Incoming Honorary Commanders take the wheel

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ceaira Tinsley
  • 23d Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Several of Moody's commanders placed their guidons in the hands of 17 key members of the local community, as they 'assumed command' during the Honorary Commander assumption of command ceremony Jan. 23 here.

The Honorary Commander program is designed to offer a rare experience for the local and military community to learn from one another and contribute experiences and ideas while fostering friendships.

"The program allows a select group of local civic leaders to get an up-close and personal view of who [Team Moody] is," said Col. Chad Franks, 23d Wing commander. "I have said it many times before, but the relationship between Moody and our local community is by far the best I have seen in my career. It never ceases to amaze me how much compassion and enthusiasm this community shows toward our Airmen. You play a vital role in the successful execution of the Moody mission as you provide support to Moody Airmen and families. We plan, we train and we fight as a unit and as a family and we wouldn't be able to do that without your support."

During their term honorary commanders are invited to Moody for tours, demonstrations, ceremonies and other various events.

"It was uniquely different from what I thought it was going to be," said Steve Quinn, Honorary Commander program alumni. "At first I thought it was going to be like a (Public Relations) thing, but it ended up being a learning experience above and beyond what I thought.

"It changed me as a person and it allowed me to learn that I have a civic responsibility to the individuals that have a military responsibility," Quinn added.  "It's like serving those who serve us."

Similar to Quinn, another honorary commander alumnus agreed the program was a learning experience and a chance to serve those in uniform.

"It has been an honor to be involved and to learn what goes on at Moody Air Force Base," said Tim Harris, Honorary Commander alumni. "The best part about it is being able to meet great new people and do what I can to give back to the people who serve our country."

While the program does allow members of the local community to meet Airmen, it also exposes Airmen to key leaders from the local community.

"Part of the beauty of the program is that we get to find out a little bit more about the local community and what those folks do," said Col. Jeffrey Decker 23d Maintenance Group commander. "Honorary commanders are force multipliers. [If someone needs help] a lot of the word gets around from honorary commanders hearing something and telling other folks creating that multiplying effect to help even more of our Airmen here at Moody."

An added benefit of the program is an informed community, which can mean a simpler reintegration process for Airmen.

"It's helped me to be really empathetic to the issues [the Airmen] are addressing," said Dave Zammitt, who served as an Honorary Commander. "If I didn't have this experience I wouldn't know the language, the lingo or the challenges that [the Airmen] face, and be able to share that with my civilian counterparts when we're trying to help [Airmen] reintegrate into our community."

Ultimately, Honorary Commanders bridge the gap between the local and military communities.

"We've got to get a synergy between the civilians and military population so that it becomes one home for both," said Quinn. "That way we both perform our jobs best."

Quinn had a few final words of advice to share with the incoming honorary commanders, challenging them to do three things during their term: participate, enjoy and learn.

This year's Honorary Commanders are:

Chuck Steel- 23d Wing

Ben Copeland and Randy Decourdes- 23d Fighter Group

Tim Coombs and James Lee Herndon- 23d Maintenance Group

Bob Burk and Bob Bowers- 23d Mission Support Group

Leonard Carter and Myron Faircloth- 23d Medical Group

Lee Smothers and Tim Keller- 347th Rescue Group

Randy Crews- 93d Air Ground Operations Wing

Trent Coggins and Gail Green- 820th Base Defense Group

Ty O'Steen- 476th Fighter Group

Michael Smith- 81st Fighter Squadron

Ronnie Chauncey- 336th Recruiting Squadron