Reserve Affairs senior civilian visits 340 FTG Published Feb. 17, 2017 By Kristal Gault, 340th Flying Training Group Public Affairs JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas -- The 340th Flying Training Group hosted John Fedrigo, deputy assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Reserve Affairs and Airman Readiness, here Feb. 13. During the visit, Fedrigo was briefed on the 340 FTG mission and experienced the operations firsthand.As a member of the Senior Executive Service charged with planning, establishing policy for and implementing activities for the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, as well as Total Force Airman Readiness, Fedrigo’s work at the Pentagon has a direct impact on the 340 FTG’s citizen airmen.Group leadership met with Fedrigo before joining the headquarters team for a mission brief. Fedrigo commented that he greatly appreciated “having this special time to listen to airmen here at Randolph and to engage with the 340 FTG leadership team.”“I’m honored to meet and spend time with the stellar men and women of the 340 FTG,” said Fedrigo. “As in all Total Force Integration organizations across the Air Force, Reserve airmen are indistinguishable from their Regular Air Force counterparts.”He also participated in an orientation flight with the 39th Flying Training Squadron where he was able to experience the skill and knowledge of the Reserve pilot instructors that augment AETC’s flying training mission. “It’s our job in SAF-MR to provide the guidance and policy to ensure integrated efforts, such as the flight training here at Randolph, and across the Air Force, run as smooth as they can,” said Fedrigo. “Just as important: we have to ensure that the Air Force is taking care of airmen, regardless of component.”Fedrigo reiterated this sentiment at a ceremony later in the day that honored retired Lt. Col. Todd Ernst for his efforts to take care of the families of fallen Reserve and Guard personnel. Ernst was instrumental in helping bring about the legislative change that now ensures Reserve and Guard personnel and their families will receive survivor benefits equal to those provided to the surviving families of active duty service members.Fedrigo presented Ernst with a letter of appreciation and coin from the office of Air Force Manpower and Reserve Affairs. Reflecting on the day, Fredrigo said, “I had great discussions with the 340 FTG leadership team and look forward to working with them and the folks back at the Pentagon to ensure these talented airmen continue to excel at the amazing job they do producing the next generation of Air Force pilots.”