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Civic leaders swear in as honorary commanders

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  • By 010213
As part of the Dover Air Force Base Honorary Commander Program, the Air Force Reserve's 512th Airlift Wing inducted 19 new honorary commanders during a ceremony and dinner Feb. 9 at the Air Mobility Command Museum.

The honorary commander program's aim for the last 21 years has been to foster a strong relationship between Team Dover and the surrounding community. Military commanders are paired with local and regional civic leaders to enhance the flow of communication, awareness and support.

Col. Raymond A. Kozak, 512th Airlift Wing commander, welcomed the inductees and expressed the importance of community relations, given the majority of the Reserve wing's traditional reservists live and work throughout Delmarva.

"From the highest levels of leadership in the Air Force, we're charged with telling our story to the American public," said the wing commander. "We want the community to understand what we do, so they can support what we do. And, this program is one of the best and most meaningful ways to do that."

Military commanders and their civilian counterparts are encouraged to integrate each other into their professions to help gain understanding of the importance of community involvement to achieve the Air Force mission. Honorary commanders will have opportunities to participate in numerous events on base throughout the year, including a variety of military ceremonies and tours as well as an orientation flight.

In all, Team Dover's honorary commander roster includes 46 civic leaders, ranging from elected officials and business owners to industry professionals and educators. In addition to the 19 honorary commanders assigned to the 512th AW, 24 are appointed to the 436th AW and one each is designated for the Joint Personal Effects Depot, Armed Forces Medical Examiner System and Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations.