49th FTS raises morale for fiscal year closeout

  • Published
  • By Airman Daniel Lile
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  The 49th Fighter Training Squadron held a squadron-wide paintball event on Columbus Air Force Base Sept.  30 at the end of the fiscal year.

"We are trying to raise morale and camaraderie," said Capt. Justin Andress, 49th FTS Assistant Chief of Scheduling. "We finished up the flying hour program yesterday ahead of the timeline for our students, so we figured it would be a good opportunity to get out and have fun."

Morale-raising events are conducted by the Air Force and by squadrons regularly to ensure the well-being of Airmen.

"We have had some tough times in the squadron the past month or two so we just wanted to tell all the guys thanks," Andress said.

While the 49th FTS was enjoying time off, they were also building teamwork that can help them grow professionally.

"When we are out here working as a team, whether it's students or instructor pilots working with students, it helps us achieve our objectives in the air or on the ground having fun," said 1st Lt. Corydon Butler, 49th FTS wingman class 15-ABC.

The 49th FTS tries to host morale-raising events quarterly to continue building camaraderie and have fun.

"Shooting the boss was definitely the highlight of my day," Butler said.