JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- The Air Force Office of Special Investigations’ one-star shined in the Lone Star State as Brig. Gen. Amy Bumgarner led a week of events, including the Basic Military Training graduation and a Senior Noncommissioned Officer Induction Ceremony.
During her visit to Texas, Bumgarner, AFOSI commander, presided over the BMT graduation, where more than 800 trainees officially became Airmen and Guardians.
The two-day BMT event, held Nov. 6–7, was hosted by the 37th Training Wing, known as the 'Gateway to the Air Force,' and featured milestones like the Airman’s Run, Airman’s Coin Ceremony and Graduation Parade. Flights 693-708 from the 737th Training Group took the spotlight as they completed their seven-and-a-half-week transformation into service members.
Born and raised in Burleson, Texas, Bumgarner brought her home-state pride to the trip, starting with the Airman’s Run. Joined by Chief Master Sgt. James Hoy, AFOSI command chief, she ran alongside trainees in the 1.5-mile formation run, which marked the culmination of their training.
For families lining the route, it was the first glimpse of their loved ones in uniform. For Hoy, participating in the Airman’s Run brought him back to the same training grounds where he graduated from more than two decades ago.
“It’s an experience I’ll never forget,’ Hoy said. “This new generation is ready. They’re motivated, and they’re going to take us into the future.”
The following morning, Bumgarner addressed the graduates and their families during the Graduation Parade, marking her first time serving as the reviewing official. In her speech, she celebrated the graduates’ accomplishments and the legacy they will carry forward.
“Seven and a half weeks ago, you entrusted us with our nation’s most valuable treasure -- your loved ones,” Bumgarner told the families. “Today, we return them as Airmen and Guardians, ready to serve with integrity, courage and excellence.”
The ceremony concluded with Bumgarner administering the Oath of Enlistment, which formally welcomed the graduates into the ranks of the Air and Space Forces.
Later that day, Bumgarner and Hoy toured the 320th Training Squadron’s Airman Training Complex, named after Medal of Honor recipient, Master Sgt. Henry E. Erwin. Escorted by Military Training Instructors, they explored the facilities where future Airmen and Guardians sleep, march and train.
“Touring the training complex was a powerful reminder of the effort it takes to become an Airman or Guardian,” Bumgarner said. “Seeing where trainees prepare for the challenges ahead was a reminder that this is where many of our future leaders are forged.”
Accompanying AFOSI’s top leaders were some of the agency’s newly inducted senior noncommissioned officers, who traveled to Texas to formally join the senior enlisted ranks.
During their visit, Bumgarner and Hoy also connected with members of the 11th Field Investigations Squadron, recognized some of their top performers and engaged in discussions about AFOSI’s mission and policies.
However, the visit culminated in the AFOSI Senior Induction Ceremony. The ceremony capped off a week filled with professional development and reflection, and featured multiple seminars, breakout sessions and mentorship from leaders like Bumgarner and Hoy.
For Bumgarner, the week celebrated both new beginnings and enduring traditions, she said.
“Celebrating the hard work and dedication of these trainees was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career,” Bumgarner said. “This week reaffirmed the values that unite us, whether newly enlisted or leaders stepping into the senior ranks.”