Team Dover inducted 35 civic leaders into the base’s Honorary Commander Program during a dinner and ceremony Feb. 6 at the Air Mobility Command Museum in Dover.
The Honorary Commander Program, which began here in 1992, partners military commanders with distinguished community, business and legislative leaders. Throughout the year, the program’s participants are encouraged to exchange ideas, experiences and friendships to increase public awareness and understanding of the Armed Forces.
There are six honorary commanders assigned to the 512th Airlift Wing for 2016.
John Paradee is a second-year honorary commander for the wing. He is an attorney at law with Baird, Mandalas and Brockstedt, and is paired with Col. D. Scott Durham, the 512th AW commander. Paradee performs general practice with a focus on commercial litigation, land use law and real estate transactions. He has previously served as counsel to Delaware’s State Senate, House of Representatives and Kent County Levy Court.
Dr. Mark Brainard, the president of Delaware Technical Community College and the wing’s honorary command chief last year, is now aligned with the 512th Operations Group led by Lt. Col. Michael DeSantis. Brainard has previously served as the chief of staff for Delaware’s House Minority Caucus and for former Delaware Governor Ruth Ann Minner.
Kevin Phillipson is a business consultant and an adjunct instructor at Wilmington University. He’s also the head coach and program developer for the Central Delaware Rugby Club, which includes the Harlequins men’s team, Storm high school boys team and the Wesley College men’s and women’s teams. Phillipson joins 512th Maintenance Group Commander Col. Eric W. Brandes for a second term in the honorary commander program.
Katrina Sullivan serves as an advertising manager for the Delaware State News. She is teamed with Col. Laura J. Radley, the 512th Mission Support Group commander. She said she frequently volunteers through the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce and is passionate about helping local businesses grow. As a first-term inductee, she received her official certificate of induction before a crowd of 120 at the Saturday evening event.
"It was such an honor to be in a room with so many skilled and brave souls during the Honorary Commander dinner for my induction into the program,” said Sullivan. “I learned so much in just two hours, and I am truly looking forward to gaining as much knowledge as possible in addition to learning how our local community can help (Dover Air Force Base)."
Another first time inductee, who’s fairly new to the area, is Kenny Carter, the head football coach for Delaware State University. He’s attached to the 512th Maintenance Squadron led by Maj. Jak Linkel. Carter has held nine assistant coaching positions, including work at the universities of Louisville and Florida as well as Penn State. He was also a four-year letterman as an inside linebacker for The Citadel, South Carolina.
Deborah Edwards returns to the Honorary Commander Program this year following her 2015 term with the 512th MXS. She is a human resources generalist for First State Manufacturing in Milford and is the president of the Capital City Rotary. This year, she joins Maj. Crystal Beach, the 512th Force Support Squadron commander, who said she looks forward to an exchange of information and ideas to build new synergies in their organizations.
Each of these honorary commanders has taken an oath to partner with their unit commander to create an alliance that will benefit their organization, the state of Delaware and the Air Force.
The Honorary Commander Program’s next event is scheduled for March 10, when they’re slated to receive a military customs and courtesies briefing and tour a couple of staff agency locations such as the courtroom and chapel.
Click here for a complete list of Team Dover's honorary commanders.
Kenny Carter, Delaware State University head football coach, raises his right hand in preparation to take an oath acknowledging his appointment and commitment to Team Dover's Honorary Commander Program during a ceremony Feb. 6, 2016, at the Air Mobility Command Museum, Dover, Del. Carter is paired with Maj. Jak Linkel, 512th Maintenance Squadron commander. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Zachary Cacicia)