Wing inducts honorary commanders

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Buffy Brown
  • 919th SOW Public Affairs
The men and women of the 919th Special Operations Wing paid special tribute to six community leaders by inducting them as designated Honorary Commanders at a ceremony here Jan. 6.

The honorary commanders program is a wing commander' s tool used to foster better relationships between local civic leaders and wing personnel; in turn, community relations are enhanced and insight is gained concerning the mission, programs and operations here.

"The purpose of the program is to increase public awareness and understanding of what 'Citizen Commandos' here do", said Col. Steven J. Chapman, 919th SOW commander. "We are here, present, and an integral part of the war on terror."

A mission brief was delivered to give the incoming honorary commanders an overview of the inner workings of the base. During the ceremony, the six outgoing commanders were bid farewell with plaques while incoming commanders were inducted and presented a wing coin.

After the ceremony, military commanders invited their civilian counterparts and their family members to enjoy lunch at the dining facility. Tours were arranged to further welcome them to the base and provide them with a better view of what the wing's mission entails.

Craig Shaw, incoming 919th SOW honorary commander and Shaw Moving and Storage president, is looking forward to learning more about the wing.
One goal is to learn more about Air Force Special Operations and the role the men and women at Duke Field play, he said.

"I am inspired by the Airmen here and can already see how dedicated they are. I am excited to be a part of this program and plan to be a mouthpiece to my community," said Mr. Shaw.

Honorary commanders, like Mr. Shaw, show the interest and enthusiasm that the program intended to generate, said Capt. Terry Lisenbee, 919th SOW public affairs chief.

"The mutual support that is created leaves a lasting impression on the surrounding community. Pairing squadron, group and wing commanders with civilian leadership builds strong relationships vital to the future success of Duke Field," he said.

There will be numerous times throughout the honorary commanders' tenure to participate in wing functions. Commander's calls, awards banquets, orientation flights and civic leader tours are a sampling of events the commanders are encouraged to participate in. Likewise, military commanders may attend events when invited by their civilian counterparts.

Chuck Shanklin, outgoing 919th SOW honorary commander and L3 Communications Crestview Aerospace president, took part in many events on and off-station during his tenure, including an MC-130E Combat Talon I flight to Colorado Springs for a civic leader tour.

"The opportunity to be a part of what happens on the base was a first-rate experience. It was an honor to be included in this very rewarding program, and the experience and insight gained has given me a deeper respect for the reservists at Duke Field," said Mr. Shanklin.

Colonel Chapman offered his thanks and gratitude for their support to the six outgoing commanders for their dedication and contribution to the wing.

He also reminded them that their bond to Duke Field remains.

"Once a commander, always a commander," he said.