New Commander Takes Over 1st Special Operations Wing
U.S. Air Force Col. Mark Hamilton took command of the 1st Special Operations Wing Oct. 6 during a ceremony at Hurlburt Field. He succeeded Col. Patrick Dierig, who had led the wing since February 2024. Lt. Gen. Michael Conley, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, presided over the transfer of authority. Hamilton, a Virginia Military Institute ROTC graduate commissioned in 2004, is a command pilot with more than 2,200 flight hours and deployments supporting Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and Inherent Resolve.
“Col. Hamilton’s proven leadership is just what the 1 SOW needs to ensure our Air Commandos remain ready to answer the Nation’s call,” said Lt. Gen. Conley. “We have a lot of work ahead and must continue to maximize Air Commando attributes of boldness, valor, and ingenuity to ensure that when called…we win.”
As commander of the 1 SOW with 20 years of Air Force service, Col. Hamilton will be responsible for preparing special operations forces for worldwide missions in support of joint and coalition objectives. The 1 SOW at Hurlburt Field is one of six Air Force active duty special operations wings which fall under AFSOC. Hurlburt Field employs more than 7,600 military and approximately 1,700 civilian personnel.
Previously, Col. Hamilton served as the 1 SOW’s Deputy Commander of Operations, where he was responsible for employing manned and remotely piloted fixed-wing aircraft, including the
AC-130J Ghostrider, MC-130J Commando II and MQ-9 Reaper. He also served as the primary operations advisor to Col. Dierig.
Air Force Enlisted Village Breaks Ground on Bob Hope Village 7
The Air Force Enlisted Village (AFEV) hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for Bob Hope Village 7 on Friday, October 17 in Shalimar.
Okaloosa County Commissioner Drew Palmer served as the guest speaker. Brooke McLean, AFEV President and CEO, shared remarks on the organization’s history and mission, while Todd Simmons, Chairman of the AFEV Board of Directors, reflected on the present and future of the community. The ceremony also included a blessing of the ground and a turning of the soil with Lord and Son Construction, the project’s contractor.
Bob Hope Village 7 represents the next phase of growth for the Air Force Enlisted Village, expanding its ability to serve surviving spouses of retired enlisted Air Force members and retired couples. The new addition is planned to feature 51 modern, accessible residences—two bedrooms and two bathrooms plus dens—with connection to the existing Bob Hope Village 6 community spaces designed to enhance connection, comfort, and independence among residents.
Founded in 1968, the Air Force Enlisted Village is a private, nonprofit organization that provides safe, secure housing and compassionate care for surviving spouses of retired enlisted Airmen and Space Force Guardians. As of October 2025, AFEV is home to nearly 600 residents at Bob Hope Village and Hawthorn House, offering peace of mind and a true sense of community under the guiding principle of “Taking Care of Our Own.”
Navigating a Government Shutdown: Resources for Airmen, Families & Federal Employees
Team Eglin is committed to ensuring all members have the support they need during a government shutdown. The following resources are available to help navigate potential challenges.
For Airmen and Families:
Air Force Aid Society (AFAS): Supports Airmen and enhances the Air Force mission by providing timely and effective aid.
Emergency Assistance: If you’re facing financial hardship due to a government shutdown, don’t hesitate to reach out to AFAS:
Apply for Assistance: https://afas.org/
https://afas.org/frequently-asked-questions-in-the-event-of-a-government-shutdown/
For Military Personnel:
Army Emergency Relief (AER), Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA), and Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS), contact the Red Cross at 1-877-272-7337.
For Federal Employees:
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): The EAP offers confidential consultations with financial counselors to help you manage your finances and navigate potential challenges. 1-866-580-9078 (Available 24/7 to schedule a consultation) www.FOH4You.com
Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund (FEEA):
Federal employees are eligible to apply for emergency financial assistance through FEEA. http://www.feea.org (202)-554-0007
Resources Available to All:
Personal Financial Counselor (PFC): Available to assist with financial planning, debt management, and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) questions, even during a government shutdown.
At Eglin AFB: Phone: 850-730-3181. Email: pfc.eglin@magellanfederal.com
Military OneSource:
Provides confidential financial counseling, tax filing services, and a wealth of other resources to support Airmen, their families, and civilian employees. Call 800-342-9647 to schedule an appointment. https://www.militaryonesource.mil/
Technology Boosts Hurlburt Medical Readiness
At Hurlburt Field, advanced medical technology is helping the 1st Special Operations Wing (1 SOW) keep Airmen ready to deploy at a moment’s notice.
The wing’s laboratory now uses GeneXpert, a molecular analyzer that dramatically reduces diagnostic turnaround time. Previously, samples were sent to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio or nearby Eglin, with results sometimes taking a week. The new system delivers results in hours, even when processing more than 150 samples a day.
Upgrades to chemistry analyzers have also improved accuracy and efficiency, while the implementation of MHS GENESIS—the Department of Defense’s electronic health record system—ensures seamless access to integrated medical and dental records across all military branches.
These advancements cut down on wait times and allow service members to return to duty quickly, strengthening the wing’s “Anytime, Anyplace” promise. Medical leaders emphasize that investing in technology not only enhances care but also helps Airmen remain mission-ready.
Florida’s Great Northwest Showcases Military Talent
Florida’s Great Northwest (FGNW) has launched a new marketing campaign, Military Talent: Mission-Ready Veterans, Business-Ready Results, highlighting the strength of Northwest Florida’s veteran and transitioning service member workforce.
The initiative is based on a University of West Florida Haas Center study, now available through FGNW’s Military Talent Dashboard, which is designed as a key tool for economic development and business recruitment. Funded by a Florida Commerce Defense Reinvestment Grant, the dashboard offers comprehensive data on the region’s military-to-civilian pipeline.
The study found that about 5,200 service members transition out of Northwest Florida’s military installations each year, nearly 60% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and close to half plan to stay in the area. This positions the region as a prime location for businesses seeking highly skilled, disciplined professionals.
The dashboard is already supporting recruitment efforts across the 13-county region, helping FGNW attract high-skill, high-wage jobs. Over the past five years, the group has contributed to more than 1,400 announced positions. More information is available at www.FGNWTalent.com.
