Altus Community Leaders Inducted as Honorary Commanders

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jackson Haddon
  • 97 AMW/PA

The 97th Air Mobility Wing welcomed 17 Southwest Oklahoma community members into the Honorary Commanders Program during an induction ceremony at Altus Air Force Base, March 29, 2019.

 

After a formal introduction and dinner at the Freedom Community Center on the installation, nearly three dozen civic leaders participated in a civic assumption of command ceremony presided over by U.S. Air Force Col. Eric Carney, 97th Air Mobility Wing commander.

 

“We’re really excited to have you here,” said Carney. “Hopefully, we’ll help explain that we’re not just the weird people behind the fence line that you see every once in a while. Hopefully, we’re going to explain to you what it is that we do. There is so much potential here between this community and base partnership to get this community and this base to where it needs to be and to move forward for the challenges that lie ahead.”

 

The new Honorary Commanders joined their active-duty host commanders on stage to present their unit guidon together to the audience.

 

The program was established in June 2001 to match local civic leaders to a group or squadron as Honorary Commanders. This is intended to help reinforce the bond between the base and members of the community while increasing the community’s awareness of the mission of the 97th AMW. Additionally, the Honorary Commander program provides valuable local contacts for military leadership on base.

 

“I’m looking forward to learning more about the mission here at Altus AFB,” said Mr. Peter Bauer, Vice President of Operations at the Duke plant for the American Gypsum Company. “More than that, I’m looking forward to getting to know the people involved with the base. During my short time here in Altus, I’ve gotten to know some of the people at the base and they all just seem to be outstanding individuals.”

 

“It’s so unique to be born and raised in Altus and finally get an opportunity to see what goes on behind the gate,” said Jill Lazenby, president of communications for the Southwestern Technology Center. “I had such a good experience over the last two years just being able see all the new things and meet the new people here that it’s just been an honor.”

 

The Honorary Commanders themselves represent a full range of community connections, including business, education, non-profit, municipal and professional organizations. This allows more of the community to be represented. Bauer said this diversity helps more people understand the impact the installation has on the community.

 

“I really hope to learn more about the mission of Altus and what I can do as a citizen and business leader in our community to help Altus Air Force Base further their mission and make it more appealing to the new Airmen and people they bring in,” said Bauer.