New honorary commanders join legacy

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Michelle Vickers
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla.-- --  Base leadership welcomed their local community counterparts as part of the 2012-2013 Honorary Commanders Program during a banquet at the Soundside Club at Hurlburt Field Sept. 21.

Leadership from the 1st Special Operations Wing, 505th Command and Control Wing, Air Force Special Operations Training Center and 24th Special Operations Wing paired with civilian leaders as part of an annual program to establish solid, mutually beneficial relationships between Hurlburt Field and the surrounding communities.

"With my recent appointment to acting city manager for the city of Fort Walton Beach, I would like to represent the community I grew up in since I was born at Eglin Air Force Base and raised in Fort Walton Beach," said Michael Beedie, honorary command chief for the 1st SOW. "I grew up in a military family and understand that the Emerald Coast thrives from the military presence in the area. I would like to provide input and support for the military mission and want to ensure that [Fort Walton Beach] continues to support the mission with programs for the communities."

Each honorary commander is assigned to a wing or group commander or command chief in order to build a close, personal relationship. The change of command banquet provided the first opportunity for Hurlburt Field's leaders to greet their newest respective honorary commanders.

"I recognize the significance of the Department of Transportation working closely with our military partners," said Ralph Yoder, honorary commander for 1st Special Operations Mission Support Group. "I recognize not only the critical nature of the military's service regarding the safety and security of the United States; I also recognize the economic impact the military in general has to the economy of Florida, specifically to the economy of Northwest Florida."

An important aspect of the program is allowing the honorary commanders to tour the four groups that make up the 1st SOW. Honorary commanders also have the opportunity to see components of Hurlburt Field's partner units to get a complete picture of the base's mission. In addition, the honorary commanders are invited to attend special events on Hurlburt Field like homecomings, award presentations and change of command ceremonies.

During the banquet, the commanders welcomed their respective honorary counterparts with the military tradition of presenting them with their commander's coin. A presentation of photographs also displayed last year's honorary commanders' adventures and showcased what this year's honorary commanders could anticipate. Besides embracing the newly selected, the banquet provided time to express gratitude to the outgoing honorary commanders for their past commitment.

"So to all of our outgoing honorary commanders, I want to thank you for giving your time to the wing over the past year," said Col. Jim Slife, commander of 1st SOW. "So far, this program has turned out 64 Hurlburt Field ambassadors in the community over the past eight years, and the program gets better each year."

The banquet concluded at sunset with an air power demonstration featuring 1st SOW aircraft over the Sound. Among several aircraft, a MC-130H Combat Talon II displayed refueling methods on a CV-22. On land, special tactics Airmen exhibited techniques for extracting injured service members while under attack from simulated explosions and gunfire.

The 2012-2013 Honorary Commanders are:
  • Debbie Bodenstine, Vice President, Business Development and Public Relations, Okaloosa County Economic Development Council (1st Special Operations Wing)
  • Michael Beedie, Acting Manager, City of Fort Walton Beach; and Director, City Engineering & Utility Services (1st Special Operations Wing Command Chief)
  • Peggy Brockman, President, Brockman Enterprises (1st Special Operations Group)
  • Bob Cole, Santa Rosa County Commissioner (1st Special Operations Maintenance Group)
  • Julie Cotton, Director of the Costa Leadership Institute, Northwest Florida State College (1st Special Operations Medical Group)
  • Ralph Yoder, Intergovernmental Liaison, Florida Department of Transportation (1st Special Operations Mission Support Group)
  • Lt. Michael Card, Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office (505th Command and Control Wing)
  • Robert Williamson, Owner/CEO, Trees Plus (505th Training Group)
  • Kris Wambach, General Manager, Stinky's Fish Camp (Air Force Special Operations Training Center)
  • Dr. James Andrews, Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine (24th Special Operations Wing)