Honorary Commanders learn the mission of the 17th Mission Support Group Published Feb. 28, 2023 By Airman 1st Class Zachary Heimbuch 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 17th Training Wing Honorary Commanders experienced the mission of the 17th Mission Support Group. The mission of the MSG is to guarantee mission excellence by empowering Airmen and outpacing changes around the world. “This tour showcases what we as the MSG do to help the wing complete its mission,” said Chief Derrick Sherrod, 17th MSG senior enlisted leader. “But more than that; it gives us the opportunity to reach out to our community partners.” The 17th MSG includes the 17th Security Forces Squadron, which provides an unparalleled defense to Goodfellow by ensuring base safety, providing weapons training, and conducting agile operations across the globe. Honorary Commanders learn the mission of Mission Support Group 17th Training Wing Honorary Commander, Mason Brooks, holds a M870 shotgun during a weapons demonstration at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Feb. 28, 2023. The 17th Security Forces Squadron provides an unparalleled defense to Goodfellow by ensuring base safety, providing weapons training, and conducting agile operations across the globe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Heimbuch) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Honorary Commanders learn the mission of Mission Support Group 17th Training Wing Honorary Commander, Trey Holmes, looks through the optics of a M320 grenade launcher during a weapons demonstration at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Feb. 28, 2023. The M320 Grenade Launcher can be used as a stand alone device or be attached to the underside of another weapon. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Heimbuch) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res “These immersions give us the opportunity to know more about not just the mission but the personnel behind the mission,” said 17th Training Wing Honorary Commander, Floe Leos Madero. “The knowledge we gain allows us as community leaders to better speak on and support the mission.” The Honorary Commanders immersed themselves in the base fire department, including a hands-on demonstration of the tools the fire department uses to save lives in a multitude of situations such as the Jaws of Life. Honorary Commanders learn the mission of Mission Support Group 17th Training Wing Honorary Commander, Jenna Jones, holds the Jaws of Life, demonstrating the accuracy of the machine, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Feb. 28, 2023. The Jaws of Life are used by the fire department to save and protect lives in a variety of situations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Heimbuch) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Afterward, the Honorary Commanders visited the Mathis Fitness Center and the surrounding fitness complex. The newest addition to the Mathis Fitness Center; the open-air fitness area allows members to exercise in an outdoor covered area throughout the day. The tour ended with the Honorary Commanders exploring the Emergency Response Trailers which can be used in a multitude of situations. Members were able to don hazardous materials protective equipment and view some of the tools that can be used in a variety of crises. Honorary Commanders learn the mission of Mission Support Group 17th Training Wing Honorary Commander, Dr. Flor Leos Madero dons hazardous materials protective equipment while touring a Emergency Response Trailer. ERTs can be used in a multitude of situations from temporary working stations to hazardous materials instant command areas. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Heimbuch) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res