Wellborns' Greetings
Welcome to the 563d FTS! We are glad to have you here and know you’ll enjoy your time at Randolph AFB. As the Air Force’s only electronic warfare school we have a unique mission that spans all ranks and experience levels. Not only do we teach the undergraduate EWO’s so they may fill the needs of the combat air forces, but also train graduate level EWO’s in the art of force integration, advanced use of EW assets, and how to counter the RCIED threats. We also have the pleasure of teaching many foreign nationals in EW basics as well as showing them some American hospitality.
You will have many opportunities while in the 563d and as the new commander, I am excited that you’ll be able to partake in all of them. This summer we will install the most advanced simulation capability in the DoD. If you can imagine back to your days as a student and flying the T-43 aircraft and T45 simulator, you’ll be absolutely stunned at the level of fidelity you’ll now see. Our new sim will have dynamic missions all over the world with current threats, advanced radar so we can train to employ weapons, and high fidelity visuals so you can actually look outside and fly! You can all look forward to some cutting-edge training and traveling to some great places to learn and spread the good word about electronic warfare.
As a military member you’ll be expected to use your expertise to make our training better over the course of your tenure. My charge to you is to take ownership of this program and mold our students to be the best aviators, but not forgetting to shape them as officers and good citizens. Be good examples to them and to your peers and be the best instructor you can possibly be. But also remember that this is AETC and that we have a great deal of flexibility in our program. Take advantage of this and enjoy the local area. Take leave when you can and enjoy your family. Remember, the military will continually take from you so make sure to strike a balance with work and your home. Your family needs you and will be with you for the long haul.
Though many of you have come from combat units and are veterans of multiple deployments, we in AETC are not immune from deployment. No, we do not have a combat mission statement, but we are tasked through the AEF construct to fill critical EWO needs in Iraq and Afghanistan, usually two per 6 month cycle. We conduct a objective selection process based on AEF bucket, currency of last deployment, and personal issues. I do allow people to volunteer and sometimes this is the best option based on your record and what your long-term plans are. There is certainly no guarantee that you will deploy or that you won’t, but I ask that you think about these things and talk to your family about it.
This is a great assignment and you will appreciate that fact the longer you stay here. Your spouses are most welcome and we have different activities in which they may participate. My wife, Suzanne (yes, please call her that), and my DO’s wife, Lisa, are fantastic and are very happy to get to know you and your spouses. Participation is up to your wife or husband. They will be just as welcome if they come to one thing or everything. We understand that time is valuable, that some folks work and some just prefer to be a little more private. It’s your family, but please consider the 563d part of your extended family because we all need others at some point.
Once again, welcome to the Black Aces. I guarantee you this will be one of the best assignments you’ll have in the Air Force. I look forward to working with you and getting to know you and your family.
Regards,
Welby
Lt Col Chris Wellborn
Commander, 563 FTS
You will have many opportunities while in the 563d and as the new commander, I am excited that you’ll be able to partake in all of them. This summer we will install the most advanced simulation capability in the DoD. If you can imagine back to your days as a student and flying the T-43 aircraft and T45 simulator, you’ll be absolutely stunned at the level of fidelity you’ll now see. Our new sim will have dynamic missions all over the world with current threats, advanced radar so we can train to employ weapons, and high fidelity visuals so you can actually look outside and fly! You can all look forward to some cutting-edge training and traveling to some great places to learn and spread the good word about electronic warfare.
As a military member you’ll be expected to use your expertise to make our training better over the course of your tenure. My charge to you is to take ownership of this program and mold our students to be the best aviators, but not forgetting to shape them as officers and good citizens. Be good examples to them and to your peers and be the best instructor you can possibly be. But also remember that this is AETC and that we have a great deal of flexibility in our program. Take advantage of this and enjoy the local area. Take leave when you can and enjoy your family. Remember, the military will continually take from you so make sure to strike a balance with work and your home. Your family needs you and will be with you for the long haul.
Though many of you have come from combat units and are veterans of multiple deployments, we in AETC are not immune from deployment. No, we do not have a combat mission statement, but we are tasked through the AEF construct to fill critical EWO needs in Iraq and Afghanistan, usually two per 6 month cycle. We conduct a objective selection process based on AEF bucket, currency of last deployment, and personal issues. I do allow people to volunteer and sometimes this is the best option based on your record and what your long-term plans are. There is certainly no guarantee that you will deploy or that you won’t, but I ask that you think about these things and talk to your family about it.
This is a great assignment and you will appreciate that fact the longer you stay here. Your spouses are most welcome and we have different activities in which they may participate. My wife, Suzanne (yes, please call her that), and my DO’s wife, Lisa, are fantastic and are very happy to get to know you and your spouses. Participation is up to your wife or husband. They will be just as welcome if they come to one thing or everything. We understand that time is valuable, that some folks work and some just prefer to be a little more private. It’s your family, but please consider the 563d part of your extended family because we all need others at some point.
Once again, welcome to the Black Aces. I guarantee you this will be one of the best assignments you’ll have in the Air Force. I look forward to working with you and getting to know you and your family.
Regards,
Welby
Lt Col Chris Wellborn
Commander, 563 FTS
Dear 563rd Spouses,
Wellborn Family
The 563rd Spouses Group always has a busy and fun social calendar. Just know that you are always welcome no matter if you make all the events or only one. Take the time to relax and enjoy all that the local area has to offer. As for volunteering your time to the squadron, you should know that I’ll be grateful to have you take part in any capacity you choose. We all have demands on our time, but we believe in putting family first.
Every spouse in our squadron has a special story to tell and a unique set of skills to contribute. We can all join in and help one another celebrate the good times and get through any tough times that come. Regardless of our spouse’s rank or position in the squadron, together we can make the 563rd a better place for everyone. As your care group leader, it will be my pleasure to create a welcoming and fun atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.
Just to give you a little background information on Chris and me……..Our home state is Mississippi, and both our families still reside there. We have been married for ten years; we have two beautiful children—a boy named Marshall who is 4 and a girl named Elizabeth who is 16 months. I am a full time mother now, but before the children came I worked in various jobs over the years---as a teacher, a real estate agent, and a CCAF counselor for the Air Force. So, I am sensitive to the needs of working spouses and especially mothers of young children. Marshall and Elizabeth do keep me very busy, but they love to socialize and have taken to Texas life very well. They enjoy going to the pool and playing with their friends. Of course, they keep us entertained with their antics, and they are growing up too fast for me. I can attest to the strain that military life and frequent moves has added to the challenge of parenting two pre-schoolers, and I am sure many of you can understand.
Our last move was from England where Chris was assigned to the F-15E Strike Eagle at RAF Lakenheath. I found out we were moving the day I arrived home from the hospital after Elizabeth’s birth. After packing up our house, saying tearful goodbyes to our squadron and beloved British neighbors, a 70 day stint in the TLF, a house renovation, sleepless nights and potty training, I was exhausted. What made things better for me, as always, was being able to make friends in the squadron. Bonding with a group of people who share similar burdens and joys is the best medicine to counteract the stress of Air Force life. I am constantly impressed by the love and kindness we’ve been shown by our squadron-mates. I do feel that we have been able to make a wonderful home here in Texas, and I hope you have had or will have the same good experience. We will be happy to help you get settled.
I couldn't be more pleased to have Lisa Cardozo to help me as the D.O. wife. Not only is she a really good friend and a fun person to be around, but she and Scott have a lot of important experience to bring to the table including an overseas assignment to Kadena and a recent lengthy deployment. If you haven't had the opportunity to get to know them yet, I encourage you to do so. Lisa and I want you to know you can come to us if you need help or just want to talk.
If you are an inbound spouse, get in touch with me and let me know your arrival date. I will have a committee to welcome new members, and know we are for you. If you would like to get to know me on a more personal level, let’s get together for lunch (this is one of my favorite things to do when my children go to Mother’s Day Out). Please take care of yourselves and call on me anytime. This site was created to benefit the 563rd by one of our very technically gifted spouses—Sam Kent. It is our wish that you use it to communicate your questions, make friends, and stay informed about social events.
As a spouse, you are such an integral part of the squadron. If it weren't for you and the sacrifices you make our country wouldn't be safe, and we wouldn't be free. Chris and I were stationed at the Pentagon during the attacks of 9-11, and I will never forget the aftermath of that horrifying scene. After the initial shock subsided, I hardened my resolve to support and encourage my husband’s work. Be assured that I have great respect for you and your active duty loved one. It is a humbling privilege to take on the tasks of commander’s wife. I will never take for granted all that you do to keep the 563rd going strong.
Thanks,
Suzanne Wellborn
Email me if you have any questions.
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