Honorary Commander Change-of-Command ceremony

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. - - Col. Kenneth Todorov, 23rd Wing commander, speaks to attendees about the importance of the Honorary Commander program during the change-of-command ceremony Dec. 12 here. The honorary commanders are community leaders from around the Valdosta and surrounding area. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Joshua Green)

Honor guard

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Moody Air Force Base Honor Guard members await the commencement of the Honorary Commander Change-of-Command ceremony Dec. 12 here. The honorary commander program gives local community leaders the opportunity to participate in special events, programs and activities sponsored by their honorary squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Joshua Green)

A honorary commander

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Maj. Mark Scepansky, 38th Rescue Squadron director of operations, passes the guidon to Trey Taylor here during the Honorary Commander Change-of-Command ceremony Dec. 12 signifying his new position as the honorary commander for the 38th RQS. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Joshua Green)

Honorary Commander program strengthens base, community bond

Published Dec. 15, 2008
By Airman 1st Class Spencer Gallien
23rd Wing Public Affairs

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Twenty members of the local community assumed command of several Moody squadrons during an Honorary Commander Change-of-Command ceremony held at the Moody Field Club Dec. 12.

The Honorary Commander program gives local community leaders the opportunity to participate in special events, programs and activities sponsored by their honorary squadron. The program is designed to benefit the military and its civilian partners by sharing ideas and learning from each other.

"I'm always extremely excited to be invited out to Moody," said Rouse Vallotton, incoming 23rd Wing Honorary Commander. "I was the 23rd Fighter Group commander last year and this year I'm the (23rd) Wing Commander. It's an honor to be invited to participate in this program."

The Vallotton's family history with Moody dates back to World War II, when the Vallotton's dairy farm supplied milk to Moody Field.

"I feel it's important for me to carry on my family's tradition of supporting the troops," said Mr. Vallotton. "From roll calls to naming ceremonies, I love being able to come on base and see some of the different military traditions."

During the ceremony, Col. Kenneth Todorov, 23rd Wing commander, said Moody has some of the best community support he's seen during his career.

"Moody is a great base because of our Airmen and the community," said Colonel Todorov. "To the class of 2008 Honorary Commanders, I want to thank you for your partnership with Moody, and I hope you continue to work with your respective organizations. To the class of 2009 Honorary Commanders, we look forward to a continued partnership with you throughout the next year."

"I encourage you to make this program a two-way street," Colonel Todorov said. "Get involved with your organizations and get to know the Airmen. Also, let the Airmen get to know you as well. Let them learn from you and what you do in your day-to-day lives."