ALTUS, Okla. - -- Sixteen key civic leaders took part in their first mission at Altus AFB Mar. 8 - boot camp. This event was the honorary commander's first step into learning what it means to "cross into the blue" - learning and living the core values of integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do.

The honorary commanders program began here in June 2001 and has continued to grow into a fulfilling partnership for the city and the base. Individuals from the community serve two-year terms attached to a particular unit at Altus AFB, and interact with Airmen at their group or squadron to learn about their mission. By serving as active ambassadors, they bring that knowledge back to the community and share it with their respective co-workers.

The first ever Altus HCC Boot Camp began at sunrise with a 45-minute long physical training session designed to push participants to their limits. Honorary commanders were joined by their active duty counterparts to show them exactly what it means to become "Fit to Fight."

"I was expecting to work out but that was outstanding, to say the least," said Allen Sasse, 97th Training Squadron honorary commander. "Being a long distance runner, this core training found my current workout lacking and I need to step up my game. Daily participation in PT sessions guarantees our Airmen to be in top physical condition and complete readiness. It's really incredible the hard work these Airmen put into becoming and staying physically fit. I'm going to feel this workout for a week."

After more than half an hour of running, push-ups, lunges, planks and burpees, the honorary commanders hit the showers and prepared for their next immersion - Airman Leadership School.

Master Sgt Andrew Wollenzin, Altus Airman Leadership School commandant became the HCC's commandant for the next few hours, teaching the history and core values of the Air Force; the different ranks of Airmen and the enlisted force structure; and the rich symbolism behind many of the customs and courtesies in the service.

"I especially enjoyed learning about the Airmen who received the Medal of Honor and their actions," said Sasse. "It was one of the most inspiring things I learned today."

Also highlighted was the proper wear of uniforms, from full service dress to PT gear,  demonstrating to the HCCs what is required at different functions during the workday.

"The information we received on the history of the Air Force, the traditions and uniforms and ranks was really beneficial for us," said Carl Bills, 97 Logistics Readiness Squadron honorary commander. "My wife and I now have a greater understanding of noncommissioned and commissioned insignia when greeting a servicemember."

Honorary commanders were then given the command "fall in" to learn basic drill techniques - right face, left face and about face. They practiced their new skills until being dismissed to tour a KC-135 Stratotanker simulator. There the commanders got first-hand experience seeing how Airmen learn to fly the core aerial refueling capability for the United States Air Force.

"The boom simulator experience was eye-opening," said Bills. "And the instructor was wonderful in his description of the sim's capabilities. We were very impressed with the technology available to our Airmen."

The day concluded with a luncheon at Club Altus, giving the HCCs some time to reflect on the day's events and visit with their active duty counterparts.

"Today was an amazing day - getting a glimpse of the Airmen that are trained right here in Altus," said Sasse. "Altus keeps our Airmen in top physical condition and offers them outstanding educational opportunities to allow them to respond to any crisis around the world."

It may have been just an ordinary day for the Airmen at Altus AFB, but for the Honorary Commanders, it was an immersion into what it means to be an American Airman.

"Altus Air Force Base is extremely important to the Altus community, and we always communicate this importance to everyone we know," said Bills. "Our participation in the Honorary Commander program is a wonderful opportunity for us to tell our friends, customers and even our suppliers how we get to meet and interact with so many hard-working and driven professionals, regardless of rank. We've met so many wonderful people at Altus Air Force Base, and we look forward to more events like this."