Team XL hosts Annual Awards Ceremony Published Feb. 26, 2026 By Airman 1st Class Darryl Keith 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 47th Flying Training Wing (FTW) held its Annual Awards Ceremony at XL Landings Feb. 20, 2026. Laughlin leadership recognized the Wing’s top performers of 2025 throughout various categories to include enlisted Airmen, officers, civilians and teams. “To all nominees and award winners: tremendous job,” said Chief Master Sgt. Erik Garza, 47 FTW command chief. “Continue to strive for excellence and always look towards your family and peers along the way.” After presenting the award winners, all of Team XL was acknowledged for their efforts during the previous year. “You guys are the ones that makes the mission happen every day,” said Col. Tyler Ellison, 47 FTW commander. “Thank you for your continued effort. It’s an absolute honor to lead such an elite and premier team here at Laughlin.” The winners of the 2025 47 FTW Annual Awards are: Airman of the Year: Senior Airman Benjamin Carpenter, 47th Mission Support Group Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) of the Year: Tech. Sgt. Elizabeth Butler, 47th Operations Group Senior NCO of the Year: Master Sgt. Laura Claypool, 47th Wing Staff Agencies Company Grade Officer of the Year: 1st Lt. Kathryn Martemucci, Laughlin Medical Group Field Grade Officer of the Year: Maj. Gary Young, Laughlin Medical Group Instructor Pilot of the Year: Capt. Pierce Pluemer, 434th Flying Training Squadron Civilian Non-Supervisory Category I of the Year: Ines Torres-Wong, 47th Mission Support Group Civilian Non-Supervisory Category II of the Year: Brooke Sands, 47th Mission Support Group Civilian Non-Supervisory Category III of the Year: Jesus Valdez, 47th Mission Support Group Civilian Supervisory Category I of the Year: Yvonne Anguiano, 47th Mission Support Group Civilian Supervisory Category II of the Year: David Mercer, 47th Maintenance Directorate Civilian Supervisory Category III of the Year: Antionette Trevino, 47th Mission Support Group Honor Guardsman of the Year: Senior Airman Samuel Nieto, 47th Operations Group Volunteer of the Year: Senior Airman Che Washington, 47th Mission Support Group Team of the Year: T-6 Operations Team, 47th Operations Group First Sergeant of the Year: Master Sgt. Todd Hughes, 47th Student Squadron Key Spouse of the Year: Koreanna Collins, 47th Operations Group