 96th Security Forces Squadron Base Defense Operations Center at 850-882-2000.
If the item is found on the water, individuals should contact the U.S. Coast Guard.
Advisories and local notices to mariners will be broadcast on Channel 16 and on HF upper sideband 2182 kHz by the Eglin Joint Test and Training Operations Control Center.
The two-day, cross-country mission required precise weight distribution and millimeter-level clearances to fit the 29,500-pound load into the C-5M’s cargo compartment. For the 512th Airlift reservists, executing high-consequence, strategic airlift operations is business as usual—even when the payload is a piece of aviation history.
“Growing up in the ‘90s and 2000s, I remember thinking of the F-117 as the most unique plane,” said Maj. Billy Hafker, 709th Airlift Squadron instructor pilot and aircraft commander for the mission. “Being able to move it to the Smithsonian to preserve it for future generations is an incredible opportunity, and we’re all honored to do it.”
Cargo-bearing missions in the Super Galaxy require mission-ready Airmen from various career fields spanning from flying crew chief to pilot, according to Hafker. Each Airmen’s proficiency in the generation and sustainment of airpower ensures the Air Force Reserve is ready to move fast, think creatively and disrupt the status quo when reacting to crises on the global stage.
Upon landing in Palmdale, California, the Dover-based crew began conducting pre-loading operations to stage the aircraft for cargo. Within two hours of landing, the loadmasters had carefully maneuvered and secured the detached Nighthawk’s wings into the cargo hold while maintaining ample room for the fuselage.
However, the F-117’s cockpit upload was unexpectedly delayed overnight due to a coordination breakdown regarding the required number of tie-down points on the fourth-generation fighter. With both aircraft grounded on the tarmac, the Lockheed Martin Skunk Works mechanical team worked through the night to resolve the issue. Their efforts to fabricate and install the points ensured the entire plane was successfully delivered to the Smithsonian team on October 6.
“It was a little difficult to load in, but we got the job done,” shared Senior Airman Lucas Richard, 709th Airlift Squadron loadmaster. “This is probably one of the coolest pieces of cargo that I’ve ever seen.”
As of January 2021, the Air Force has retained approximately 48 F-117As in its inventory and has disposed of approximately four aircraft each year since grounding the fleet in April 2008. The demilitarization process required to deem an aircraft worthy of museum display requires immense cooperation between the Department of War and its industry partners.
“There’s a lot of people that participate in a project like this,” said Jeff Corbets, program manager at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, who led the restoration. “Demilitarization was the most difficult piece, but I think it went really smoothly, all things considered.”
The stealth fighter that will soon be on display at the Udvar-Hazy Center earned the nickname “The Overachiever” after being the only F-117A to fly in all four major conflicts in which Nighthawks flew combat operations: Just Cause, Desert Storm, Allied Force and Iraqi Freedom. During its 1991 participation in Iraq, it flew 1,271 sorties, achieving an 80% mission success rate while suffering no battle damage. The jet retired in 2007.
As the historic aircraft takes its place on the museum floor to be marveled at by more than a million visitors each year, the mission itself serves as a proud victory for the 512th AW and its C-5 squadron. Beyond preserving history, the operation successfully showcased the advantage of the Air Force Reserve in action—delivering unprecedented combat capability and professionalism to the Joint Force.
This article was written for the U.S. Air Force and is associated with the 512th Airlift Wing.
According to 96th Test Wing Public Affairs, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations is leading the investigation into the death. Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is also investigating the matter.
“We cannot provide additional details at this time due to it being an active investigation,” said Kayla Prather, chief of media operations with 96th Test Wing Public Affairs.
The first-term congressman said the region’s veteran population already justifies the request.
“Over 100,000 veterans call Northwest Florida home,” Patronis said in an interview with the Santa Rosa Press Gazette. “As people decide to retire in a community, they also want to be part of that community, and that’s where they want to be remembered from.”
Northwest Florida is currently served by a single national cemetery, Barrancas National Cemetery, which is aboard NAS Pensacola. The next closest in the state is Tallahassee National Cemetery.
A press release said the proposal was prompted by limited space at Arlington National Cemetery.
According to Patronis, an advisory committee will review potential locations, including “orphan parcels” on Eglin Air Force Base that have been disconnected from the base’s active mission, according to the Patronis office.
Previously, Okaloosa County and Eglin Air Force Base have discussed the future of those parcels separately. The steering committee is planning to have its first meetings in September.
The board will be co-chaired by retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Fran Hendricks and former Okaloosa County Commissioner Graham Fountain.
Among the 21 members who make up the panel is Crestview Mayor J.B. Whitten, an Air Force veteran, who said the appointment carried real weight both personally and for the city.
“I’m honored that he would do that,” Whitten said of Patronis. “The fact that he didn’t just stay at the national level…he came down, took some of us from the city level, and I think that’s pretty important.”
“The fact that I would be involved in helping to select anything for the veterans is pretty important to me,” Whitten said.
Whitten also said he was contacted several weeks before the announcement. Patronis credited the initial idea of the national cemetery to state Rep. Pat Maney, R-Shalimar, a retired judge and Army brigadier general.
Internal discussions, Patronis said, began in late July, with the proposal not being made public until Aug. 6. Patronis said he directed his staff to research the requirements and what it would take to bring the cemetery to the area.
The proposal remains in its early stages. Patronis said his office has done research on what federal approval requires but has not yet lobbied other members of the Florida congressional delegation.
“We’ve got our work cut out for us to get it, because there is going to be a financial commitment through maintenance, the upkeep, the landscaping that’s going to go along with it,” Patronis said.
Whitten compared the committee to what was seen for Okaloosa County’s America 250 committee.
“We put 20 people around a table, and man, we just started coming up with all kinds of novel ideas: what can we do, where we can do it, how we can do it,” he said. “I think everybody has a connection to somebody else that they can get involved and reach out and find out what we have to do to get where we are going.”
Patronis said the roster was built with that in mind.
“There’s a lot of heavy hitters from Northwest Florida on the committee,” he said.
The committee leans heavily on retired military leadership and local elected officials, including:
Retired Navy Rear Adm. Philip Dur
Retired Army Special Forces Col. Pat Colleton
Retired Air Force Col. Allison Black
Retired Air Force Col. Howard Hill
Dr. Paul Hsu of the Hsu Educational Foundation
Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden
Okaloosa County Commissioners Paul Mixon and Drew Palmer
Niceville Mayor Dan Henkel
Shalimar Mayor Mark Franks
Niceville City Councilman Doug Stauffer
Fort Walton Beach Mayor Emeritus Dick Rynearson
Retired Clerk of Court J.D. Peacock
Local businessman and retired Army veteran Tom Rice
Rev. David Butler
FPL executive Bernard Johnson
Barbara Slocum, family services director with Watkins-Davis Funeral Home
Retired USMC Maj. Don Pardue
Retired USAF Maj. Lisa Jo Spencer
Mixon will serve in an alternating advisory role.
As to where the national cemetery will be located, Patronis believes the proposed cemetery will be somewhere off State Road 285, but that may change going forward.
Patronis said the effort is a return on what the region has given to the military.
“I think it’s going to be a respectful way to allow those that have contributed so much to Northwest Florida to have a way to rest in peace here, and with our gratitude,” Patronis said.
“Yes, the Thunderbirds will be here in April,” a spokesperson for the 96th Test Wing said.
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will perform a two-day air show at Eglin on April 10-11, according to airshowstuff.com. No other performers have been announced.
The Thunderbirds were officially activated May 25, 1953, and are based at Nellis Air Force Base. They are America’s second-oldest flight demonstration squadron. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels were formed in 1946.
The Thunderbirds have flown the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon as their primary aircraft since 1983.
When he was 12, he delivered newspapers, mowed yards, and set up pins at a bowling alley. Later, Moody’s father, who was a civil engineer, tried to steer his son toward taking civil engineering courses in high school, but Moody said he is an “operations guy” and not an administrative one.
Moody, age 9, in a Navy outfit. His father served in the Navy. (Photo courtesy of Tom Moody)
After high school, he attended a college in Raleigh, North Carolina for three months before deciding college wasn’t for him. Moody then sought to join the military.
Thirty-nine months in Vietnam
An Air Force recruiter told Moody he needed to be a college graduate to fly a jet. A Navy recruiter told him the Navy was only looking for cooks. Finally, Moody talked with an Army recruiter.
“He said, ‘What would you like to do in the Army?’ I said, ‘That guy on the picture out front looks pretty cool,’” Moody recalled on Wednesday at his ranch in Garden City.
The picture at the recruiting office was of a military police officer in spit-shined boots.
“I said, ‘I want to do what he’s doing,’” Moody said.
Moody joined the Army in 1958 in Raleigh and completed basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina the following year. He went to an MP school, but after deciding he didn’t like working in military security, he volunteered to become a paratrooper.
Moody was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he completed jump school in 1959. He was with the 82nd through 1964. During that time, Moody worked his way up through the ranks from sergeant to first lieutenant.
He graduated from various military schools and completed various military courses: Military Police School, Ranger School, NCO Academy, Pathfinder School, Infantry Officer Candidate Course, Officer Rotary Wing Aviator Course, Flight Instructor Course and Aircraft Carrier Training Course.
After going to flight school, Moody was assigned back to the 82nd as a Huey helicopter pilot. In 1964, he left Fort Bragg and completed three tours of duty in Vietnam.
“I spent 39 months in Vietnam,” Moody said. “It was all Special Operations-type stuff.”
Moody serving in Vietnam in 1965. (Photo courtesy of Tom Moody)
The following information is from a military award/narrative citation associated with heroic actions during the Vietnam War:
“On Aug. 14, 1969, Maj. Thomas G. Moody was in command of the 68th Assault Helicopter Company maintenance aircraft observing his company’s operation north of Xuan Loc.
“At approximately 1330 hours, a UH-1H smoke ship from his company, while making a smoke run to cover the insertion of troops on the combat assault, struck a tree and crashed. Immediately, he notified the command and control ship he was going down for medevac.
“After landing at the crash site, he ran to the wreckage which was beginning to burn. He noticed the aircraft commander of the smoke ship pinned in his seat. Maj. Moody began freeing the wounded aircraft commander. The fact was evident that unless he could be freed immediately, he would be consumed by a now raging fire.
“With the possibility of the aircraft exploding at any time, Maj. Moody was joined by Warrant Officer Montgomery who had broken off from the flight. The injured aircraft commander was removed, and Maj. Moody directed his co-pilot to reposition his aircraft closer to the wreckage.
“Guiding the co-pilot with hand signals, Maj. Moody was able to direct his aircraft over and around numerous obstacles to load the injured aircraft commander and three other crewmembers onto his aircraft. Maj. Moody proceeded to the medevac facilities at Long Bien.
“Due to this outstanding display of courage and determination, the lives of five Americans were saved. The heroic actions of Maj. Moody are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.”
Moody’s military decorations include: Ranger Tab, Senior Parachutist’s Badge, Air Medal (34th) Award, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 device, Vietnam Service Medal with two Silver Stars, Army Commendation Medal with first Oak Leaf Cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross, Soldier’s Medal, Bronze Star Medal (second award), Senior Army Aviator Badge, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with second Oak Leaf Cluster.
This past April, Moody was a special guest at the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce’s commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the conclusion of the Vietnam War. (Photo courtesy of Tom Moody)
On Wednesday, Moody recalled a saying that he came up with and would share while briefing his soldiers to go into combat: “No mission too difficult, no task too great. The difficult we do immediately. The impossible we take a little bit longer to accomplish.”
Those words “have kind of followed me all the way through my life,” Moody said.
Back home
Moody retired from the Army in 1978 and settled in Destin. There, he and his wife, Carol, ran a deep-sea fishing and cruise boat business for close to three decades. The business’ fleet included a 125-foot dinner cruise boat, a 100-foot fishing boat, and a 65-foot glass bottom boat.
Tom and Carol Moody at their ranch in Garden City on Wednesday. (Photo by Tony Judnich)
Moody recalled the chaos of delivering the dinner cruise boat to its new owner in Cancun, Mexico, in 2005, the year before he and Carol retired from the boat business.
Moody said the weather looked good, and he and a friend expected to get to Cancun in a day and a half. On the first night of the trip, however, the boat’s generator died.
“On this particular boat, all my hydraulics worked off of generators,” Moody said.
He fired up a backup generator, but the boat’s hydraulic electrical system was not connected to it.
“So we had no hydraulics: No steering,” he said. “We were having to steer with the engines.”
When the boat was about dead-center in the Gulf, a storm arrived. Moody called his wife on his satellite phone and asked her to call the U.S. Coast Guard in New Orleans for help.
“While she was working on that, my right engine catches fire,” Moody said. “We put the fire out. Luckily, it didn’t do a lot of damage.”
Carol called to report that the boat was outside of the Coast Guard’s jurisdiction and that he would need the Mexican Navy’s assistance.
“The waves were breaking over the front of the boat,” Moody said. “They were so big, there were fish flopping around on the deck.”
The Mexican Navy later made it to the scene.
“They pulled up in this little 30-foot boat that was the size of my dinghy,” Moody said. “They said, ‘We’ve got bad news: We’re not going to be able to tow you. You’re too big. Keep trying to get to Cancun, and we’ll follow you, and if and when you sink, we will pick you up. Just jump in the water.’”
Fortunately, the storm cleared up and the sea calmed. Near Cancun, the new owner of the dinner cruise boat arrived in another vessel that served as a tow boat.
“We survived,” Moody said, laughing.
The ranch
Moody and his wife got married in 1991. They each have children from previous marriages. In 2006, the couple retired and settled on a small ranch, which includes four horses and is called “Old Warrior Ranch,” in Garden City.
The ranch. (Photo by Tony Judnich)
Moody leads the Panhandle Saddle Club, and he and Carol are members of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse. For many years, the couple have ridden horses in local parades, including Christmas parades in Crestview and Niceville.
Horses “are very smart, and they’re not a lot of trouble to keep up,” Moody said. “They’re real good around people, and people love horses.”
His wife laughed and said that horses “don’t talk back.”
Moody said horse people are like one big family.
“Nobody’s a stranger,” he said. “Everybody helps everybody when they need it.”
Moody at the 2019 Niceville Christmas Parade. (Photo courtesy of Tom Moody)
Last January, Moody received Crestview’s 2025 Mae Reatha Coleman Citizen of the Year Award. This humanitarian award honors an individual whose selfless acts benefit the city and its citizens. The city takes nominations from the public for the citizen of the year each year and has a committee of citizens that meet and ultimately makes a recommendation to the City Council, which has the final vote.
When city officials presented the award to Moody, they noted that he is the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce’s chairman emeritus and has twice been named the chamber’s member of the year and volunteer of the year. He served as the chamber’s CEO and president in 2017.
Moody receives his Citizen of the Year hat from Crestview Mayor J.B. Whitten. (Photo by Tony Judnich)
Among other types of service, Moody serves on the North Okaloosa Medical Center Board, and he raises money via the “Saving the Horses” fundraiser in partnership with Alaqua Animal Refuge, city officials said.
Moody playfully placed his cowboy hat on his horse, ‘Cheyenne,’ on Wednesday. (Photo by Tony Judnich)
As a military veteran, Moody supported the 6th Ranger Training Battalion by serving as the Defense Support Initiative Committee Liaison and working with military units like the 7th Special Forces Group and the 919th Special Operations Wing. He hosts community gatherings, retirement celebrations, military appreciation days, and other events at his ranch, and his advocacy ensures that Crestview remains a strong ally and support system for military personnel, city officials said.
While discussing his long and adventurous life on Wednesday, Moody was asked for his thoughts on why some Vietnam veterans, such as himself, have able to lead successful lives after returning home from the war, while others have greatly struggled.
“That’s a good question,” Moody said. “I think it has a lot to do with how you were brought up, and carry (those experiences) on into the military. A lot of what the Vietnam soldiers went through was not easy to deal with.
“I still have memories, bad memories, of soldiers that were killed, that I knew. I don’t think a soldier that fights in any war ever forgets the bad times, and the good times. But the bad times always haunt you. Some soldiers can deal with it better than others. I personally have learned how to deal with it. It’s now always easy, but you keep moving on.”
To honor members of the military, these restaurants are offering veterans free meals or beverages Nov. 11.
Another Broken Egg Café – Veterans are invited to enjoy a complimentary Patriot French Toast topped with strawberries, blueberries and whipped cream – paired with Barista House Blend Coffee – Nov. 11. The offer is for dine-in guests presenting a military ID.
Applebee’s – Veteran and Active Duty military personnel receive a free meal from a select menu Nov. 11 at participating locations. For dine-in guests only.
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s – Veterans and Active Duty military personnel can receive a free burger and fries. Not valid with any other offer, discount, promotion or purchase of gift cards. Tax, alcohol and gratuity not included.
BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse – Active Duty and retired military dining in Nov. 11 at BJ’s with a valid military ID will receive a free chocolate chunk pizookie. From Nov. 12 through Dec. 31, guests with a valid military ID who dine in and purchase an entrée will receive a free Appetizer Bounce Back to enjoy on a future visit.
Chili’s – Veterans and Active Duty members get a free meal Nov. 11 at all participating restaurants. Available in-restaurant only for select items. Military ID required to redeem offer.
Chipotle – On Nov. 11, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., guests who order an entrée in restaurant and present a valid military ID will receive a second entrée for free. The promotion applies to Chipotle bowls, burritos, salads and taco entrees.
Circle K – On Nov. 11, veterans get one free medium hot or iced coffee. The one-day-only offer is available at participating U.S. locations, and customers can redeem theirs by showing a valid military ID at purchase.
Cracker Barrel – Veterans and Active Duty service members with valid ID get a free Sunrise Pancake Special.
Denny’s – Veterans and Active Duty military personnel receive a free Original Grand Slam Nov. 11 from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. Must show a valid military ID or DD214.
Einstein Bros. Bagels – Veterans and Active Duty military get a free hot or iced coffee (any size) Nov. 11. Available in-bakery, through the mobile app or online using code FREECOFFEE. No purchase required.
Fazoli’s – Get a free spaghetti with marinara or meat sauce when dining in Nov. 11 with code VET25. Must present a valid military ID or wear a military uniform.
Firehouse Subs – Active Duty personnel and veterans can enjoy any size sub and receive a second sub for free with military ID.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers – Veterans and Active Duty military who visit Nov. 11 will receive a free Freddy’s Combo meal card. No purchase is necessary to receive this special offer. Cards may be redeemed through Dec. 31, 2025.
Golden Corral – Veterans and Active Duty military get a complimentary meal of their choice (up to $12 off their order with proof of service). For dine-in, carry out or drive thru.
Hooters – This Veterans Day, Hooters offers a free menu item. Veterans can choose from 10 original wings, cheeseburger, buffalo chicken sandwich, or chicken Caesar sale, free with a drink purchase.
IHOP – Veterans and Active Duty military get free Red, White and Blueberry pancakes or pancake combo Nov. 11. Dine-in only, at participating restaurants nationwide.
Little Caesar’s – On Veterans Day, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., veterans and active military can enjoy a complimentary lunch combo, which includes four slices of Little Caesars signature Detroit style Deep Dish pizza and a 20 oz. Pepsi beverage.
Logan’s Roadhouse – Veterans and Active Duty military members get a free meal from the Veterans Day menu from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Mission BBQ – Veterans get a free sandwich Nov. 11.
Olive Garden – On Veterans Day, Olive Garden will offer each veteran and current member of the military who dines in a free entrée from a special menu. Simply show proof of military service.
Outback Steakhouse – Outback is offering a free Aussie 3-course meal with valid military ID when dining in on Nov. 10 and 11 (select entrees only).
Red Robin – Veterans and Active Duty guests can enjoy a complimentary Red’s Big Tavern Burger and bottomless side when dining in at participating restaurants.
Ruby Tuesday – Retired and Active Duty military personnel can enjoy a free Garden Bar Entrée or Free Garden Bar add-on Nov. 11. Must show valid ID.
Scooter’s Coffee – Veterans get a free medium drink of their choice with valid military ID. Valid in-store only.
Smoothie King – Active Duty and veterans can enjoy a free 20 oz. smoothie at participating locations nationwide – no purchase necessary. This offer is available noon to 3 p.m. and includes Strawberry X-Treme, Slim-N-Trim Vanilla and Blueberry Heaven.
Sonny’s BBQ – Veterans and Active Duty get a free Pork Big Deal Nov. 11.
Starbucks – The coffee chain is offering veterans, service members and military spouses a free tall (12 oz.) brewed coffee (hot or iced) Nov. 11.
Texas Roadhouse – Veterans and military members can get a free Texas Roadhouse meal voucher Nov. 11, redeemable in-restaurant or for carry-out through May 30, 2026.
Village Inn – Military personnel can enjoy a free 2-2-2 breakfast. If ordering online, guests can use code VETERANS25 to redeem this offer.
Wendy’s – Veterans and current military personnel can enjoy a free breakfast combo, no purchase required, during breakfast hours Nov. 11.
Wings and Rings – Veterans and Active Duty service members can receive a free lunch Nov. 11. Dine-in only.
Originally announced in August 2023, the plan to establish the 492nd SOW at Davis-Monthan AFB has been refined to prioritize mission effectiveness, cost efficiency and alignment with Air Force and Department of War priorities.
Following the required environmental analysis, these previously announced units will relocate to Davis-Monthan AFB:
– Headquarters, 492nd Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Florida
– 492nd Special Operations Theater Air Operations Squadron at Duke Field, Fla.
– 319th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Fla.
– Air Combat Command Intelligence Squadron, new activation
Additionally, as part of a refined plan, Davis-Monthan AFB is identified as the preferred location for the following units as part of the 492nd SOW:
– 34th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Fla.
– 20th Special Operations Squadron and 20th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico
The Air Force will begin the required environmental analysis on proposed changes beginning fall 2025.
In the statement, released July 17, the USASOC Provost Marshal Col. Mark Katz said the geographic focus of the threat was Florida. U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna tweeted about the warning July 19. In the statement, Katz told all military personnel in Special Operations to remain vigilant.
“While this threat does not directly target active duty USASOC personnel, we are issuing this notice to reinforce the importance of vigilance and situational awareness. We encourage all personnel to remain alert to their surroundings, both on and off post, and to report any suspicious activity to appropriate authorities.”
Although the message was sent out by the U.S. Army, it is meant for all Special Operations officials who served and now reside in Florida.
The Reserve, whether full-time or part-time, brings a tremendous range of experience to the joint force. That experience is a by-product of a tireless search for the next generation of Citizen Airmen by Recruiters who help turn dreams into reality for men and women who aspire to serve.
“I see people who are motivated, purpose-driven, and looking to be part of something bigger than themselves,” said Master Sgt. Michael Arriaga, 919th Special Operations Wing recruiter. “The ones who gravitate toward the 919th usually want a challenge—they’re not just looking to punch a clock. They want to serve with impact, they want to grow, and they want to belong to a tight-knit, high-performing team.”
For many 919 SOW members, their efforts are tied to a mission that never stops. Readiness isn’t optional, it’s the standard. Through continuous recruiting efforts, the USAFR ensures the pipeline of capable, disciplined, and prepared Airmen never runs dry. Every role filled by a skilled and motivated Reservist strengthens the force and accelerates mission capability. Reservists are a supplemental force, one that can integrate seamlessly and respond at a moment’s notice. Recruiting the right talent today ensures the Wing is ready to meet tomorrow’s challenges.
“What makes our readiness unique is how much we accomplish with limited time,” said Arriaga. “Our Reservists are balancing jobs, school, and families—and yet when it’s go time, they show up ready to execute. The 919th is a great example. We’re fully embedded in the special operations world, supporting missions like non-standard aviation, and even operating MQ-9s and the AC-130J. We train and perform at a high level alongside our active-duty counterparts, and we’re always ready to answer the call—part-time status doesn’t mean part-time commitment.”
Modern warfare demands agility and precision. The 919th SOW personnel are trained to operate alongside their active-duty counterparts, maintaining the same high standards of lethality and professionalism. an integral part of the total force, sharpening the Air Force’s edge and expanding its reach.
“This might be one of the biggest misconceptions out there—it’s never just one weekend a month,” Arriaga added. “Even when we’re not wearing the uniform, we’re preparing, learning, leading, and staying sharp. A lot of our folks volunteer for TDYs, deployments, and extended orders, and they bring a full-time mindset to a part-time role. Especially in a unit like the 919th, where we’re constantly involved in AFSOC missions with platforms like the AC-130J and MQ-9, there’s nothing ‘casual’ about what we do.”
Joining the reserves isn’t just a career move—it’s a calling. It’s a chance to be part of something greater than yourself. It’s an opportunity to serve alongside the finest warriors in the world, defending freedom at home and abroad. Every successful recruitment is not just a position filled, it’s a future secured, a mission advanced, a nation strengthened.
“If you’re looking for purpose, growth, and a sense of belonging—you’ll find it here,” said Arriaga. “The Air Force Reserve gives you a chance to serve while still chasing your civilian goals. You get real-world skills, education benefits, and a chance to wear the uniform with pride. And if you want to be part of something elite, the 919th is the place. We’re the only special operations wing in the Reserve, and the work we do matters on a global scale. The mission is powerful, and the people are even better.”
