Space Force Introduces New BMT Tradition Underwritten by AFA 

January 16, 2024

Another AFA family support initiative began December 27, 2023, as newly minted Guardians received up to two Delta-shaped Space Force Family lapel pins at their Basic Military Training (BMT) graduation ceremony. The Guardians then presented the pins to family members as a gesture of gratitude for supporting them. The pins were designed and underwritten through an AFA United Forces & Families (F2) grant.  

AFA’s Alamo Chapter 234 member Paul “Pablo” Weseloh represented AFA at the graduation. Weseloh presented the first of the new Delta-shaped Space Force Family lapel pins to Maj. Clinton Emry, Commander, 1st Delta Operations Squadron/Det 1, Space Training and Readiness Command. 

The graduates departed to technical school on December 29. The three schools are located at Keesler AFB, Miss., Goodfellow AFB, Texas, and Vandenberg SFB, Calif. After technical training they will attend Mission Qualification Training at their assigned units. 

Chief Master Sgt. (Sel) Anthony Ray Z. Chua, Senior Enlisted Leader, 1st Delta Operations Squadron Det 1, USSF BMT holding a Space Force Family pin. Chua is also a Guardian parent. Photo by Paul Weseloh
An SPC1 Guardian embraces their family member following the family pinning ceremony on December 27, 2023. Photo by Paul Weseloh
Beginning December 27, 2023, Guardians receiving their first U.S. Space Force patches at BMT graduation will also receive up to two Delta-shaped Space Force Family lapel pins, which they can, in turn, present to family members. The pins were designed and underwritten through a grant from AFA’s United Forces & Families (F2) initiative. Photo by Mike Tsukamoto / Air & Space Forces Magazine