GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – While training squadrons focus on the development of future military firefighters and intelligence professionals, Wing Staff Agencies provide personnel and their families with a network of agencies that support the training environment and operational mindset.
The 17th Training Wing hosted a WSA immersion for the 2025-2026 honorary commanders to meet some of those agencies, Aug. 28.
“WSA contribute to the readiness and operational mindset for Airmen because we are that resiliency piece that they might not otherwise have within their operational wings or training environments,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Andrew Onderick, 17th Comptroller Squadron commander. “I want people outside of WSA to understand that we are a critical touch point for a lot of Airmen and their families who otherwise may not understand the resources that are available to them.”
The Honorary Commander Program gives community members insight into the Air Force mission through direct engagement with military commanders and their units. The immersion provided honorary commanders an opportunity to learn how WSAs operate behind the scenes, ensuring continual support for Airmen and their families.
Honorary commanders met with representatives from the 17th Comptroller Squadron, the 17th TRW Safety office and the 17th TRW Judge Advocate office to learn about some of the supporting services available to personnel and their families. The engagements showcased how these agencies provide financial, administrative, legal and safety networks that directly sustain the operational readiness of the wing’s personnel.
To help the honorary commanders gain a better understanding of the other services provided by the WSAs, the immersion highlighted the 17th TRW Chapel, the 17th TRW Integrated Resilience Office and 17th TRW Public Affairs. Through these offices, the honorary commanders learned how the wing proactively safeguards the mental and spiritual well-being of its force while communicating wing history and Airmen’s stories with the local community, the Department of War and audiences abroad.
“We exist at every base, so there’s a continuity, regardless of where Airmen are, that there’s a WSA ready to support them and their needs,” expressed Onderick.