Page 24 - South Mississippi Living - March, 2018

COASTNOTES
Honorary Commanders
Foster Relationship with Keesler AFB and Community
story by Lynn Lofton photo courtesy of Keesler Air Force Base
or 75 years there’s been a strong relationship with Keesler Air Force Base and the Coast community. The honorary commander program is a part of that relationship. It’s a community outreach tool whereby local civic and community leaders gain insight and experience about the Air Force and Keesler Air Force Base operations and programs. Air Force commanders and personnel likewise benefit through increased association with the community and its key leaders.
According to Capt. David J. Murphy, chief of Keesler’s 81st Training Wing’s Public Affairs,
the objective of the program is to encourage an exchange of ideas, experiences and friendship between key members of the local civilian community. “It’s a great program and is very much an important program in the Air Force,” he added. “It’s integral to our community relations and a way to build bonds.
It also give base commanders an opportunity to meet and engage with the community.”
M2 Media Corp President Michael Sunderman was recently inducted as an honorary commander. “I have always held the military and the brave men and women who serve our nation in the highest esteem,”
he said. “My father served, as have many others in my family, so when I was asked to be an Honorary Commander at Keesler Air Force Base, I was both humbled and grateful for the opportunity to give back to our heroes.”
An honorary commander’s term can be one or two years but may
be extended at the discretion of the wing commander and the specific honorary commander. Nominations are accepted from local chambers of commerce and base commanders. Where possible, nominees are aligned with a wing, group, squadron or staff agency commander that parallels the nominee’s trade background or interest.
Keesler’s Public Affairs Department vets, prepares and finalizes a
nomination list for wing commander review. Nominees are prioritized and the wind commander makes final selections.
The honorary commanders are required to attend individual wing, group or squadron functions when possible. They are charged with being proactive supporters of the unit for which they are honorary commanders as well as the base and military community. They are asked to interact with unit personnel to learn more about the Air Force and the mission of air, education and training command and Keesler Base.
Additionally, they are supposed to be active ambassadors for the community and invite their host commander to join in community activities.
24 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • March 2018
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