Goodfellow AFB leadership joins the community in recognizing Veterans Day

Official Statements

• 17th Training Wing, November 13: “SAN ANGELO, Texas — In observance of Veterans Day, 17th Training Wing leadership joined the community on Nov. 11, 2026, to honor the service, sacrifice and enduring legacy of those who raised their right hand and served the United States of America. Throughout the day, leadership attended several veteran appreciation events held in the community, including local schools, the Concho Valley Vietnam War Memorial, the Rio Concho Retirement Home and Friends of Fairmount Cemetery.”

• 17th Training Wing, November 13: “U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Norton, 17th TRW commander, toured local schools to discuss the significance of Veterans Day with the younger generations. During his visits, Norton engaged with students of all ages, emphasizing the importance of honoring those who have served and recognizing the sacrifices and contributions of veterans to the nation.”

• 17th Training Wing, November 13: “As we reflect on this 250-year journey, one lesson rises above all others,” said Norton. “Our independence was won not once, but over and over in defense of our nation through the contributions of our veterans, and particularly through the historic contributions of the Air Force and Space Force.”

• 17th Training Wing, November 13: “Rooted in longstanding tradition, Norton also attended the 107th annual Veterans Day celebrations held in Millerview, Texas, where residents gathered in remembrance. Since 1919, this annual event has brought community members together to pay tribute to those who have served, continuing the observance at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.”

• 17th Training Wing, November 13: “At the Rio Concho Retirement Home, U.S. Air Force Col. Jason Gerber, 17th Training Group commander, spoke with residents who wore the nation’s uniform, thanking them for their sacrifice, service, and continued contributions to the nation. During the visit, Rio Concho residents gained insight into Goodfellow Air Force Base and its mission to prepare the next generation of warfighters.”

• 17th Training Wing, November 13: “At the Concho Valley Vietnam War Veterans Memorial, Norton joined the community gatherer to honor veterans, especially the 48 service members from 15 West Texas Concho Valley counties who died in connection with the Vietnam War and its survivors. Norton awarded Mitzie Deike, a Vietnam War veteran, a shadow box including all her ribbons and awards. Deike was severely injured and was unable to receive her awards after her injury due to her file being lost.”

• 17th Training Wing, November 13: “To stand here today at the San Angelo Vietnam memorial is to stand face-to-face with the cost of our liberty,” said Norton. “It is a reminder that America’s freedom is not an abstract political concept; it was bought, paid for, and defended by real young men and women who left towns like San Angelo, stepped into uniform, and marched into the crucible of battle.”

• 17th Training Wing, November 13: “Additionally, U.S. Air Force Col. Robert Watkins, 17th TRW deputy commander, attended the Friends of Fairmount Cemetery Veterans Day event, where community members gathered to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation. This event provided an opportunity to reflect on the dedication made by generations of service members and the lasting impact of their commitment to protecting the freedoms enjoyed today.”

• 17th Training Wing, November 13: “Veterans Day serves as a reminder of the commitment made by brave men and women choosing to raise their right arm and swear an oath to our nation's Constitution to protect and serve the United States and its people. The U.S. military is shaped by the service and duty of brave Airmen, Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Guardians, and Coast Guardsmen.”

• 17th Training Wing, November 13: “Our future depends on the best young Americans answering the call to do the exciting and important work of defending our nation in the air and space,” said Norton. “The young service members training in San Angelo today could have chosen an easier life. Instead, they stepped forward. They chose service over comfort. They chose to be a part of something greater than themselves.”