505th inducts new honorary commander

  • Published
  • By Capt. Laura Ropelis
  • 505th CCW Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  The 505th Command and Control Wing officially welcomed its third honorary commander this year in military style Feb. 22.

The new honorary commander is Dan Sullivan, market manager of Cumulus Media. He was honored with an awards ceremony followed by a tour of the facilities hosted by Col. Jack Shanahan, 505th CCW commander.

Mr. Sullivan replaced Mike DeMarco, who served a two-term appointment. He joins Doug Hale, who is currently the honorary command chief of the 505th CCW and senior vice president of Parish National Bank. 

Mr. Sullivan was honored at the ceremony by Colonel Shanahan as an important member of the 505th CCW family.

"We want to actively participate in our community and are looking forward to a great year with Mr. Sullivan," Colonel Shanahan said.

The afternoon culminated with both military and civilian leaders discussing plans to strengthen ties and relations between the 505th CCW and the community.

"This program gives real civilians a chance to see that the military is made up of 'real' people. Dedicated, warm and caring people who are willing to leave family and loved ones at a moments notice in order to protect our freedoms. The honorary commander program gives voice to that simple truth," Mr. DeMarco said.

Mr. DeMarco commented on the impact the honorary commanders program can have on community relations.

"My interaction with these outstanding individuals became a staple in my conversation throughout the community. As you know, there is no lack of support for our armed forces along the Emerald Coast, and I always found an audience within the community that was willing and excited to hear more about the inner workings of the various wings," Mr. DeMarco said.

Honorary commanders are civic leaders who become community ambassadors for a year to a military unit. These civic leaders form relationships with base commanders and the community, which result in the formation of close ties between the community and the military. The honorary commanders become an integral part of the military unit and its members.

The 505th CCW Honorary Commander program seeks to expand upon the current base program currently run by Amy Oliver, 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs deputy chief.

"The program fosters close community relations, which support civil and military relations on the home front," Mrs. Oliver said.

The honorary commanders' program has a history that dates back 1918, when the British bestowed honorary titles on diplomats and important officials, according to military journals. Their honorary rank on base is equivalent to the commander they are partnered with. They are considered honored members of the unit, able to participate in a large range of base activities.

Honorary commanders of the past have had an incredible impact in the community. By honoring them as leaders in their communities and ours, it shortens the distance between the people and the military, building bridges, which ultimately unites our communities and our armed forces.

"I carry a very special coin in my pocket at all times. I was fortunate enough to receive three different coins during my service, and I rotate a different coin every week. When I hold that special token in my hand, I am reminded of all that I experienced with you," Mr. DeMarco said, "More importantly, I am reminded that there is much work to do, and we are very fortunate to have men and women like you putting it on the line every day."