'Honorary Commanders' Learn the Mission of the 17th Mission Support Group

SAN ANGELO, TX – The 17th Training Wing hosted a 17th Mission Support Group (MSG) immersion for Goodfellow Air Force Base’s "Honorary Commanders" on Thursday, May 23. 

The 17th Mission Support Group is the most diverse group and consists of six squadrons responsible for all aspects of logistical and personnel support on Goodfellow, information stated.  

Members of the 17th MSG maintain and continually improve the base infrastructure, provide security, and operate the wing's extensive computer architecture. They also manage all recreational facilities and activities on base ensuring a "superb quality of life." 

Honorary Commanders are members of the local community selected through an annual application process. This upcoming event is part of a 12-month immersion program focused on fostering and deepening relationships with leaders in our community. 

Goodfellow’s Honorary Commander program enables members of the community to understand the importance of the 17th Training Wing, the United States Air Force, the Department of Defense, and its military mission. 

It also promotes a mutual understanding between the Honorary Commanders and Goodfellow’s leadership and personnel. 

Members of the 17th Security Forces squadron led the Honorary Commanders through tours of facilities, showcased various weapons, gave a tour of their firing range, and provided a military working dog demonstration. 

“The relationship between Goodfellow and the San Angelo community is vital to doing what we do,” Colonel Damon Dolby said, 17th MSG Commander. “This was a great opportunity today to showcase what the MSG does for the 17th Training Wing, as well as foster new relationships with community members to continue to strengthen that relationship.

“This is my 23rd year in the military, I have lived in a lot of communities, this is a historic relationship,” he said. “It is one of the best I’ve ever seen. There are more community partnerships between San Angelo and Goodfellow than any other Air Force installation. This community cares for Goodfellow and Goodfellow cares for this community.”

Honorary Commander and Executive Director of Communications for San Angelo ISD, Molly Turk, highlighted the importance of the partnership between Goodfellow and San Angelo ISD. 

“We have about 500 of our students that are military-connected students,” she said. “To be able to understand and bring back that service to the district on how we can better impart our relationship with our service members and their students is invaluable. It's just great to be able to bring value back to the district for service members, our teachers, and staff.

“All this is about bringing people from the community to be able to advocate for Goodfellow and find great partnerships and how we can continue those partnerships,” she said. “We’re all going to work together for the benefit of our town.”