Reserve Commanders Continue Partnership with Local Community Leaders

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Michael Duhe and Tech. Sgt. Ryan Labadens
  • 403rd Wing Public Affairs
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, MISS. --  The Citizen Airmen of the 403rd Wing continue to forge long-standing relationships with the Mississippi Gulf Coast community through the Honorary Commanders Program.

During the 403rd Wing's April Unit Training Assembly, 14 representatives from various local community establishments and businesses were welcomed into the program as Honorary Commanders. Those who attended a ceremony April 10 were presented with a certificate and a scarf emblazoned with patches of the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron "Hurricane Hunters" and the 815th Airlift Squadron "Flying Jennies," both of which are flying units assigned to the 403rd Wing.

The program has two main goals. It not only gives Gulf Coast community and corporate leaders the chance to learn more about Air Force personnel, programs and operations, but also affords military commanders an opportunity to learn more about the people and the inner workings of their local community. The goal in that sense is for the program to be a joint learning venture.

"It's a partnership for you to learn more about the Air Force and for us to learn more about you," said Brig. Gen. James Muscatell, 403rd Wing commander, as he addressed the Honorary Commanders at the ceremony. "I'm honored when I look out at the people represented here, and I see great things happening with this program. I'm looking forward to this partnership."

The program teams up each Honorary Commander with a commander from the 403rd Wing, providing these local community members with a taste of the Air Force experience from the Reservists' perspective. The Honorary Commanders will be invited to participate in various Keesler events during the year, such as special commemorative events, change of command ceremonies and civic leader tours.

The general also pledged that the Honorary Commanders group would meet once a quarter.

Each of the participants serves in the program for one year, and afterward is considered in "emeritus" Honorary Commander. Every six months, new Honorary Commanders are expected to be inducted into the program to give other community leaders a chance to share in the Air Force experience. The next induction is scheduled for November's UTA. 

Following the ceremony, the Honorary Commanders expressed their gratitude and eagerness to take part in the program.

Barry Dreyfus, CEO of U.S. Marine Incorporated, was nominated to be an Honorary Commander by a member of last year's group.

"It's very fruitful in connecting the community with Keesler Air Force Base," Mr. Dreyfus said. "It's going to be a good learning experience for me, I believe."

While Keesler has received high visibility over the years, the Honorary Commanders Program offers local leaders a more "up close and personal" view of the Air Force's involvement in the Gulf Coast community.

Angie Juzang, account executive with the WLOX-TV Sales and Marketing department, said, "I think the program is wonderful because it partners with business people and community leaders and enables them to learn more about the impact the military has on the Gulf Coast. It also gives us the opportunity to share in our careers and what we're doing. You never know where that relationship may lead."