Base salutes new honorary Air Commandos

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joe McFadden
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  Base commanders welcomed their local community counterparts as part of the 2011-2012 Honorary Commanders Program during a banquet at the Soundside Club at Hurlburt Field, Sept. 2.

Leadership from the 1st Special Operations Wing, Air Force Special Operations Training Center and the 720th Special Tactics Group paired with civilian leaders as part of an annual program to build and maintain solid, mutually beneficial relationships between Hurlburt Field and the surrounding communities.

"Okaloosa County is largely populated with active-duty and retired military citizens; therefore, it assists me in my position as County Administrator to learn more about the [Air Force Special Operations Command] mission, as well as provide support and interact with the military community overall," said James Curry, honorary commander of the 1st SOW. "Personally, it is a great opportunity to walk among these 'quiet professionals' and our heroes of Hurlburt."

As they have in previous programs, this year's commanders will tour the wing's four groups to learn more about their capabilities and the Airmen who are employed by them. In addition to sharing their views on matters of mutual interest, they will also be able to attend on-base events like changes of command, award ceremonies and Operation Homecoming.

"I have a strong passion for community involvement and military affairs," said Keith Wood, honorary commander of the 1st SOW. "The two go hand-in-hand, especially in our community. I know that freedom isn't free and believe you have to cultivate citizenship, and I am committed to doing my part. It is an honor to be a part of this wonderful program."

During the banquet, Hurlburt leadership paid tribute to last year's honorary commanders and thanked them for their contributions throughout the year. Col. James Slife, commander of the 1st SOW, explained many of the Air Force's traditions including the story behind the commander's coin, which each commander presented to their respective civilian counterpart.

"The 1st SOW falls within the geographical boundaries of my district command, and it stands to reason that, by better understanding the mission, support needs and other dynamics, we will be more prepared to provide our services," said Kenneth LaPee, honorary commander of the 1st Special Operations Mission Support Group. "Conversely, I may be able to share insights and experiences from my field and responsibilities that would foster a mutually beneficial atmosphere of communication, trust, appreciation and camaraderie."

The banquet ended with a special operations power demonstration over the Sound. The exercise included many 1st SOW aircraft like a CV-22 Osprey from the 8th Special Operations Squadron, an MC-130P Shadow from the 9th SOS, an AC-130 Spooky from the 4th SOS and an Mi-17 Hip from the 6th SOS. On the ground, pararescuemen and combat controllers recovered a downed Airman while facing simulated gunfire and explosions from the 1st Special Operations Support Squadron's Range Support flight.

Before leaving, Slife stressed the impact local communities have had on the base, particularly during the last 10 years since 9/11.

"On that day in 2001, Airmen from the 16th Special Operations Wing, now the 1st SOW, deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and we've been heavily engaged in the fight every day since then," he said. "We've had some heartbreaking losses, and we've had some victories. Through it all, we've felt the continued support from our community back home, and I want you to know we truly appreciate it."

Since the program's inception in 2004, there have been 52 Hurlburt Field honorary commanders in the community.

The 2011-2012 Honorary Commanders are:
  • James Curry, Okaloosa County Administrator (1st Special Operations Wing) 
  • Keith Wood, Director of Property Management, ERA American Realty of Northwest Florida, Inc. (1st Special Operations Wing Command Chief)
  • Joie DeStefano, Principal, Holley-Navarre Middle School (1st Special Operations Group)
  • Dominic Damiano, President, Crane Ventures, Inc. and restaurant owner (1st Special Operations Maintenance Group)
  • Amy Linares, Director of Women's Services, North Okaloosa Medical Center (1st Special Operations Medical Group) 
  • Kenneth LaPee, Captain, Central District Commander, Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office (1st Special Operations Mission Support Group) 
  • Amy Perry, Attorney/Partner, Pleat & Perry, P.A. (Air Force Special Operations Training Center)
  • Marci Paulk, Director of Radiology, Fort Walton Beach Medical Center (720th Special Tactics Group)