Team Dover honorary commanders experience military life first hand

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Dani Shea
  • 512th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Team Dover honorary commanders attended an event April 4 here, intended to open their eyes to the military world inside the gates of Dover Air Force Base, Del.

As part of the Honorary Commander Program, participants came to base for a day-long event featuring a mission brief with wing commanders, a tour of key base facilities and aircraft, as well as, an orientation flight.
 
The day commenced with a tag-team mission briefing from both Col. Mark D. Camerer, 436th Airlift Wing commander, and Col. Randal L. Bright, 512th AW commander. Each commander traded off speaking roles while highlighting the global impact of the Dover AFB mission, its personnel, its organizational structure and the importance of the base's cargo aircraft on worldwide readiness.

"This is my second year as an honorary commander; and, every time I come out here my goal is just to learn more," said Judy Zaal, special projects officer with AstraZeneca Military Support Group and 512th AW honorary commander. "Being a part of this program and learning about the different jobs and responsibilities of the men and women here and its impact has given me an even greater appreciation for what they do and accomplish on a daily basis."

Following the briefings, the honorary commanders began their tour of the 436th Operations Support Squadron, where they met a few of the military men and women responsible for the care and upkeep of the vital life-saving equipment used to keep Airmen safe in the event that something goes wrong during a mission.

David McClellan, quality assurance manager at Perdue Farms and 512th Maintenance Group honorary commander, watched as a young Airman was learning to pack her first parachute as a more experienced mentor took her through each step.

"I continue to observe in every aspect of the Team Dover operation the high level of proficiency and attention to detail and excellence that makes you great among your peers, a leader in world class operations and keeps the country ready for any mission," said McClellan of the experience.

Next, the tour goers were bussed out to the flight line for an up close and personal look at the massive planes they typically view flying over Dover.

"I can't believe something that big can get off the ground," said Dennis Doll, president and chief executive officer of Tidewater Utilities Incorporated and 512th Civil Engineer Squadron honorary commander.

Several of his fellow honorary commanders made similar remarks; but, get off the ground it did - twice. The honorary commanders were able to experience two separate take offs in a C-17 Globemaster III, a combat offload of cargo, aerial maneuvers and an air refueling via a KC-135 Stratotanker.

"I live in a community with a lot of military. I've worked with people who have served and I've always held them in high regard; but, I've never had something as direct and hands-on as being a part of the Honorary Commander Program," said McClellan. "I'm amazed and excited about all this stuff that I get to be a part of."

Following the flight, honorary commanders had the opportunity to tour a static display of a C-5M Super Galaxy, as well as visit the airlift control tower before finally calling it a day.

"It has been great to speak with the young men and women and experienced leadership who enable the U.S. to be the greatest in the world - from visual, compassionate, humanitarian efforts to seen and unseen aggressive military support, actively conducted by Team Dover," said McClellan. "I look forward to future events this year."