Altus Air Force Base, Okla. -- On January 24, 2024, 97th Air Mobility Wing leaders hosted an induction ceremony at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, where 28 members from southwest Oklahoma's community were welcomed into the wing's Honorary Commander Program.
Launched in June 2001, the program aims to connect local civic leaders with group, wing, and squadron leaders, fostering a stronger bond between the base and the community. Additionally, it serves to increase awareness of the 97th AMW mission.
This year’s inductees are as follows:
97th AMW Commander Honorary Commanders: Emily Smith and Candace Braddock
97th AMW Deputy Commander Honorary Commanders: Dr. Chad Wiginton and Mayor Robert Garrison
97th AMW Command Chief Honorary Commander: Jenny Graves and Gary Jones
97th Comptroller Squadron Honorary Commander: Jeff Burchill
97th Operations Group Honorary Commander: Mary Beth Tischler
54th Air Refueling Squadron Honorary Commander: Cody Nelson
56th Air Refueling Squadron Honorary Commander: Carson Vinyard
58th Airlift Squadron Honorary Commander: Jared Black
97th Operations Support Squadron Honorary Commander: Brad Seaton
97th Training Squadron Honorary Commander: Christie Rogers
730th Air Mobility Wing Training Squadron Honorary Commander: Guy Smith
97th Medical Group Honorary Commander: Steve Hartgraves
97th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron Honorary Commander: Hannah Henry
97th Healthcare Operations Squadron Honorary Commander: James Patterson
97th Mission Support Group Honorary Commander: Chris Griffin
97th Force Support Squadron Honorary Commander: Rachel Beckner
97th Civil Engineer Squadron Honorary Commander: Terry Mosley
97th Security Forces Squadron Honorary Commander: James Poe
97th Logistics Readiness Squadron Honorary Commander: Jimmy James
97th Communications Squadron Honorary Commander: Jeni Temen
97th Contracting Flight Honorary Commander: Kyle Williams
97th Maintenance Group Director Honorary Commander: Ericka Wiginton
97th Maintenance Deputy Director Honorary Commander: Brodie Butchee
97th Maintenance Squadron Civilian Leader Honorary Commander: Stacey Kiley
97th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Civilian Leader Honorary Commander: Dr. Katy Murray