Keesler Commanders Partner with Local Community Leaders

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Ryan Labadens
  • 403rd Wing Public Affairs
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, MISS. --  Reservists at Keesler Air Force Base and their active duty counterparts have both played their parts over the years in forging a longstanding relationship with the Mississippi Gulf Coast community. Now the Citizen Airmen of the 403rd Wing and the Airmen of the 81st Training Wing have taken the relationship to a new level through the creation of Keesler's first Honorary Commanders Program. 

Ten representatives from various local community establishments and businesses were welcomed into the program as Honorary Commanders at an induction ceremony held June 27 during the 403rd Wing's Unit Training Assembly. At the ceremony, each Honorary Commander was presented with a certificate, a 403rd Wing coin 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 assigned to the 403rd Wing. 

The program has two main goals at heart. 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 either the 403rd Wing or the 81st Training Wing, providing these local community members with a taste of the Air Force experience from both the active duty and Reserve. The Honorary Commander will be invited to participate in various Keesler events during the year, such as air shows, special commemorative events, change of command ceremonies, and civic leader tours. 

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. 

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

Vicky Gutierrez, Vice President of Military and Public Affairs for the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce, has participated in base events before, but said she was excited at the prospect to get a more in-depth understanding of the military and the people who serve. 

"I want to find out more about how a military base actually works," said Ms. Gutierrez. "There are so many misconceptions people have, where you might think one thing about the military and find out something else. This will be a great way for us to learn more about what actually takes place on a daily basis." 

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. 

"We appreciate all the base has done for the community, especially after Hurricane Katrina," said Honorary Wing Commander Duncan McKenzie, President and General Manager of the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Biloxi. "I'm glad to be able to learn more about the mission of the base and the Air Force as well."