Team Dover welcomes honorary commanders for 2006

  • Published
  • By Sue Walls
  • 436th Airlift Wing
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  More than 50 community leaders, including Delaware’s Governor Ruth Ann Minner and Dover’s Mayor Steve Speed, were inducted at the 15th Annual Honorary Commander Induction Ceremony here at The Landings Club Feb.17. 

The program’s focus is to target community members with little to no military service, and educate them about Dover Air Force Base and the important role of today’s military. 

The ceremony represented more than a customary handshake and photo opportunity. 

“This program was initiated to extend a cross-flow of information and exchange of ideas between our military personnel and local civic leaders,” said Col. Sam Cox, 436th Airlift Wing commander. 

The honorary commanders program first began at Dover AFB in 1992, and to date, more than 800 community members have participated in the program. 

Civic leaders are matched with active duty and Reserve military commanders for a year. Individuals are selected from across the First State, to include New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties, and from professions ranging from school teachers, politicians, bankers, police officers and business owners. 

Military commanders are encouraged to invite their civilian counterpart to unit functions including awards ceremonies, commander’s calls, change of commands and social functions, while honorary commanders are encouraged to invite their respective commander to interact with their profession as well. 

"Being part of the Honorary Commanders program has allowed me to gain a better insight into the role of "Team Dover," said Joe Yacyshyn, Wilmington Trust Company vice president and 3rd Airlift Squadron honorary commander. “The daily activities of the men and women of the 436th Airlift Wing are truly amazing and make you feel proud to be an American.

“I wish more people were aware of the great work the wing conducts each and every day in protecting freedom around the world and helping those individuals most in need. It is an honor to be able to stand beside Col. Cox and all the other men and women of the 436th Airlift Wing,” Mr. Yacyshyn said.

The program’s goal is to have the honorary commanders share their knowledge of the military with others in the civilian sector to provide awareness of the importance of the military. 

For the new group of inductees, a C-5 orientation flight is projected for the spring, a wing-wide picnic in the summer, as well as the Fall Bluesuiter’s Golf Tournament at Eagle Creek Golf Course in September. 

“I’m thrilled to be involved with this program and learn about Dover Air Force Base and it’s mission,” said Martha Clark, Lake Forest East Elementary principal and 512th Maintenance Operation Flight honorary commander.

Ms. Clark said she looks forward to interacting with Lt. Col. Troy Vokes, 512th MOF commander, and participating in all the unit’s activities, especially the C-5 orientation flight scheduled in the fall.

This year’s lineup promises to replicate the unique experiences and opportunities for an exchange of information between the military and civilian leaders. 

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed participating in the Honorary Commander program with the 436th Civil Engineer Squadron,” said Carleton Carey, outgoing 436th CES honorary commander. “The amount of work load that Dover Air Force Base has weathered is a tremendous challenge. By serving as an honorary commander, I got to see firsthand those duties that the men and women in our military have to perform, in order to preserve our freedom and protect our citizens. It’s been an honor and privilege to serve,” Mr. Carey said. 

“Our communities are the key to the success of our air reserve component,” said Col Ronald A. Rutland, 512th Airlift Wing commander. “It is their support of the Citizen Airman, Soldier, Sailor, Marine, and all the men and women who wear the uniform of our country that make our military the greatest in the world. It is that support that is critical to our accomplishments and successes. No where in my career have I seen a community care and give more to our troops. It is truly a privilege to be a partner of Team Dover. The honorary commanders is the key element in our great relationship.”  (1st Lt. Marnee A.C. Losurdo, 512th AW Public Affairs, contributed to this story)