MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- Maxwell Air Force Base-Gunter Annex showcased its continued dedication to national defense and forging stronger ties with the local community during its inaugural State of the Base address held today. U.S. Air Force Col. Shamekia Toliver, 42d Air Base Wing commander, delivered the address to local elected officials, key civic leaders, community partners and military members.
Attendees received a mission update and gained a deeper understanding of the wing's operational approach, from producing mission-ready Airmen to supporting 45 mission partners, especially its support of Air University, the intellectual and leadership-development center of the U.S. Air Force and Space Forces.
Toliver also acknowledged the strong relationship between the base, City of Montgomery and the River Region, expressing gratitude for the community’s unwavering support and emphasizing the base's commitment to being a responsible partner.
“Our partnerships with the local community are not just beneficial; they're essential to how we develop Airmen to prepare for tomorrow's challenges," said Toliver. “The support we receive from our local community is essential to developing well-rounded, resilient Airmen.”
As part of the event, the 42d ABW also inducted a new group of Honorary Commanders, continuing a program designed to strengthen and foster ties between military leaders and influential members of the local community. The Honorary Commanders’ program pairs civilian leaders with commanders on the base to encourage mutual understanding, collaboration, and increase civic-military engagement. The event also recognized legacy Honorary Commanders, who transitioned to the status of Emeritus Honorary Commander and will serve as mentors to the new Honorary Commanders.
“The Honorary Commanders program is a vital bridge between Maxwell-Gunter and the River Region," said Lt. Col. William Russell, Chief of Public Affairs, Maxwell AFB. "It's a platform for sharing ideas and forging partnerships that benefit both the base and our esteemed partners within the community."
The 42d ABW Honorary Commander inductees are:
- Patty VanderWal, President of the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce
- TaWanna Brooks, Director, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham, Montgomery Satellite Office
- Harold “Kippy” Tate, Director of Planning, Inspections, Permitting and Engineering for the City of Montgomery
- Omekia Harrison, Program Coordinator and Instructor, Computer Information Systems, Trenholm State Community College
- Dr. Jane Goodson, Chair, Department of Business, Accounting and Math, Huntingdon College
- Mr. Rick Jackson, CEO, Boys and Girls Club River Region
- George Conner, Deputy Director of Operations, Alabama Department of Transportation
- Wade Davis, Executive Director, Montgomery Regional Airport
- James Graboys, Montgomery Police Department Chief of Police
- Holly Olesen, City Engineer, City of Montgomery
- Jeannine Birmingham, President and CEO, Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants
- Dr. Wickliffe “Wick” Many, Professor Emeritus, University of Alabama-Birmingham
- Dr. Charlene Portee, Dean, Alabama State University College of Health Sciences
- Carolyn Bern, Director of Governmental Affairs and Community Relations
Honorary Commander Emeriti as follows:
- Dr. David Thrasher
- Mayor Gordon Stone
- Jeremy Jackson
- Virginia Whitfield
- Ashley Brandle Jernigan
- Mark Bunting
- Dr. Scott Harris
The new inductees represent a cross-section of the River Region, including state and local officials, academia and local business and medical professionals.