Team Dover inducts honorary commanders

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Sasha S. Skrine
  • 512th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  More than 50 community leaders were inducted in the 17th Annual Honorary Commander Induction Ceremony at the Landing Jan. 31. 

The honorary commander program first began at Dover AFB in 1992. The program takes civic leaders and matches them with active-duty and Reserve military commanders.
Individuals are selected from across the First State from professions ranging from school administrators and business owners to police officers and elected officials. 

"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. Steven Harrison, 436th Airlift Wing commander. 

"It's also a great opportunity to not only learn about the mission here, but what our reservists do to accomplish that mission," said Col. Randal L. Bright, 512th Airlift Wing commander. The Liberty Wing has 1,700 reservists who travel from 40 different states to serve here. 

"These Airmen live and work in your community and selflessly volunteer their time to come to Dover (AFB) and serve their country in a variety of specialties, which range from pilots to security forces," he said. 

"Dover Air Force Base is a vital part of our nation's defense, and we're very proud of our people and what they accomplish each and every day," he said. 

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

Rick Costello, director of athletics at Delaware State University, and the newly inducted honorary commander for the 326th Airlift Squadron, said it's a great honor to have the opportunity to participate in the program. 

"I am really excited about the opportunity to learn about Dover Air Force Base, and it was an honor to be able to meet Colonel Bright and Colonel Harrison," said Mr. Costello. 

Since the induction ceremony, Mr. Costello deemed the March 6 DSU game against the University of Maryland 'Military Appreciation Night' and extends free admission to military members in uniform or with proper identification. 

The new group of honorary commanders will have the opportunity to participate in many base functions over the next year including next month's annual awards banquet, a C-5 or C-17 orientation flight in the spring, the wing-wide picnic this summer, as well as the Bluesuiter's Golf Tournament this fall. 

"As community leaders, and employers of Reservists, we are part of a team because without community support we wouldn't be nearly as successful at accomplishing that mission," said Colonel Bright.