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Video by Andriy Agashchuk

Local San Antonio honorary commander takes flight

340th Flying Training Group

March 27, 2024 | 3:33

On March 27, 2024, Emma Faye Rudkin, founder and executive director of Aid the Silent and 340th Flying Training Group honorary commander from the San Antonio community, participated in a T-38 Talon aircraft training mission with 340th FTG commander, Col. Kyle Goldstein, and received an aerial tour of JBSA-Randolph and its surrounding communities.

Prior to her familiarization flight, Rudkin underwent a full day of flight training, mask and helmet fitting, egress training, and an overview of the flight and communication systems. The flight was a first for her and the group, given Emma’s unique and resilient background.

Rudkin, who went profoundly deaf at the age of three, has spent her life turning a disability into an ability, using her platform as a role model and public speaker for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. She was named San Antonio’s Woman of the Year in the 2018 class of 40 Under 40 honorees celebrating the city’s rising stars. Emma was Miss San Antonio 2015 and was again crowned Miss San Antonio 2017; being the first to hold this title twice since the first titleholder in 1923 where she won Overall Interview, Evening Gown, Community Service, Photogenic and Spirit of Texas. Rudkin and Hank, her service dog, are also on a television segment titled “Hank and Emma Faye” for KLRN PBS focusing on sign language and kindness.