Memories for a lifetime: Civilians aboard Dover AFB C-17 orientation flight

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Shen-Chia Chu
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Honorary commanders for the 436th and 512th Airlift Wings and local civic leaders sat back and prepared to receive a ride of their lives.

Representatives from Delaware law enforcement, education, business, medical and political arenas buckled their seat belts for a C-17 Globe Master III orientation flight at Dover Air Force Base June 4.

"We (as Airmen) live to do one thing in the Air Force - and that, is our mission," said Lt. Col. Keith Thibodeaux, 3rd Airlift Squadron commander, during a flight mission briefing to clear the civilian commanders and leaders for their four-hour mission.

During a slideshow presentation of facts about the new aircraft, Colonel Thibodeaux described the plane in a more personal sense.

"Today, you are going to take off on the C-17. It's the same feeling you'd get from sitting inside a brand new car," said the colonel. "We're passing on our knowledge to you about the most advanced technological aircraft in the world you will be taking a ride in."

Bob Mooney, Mayor of Camden, said he was excited to be able to be a part of the trip and said the experience was something he'll always remember.

"The C-17 is beautiful," Mayor Mooney said. "I've flown in C-130s and C-5s, but this aircraft has such versatility, it's unbelievable!" 

"I learned so much about the phenomenal services provided by the men and women of Dover Air Force Base," said Donna Streletzky, vice president of operations of Beebe Medical Center in Lewes, Del., and 709th Airlift Squadron honorary commander.
"But even if there were no C17 flight, I still would have come back singing the praises of the Dover Team. You are special people doing important work."

The unique opportunity for local military and civilian leaders to join forces and learn about their equivalent career fields began in 1992.

Since then, more than 500 community leaders have had the chance to participate in the Honorary Commanders Program at Dover AFB, the first base in Air Mobility Command to start the program, and have flown in Dover's C-5 Galaxies over the years.

"Colonel Harrison, (436th Airlift Wing commander) does so much for the community, along with Colonel Bright (512th AW commander), they're a perfect mix in helping to keep the community informed," said Mayor Mooney. "Col. Harrison creates such an enthusiasm and pride, making the Dover community feel we are a part of the Dover mission as well."

The program matches two professionals together, one military and one civilian, to learn about each other's profession. It's also used as a tool to help the community leaders to understand what the base does.

"Colonel Harrison always actively engages and reaches out to the Dover the public and attends several events throughout the state of Delaware," said Joe Yacyshyn, 436th Mission Support Group honorary commander.

Honorary commanders from the local business, education, medical, finance and political communities are introduced to what the military does and shows them where their tax dollars are going.

"Our role as honorary commanders and civic leaders is to tell the Dover story to the community because they're not able to see what Airmen do every day at Dover (AFB)," said Mr. Yacyshyn, who has been a part of the program for the past four years and attests to the success of the program.

As the former 3rd Airlift Squadron honorary commander, Mr. Yacyshyn came dressed in a flight suit he said he was proud to wear, which was given to him last year, during his tenure.

"I feel very much a part of the team through the honorary commander's program," said Mr. Yacyshyn. "After being in this program for so many years, I'm proud to call these Airmen well-trained ambassadors of the Air Force.

"You feel proud to be an American from these experiences," he said as he looked out of a window and into the clouds.

He showed his appreciation as he thanked Airman 1st Class Narraway, 3rd Airlift Squadron C-17 loadmaster, for serving her country.