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New honorary commanders join Team Fairchild

  • Published
  • By Scott King
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  More than a dozen new honorary commanders were welcomed and inducted into the base's Honorary Commander program during a ceremony Sept. 30. Also during the ceremony, current honorary commanders were introduced and a few were graduated to the alumni program. 

The purpose of the Honorary Commander program is to partner with and educate influential members of the community - like business leaders, chamber of commerce members and others - on the similarities and differences of military and civilian operations. The program brings together leaders from the military and civilian communities in an informal program designed to continue to foster mutual understanding and establish bonds of friendship.

"The connections created by the Honorary Commander program allow for the sharing of knowledge and experiences on both sides of the gate," said Kevin Twohig, Air Education and Training Command and 336th Training Group honorary commander. "Community leaders learn the importance of the missions at the base, and get to know the Airmen who execute them. Fairchild leaders have an opportunity to learn about the resources of the community from the local experts. These one-on-one interactions create an opportunity to share experiences, discuss relevant issues and appreciate each other's challenges and opportunities."

During the ceremony group and squadron commanders and their honorary commanders took the stage for the passing of the guidon. The guidon exchange is a symbolic gesture providing a tangible view of command authority.

Steve Peterson, Liberty Lake mayor and 92nd Mission Support Group incoming honorary commander, had this to say about the program and ceremony.

"I think the program cements relationships with the base and the community," he said. "The passing of guidon was extremely effective in saying to us 'you are now part of Fairchild.' These relationships will ensure we have a healthy community. Colonel McDaniel's' words to us were both informative and moving - he is very passionate about the base's mission and the Airmen who perform it."

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 the alumni program where they continue their relationship with the base, but are not assigned to a squadron. 

Base leadership believes the program is a valuable asset.  

"The honorary commander program is a critical link in the success of Fairchild and community relationship. Without a doubt, the ability to bridge the military and civilian communication gap by participating in collaborative programs with our community partners is both fun and rewarding for all involved," said Col. Matthew Fritz, 92nd Air Refueling Wing vice commander. "I look forward to interacting with my honorary commander on both personal and professional levels, while helping him to experience our Fairchild culture and heritage."

"Likewise, I am eager to learn from his experience and see how his wisdom can be applied to my leadership here with Team Fairchild," Fritz added.