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New Honorary Commanders named, outbound recognized

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class John Day
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  

The 14th Flying Training Wing hosted an Honorary Commander reception April 19 at the Columbus Club.

 

The reception was hosted to induct the wing’s newest Honorary Commanders into the program, and to recognize the outgoing commanders.

 

Columbus Air Force Base prides itself on its good relations with the Golden Triangle Region and surrounding communities. To maintain this relationship, Columbus AFB runs many public relations programs, including the Air Force Honorary Commander Program.

 

“The reason the Air Force has an Honorary Commander program in the first place is to make sure we as Air Force Airmen have a way to impart knowledge and keep our civic and business leaders aware of what the Air Force is doing; what Columbus AFB is doing,” said Col. John Nichols, 14th FTW Commander. “The reason we do is so (these leaders) can become advocates of the base, so (they) can expand and talk about our mission when out in (their) businesses, organizations and churches. That is the purpose of this program.”

 

This program invites leaders from the surrounding community to become an Honorary Commander of one of each of the groups or squadrons on base.

 

“They dedicate their time getting to know us and are half of what makes Team BLAZE,” said Lt. Col. Marc Deshaies, 14th Student Squadron Commander. “They advocate for our collective needs and are the reason I am blessed to call Columbus, Mississippi, my home.”

 

Group and squadron commanders maintain a relationship with their respective Honorary Commanders. This includes maintaining regular direct contact with each Honorary Commander, issuing invitations to events and attending downtown events to which they are invited.

 

“I’ve been in Mississippi all my life and I know a lot about the base, but was never able to meet all the key players,” said Gary Dedeaux, 14th Operations Group Honorary Commander, and owner of Gary’s Pawn and Gun. “The base is a tremendous asset to the community. I hope to learn more about it and become more acclimated to this environment here.”

 

In addition, upon becoming Honorary Commanders, they are invited to tour their respective squadron to get a better understanding of the mission and how things operate. Flying squadrons may offer an incentive flight, or the 14th Civil Engineer Squadron may invite their Honorary Commander to an exercise.

 

“Being a pilot myself, aircraft fascinate me,” Dedeaux said. “Being a businessman, I get to interact with a lot of people from the base and am eager to meet and learn more as an Honorary Commander.”

 

The Air Force benefits greatly from an increased number of relationships with a community’s key leaders. To keep that number of relationships high, Honorary Commanders hold their position for approximately two years before handing the reins to another.

 

“To the folks that have served as Honorary Commanders, thanks again,” Nichols said. “To the folks that are coming on board to join us, we welcome you with open arms.”