Honorary commanders, eagles tour the MSG

Published April 28, 2014
By Scott King
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- More than 20 Fairchild Honorary Commanders and civic leader program members, known as Eagles, got an up close look at the inner workings of the 92nd Mission Support Group during a tour on April 25.

The purpose of the Honorary Commanders program is to partner with and educate influential members of the community - like teachers, business leaders and chamber members -- on the similarities and differences of military and civilian operations. The Eagles' civic leader program intended to bring together leaders of the military and civilian communities in an informal program designed to continue to foster mutual understanding and establish bonds of friendship.

Throughout the day, the groups toured the 92nd Communications Squadron and the 92nd MSG Emergency Operations Center, were shown various emergency and utility vehicles assigned to the 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron, received hands on briefings about equipment belonging to the 92nd Logistics Readiness Squadron, witnessed a 92nd Security Forces military working dog demonstration and, during lunch, received briefings and hands on demonstrations from the 92nd Force Support Squadron, the 92nd Contacting Squadron, the Airmen Leadership School and the Airman & Family Readiness Center.

The Honorary Commanders and Eagles got a better understanding of the mission of Fairchild and Air Mobility Command.

"I have been visiting Fairchild Air Force Base for over 20 years on all sorts of different occasions from representing a U.S. senator to working on the Honor Point Museum," said Catherine Brazil, Cowles Company director of public affairs and Fairchild Eagle. "It amazes me that each time there is something new and unique for me to share with others. I learned and saw another layer of expertise and work that the MSG provides all of you and in turn us. I believe this program is an important facet to Fairchild's relationship with the community and its future - you are all assets to our country."

Larry Godden, General Manager for Million Air Moses Lake and Fairchild Eagle said, "the program provides the non-military community with the opportunity to demonstrate how deeply appreciative we are for all of the sacrifices that are made by members of Team Fairchild and their families.

"It also provides us with an opportunity to see what wonderful training is provided and how we may help to employ former military members after they have ended their military career - the tour was very informative and enjoyable," he said.

Honorary Commanders are typically identified through community groups such as Greater Spokane Incorporated and other Chambers of Commerce. They are then partnered up with a base commander and are invited to squadron and base functions and vice versa. Typically, they participate in the program for one to two years, and then are graduated to Eagles where they continue their relationship with the base, but are not assigned to a squadron.

Base leadership believes the program is a valuable asset.

"It's important for this program to foster a strong relationship between the two communities to assist our Airmen and civilian community counterparts in mutually supporting each other through a multitude of ways like firefighting, military working dog assistance or even an ALS class volunteer project," said Col. Konrad Klausner, 92nd MSG commander. "I believe the honorary commanders and eagles left with a greater sense and appreciation of what our Airmen do in the local community, at Fairchild and while deployed."