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Alamo Wing inducts 17 Honorary Commanders

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Lindsey Maurice
  • 433rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Seventeen civic and business leaders were officially inducted into the 433rd Airlift Wing's Honorary Commanders Program during a ceremony March 5 in downtown San Antonio.

The ceremony, hosted by Col. David Scott, 433rd AW vice commander, is a time-honored tradition, signifying the important ties between the military and civilian communities.

"We are so glad you all are here," Scott said to his guests. "Thank you for volunteering your time and talent to be Honorary Commanders with the 433rd Airlift Wing."

The Honorary Commanders Program is an executive-level program intended as a forum in which the 433rd AW commander can solicit advice and support from civic leaders on matters affecting military and civilian communities, while cementing the already strong ties between the Alamo Wing and the San Antonio community.

This year 17 of the 26 selectees participated in the induction ceremony.

"I think the Honorary Commanders Program is a much needed program," said Scott. "This is the fifth annual ceremony that we've done here at the Alamo Wing and it has grown every year. It is such a valuable outreach tool. Not only do we have the opportunity to share our story, but the Honorary Commanders have the opportunity to share their story. It is so important."

Each of the Alamo Wing's Honorary Commanders is paired with a leader from within the wing. Throughout the year, the civilian and military counterparts get to know one another, which allows the community leaders to understand the importance of the U.S. Air Force Reserve and its mission, and in turn giving military leaders a better understanding and appreciation of the community in which they live.

Alamo Wing Honorary Commander Edward Pape, who is matched with the 433rd AW command chief, was inducted into the program for his second and final term during the ceremony.

"This past year was a wonderful experience," said the Vaquero Consulting Group president. "I met so many genuinely good people and learned so much. Also, being an aviation enthusiast, it was really great getting to see the aircraft up close and to witness an in-air refueling of the C-5. That was amazing!

"I'm looking forward to this next year in learning more and spreading the word about the great things the 433rd Airlift Wing does."

Alamo Wing Honorary Commander Judge Lisa Jarrett with the 436th District Court, shares Pape's appreciation for the program, having served as one with another Air Force wing several years ago.

"I enjoyed my time as an Honorary Commander so much that when I was offered the opportunity to participate in the 433rd Airlift Wing's program, I jumped on it," said Jarrett, who is paired with the 433rd Medical Group commander. "I'm looking forward to getting to know the men and women of the 433rd and to learn more about what they do. "

During the ceremony, each Alamo Wing Honorary Commander participated in a reenactment of an official military change of command ceremony - taking the unit's guidon from the military commander as they vowed to "share" command of the unit. The military commander then presented their civilian counterpart with an Air Force Commander's Insignia pin. The Commander's Insignia is awarded to any Air Force officer who holds a major command billet in the U.S. Air Force.

Lt. Col. Marc Mulkey, 68th Airlift Squadron commander and participant in the Alamo Wing Honorary Commanders program, said he excited to be a part of the program.

"This is a phenomenal opportunity for both civic leaders within the San Antonio community and commanders within the 433rd Airlift Wing to make valuable connections," Mulkey said. "In getting better acquainted with the wing, I'm hoping my counterpart will have a better understanding of what our Airmen go through not only on a weekend basis, but on a full time basis as far as balancing their civilian careers and military careers. This is especially important when it comes to those Reservists who work within his organization."