News

Building bridges with community: an everlasting tradition at CAFB

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Danielle Hill
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Pubic Affairs
COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. --  Military and honorary commanders gathered together Monday evening at a Honorary Commander reception hosted at the home of Dr. Claudia Limbert, President of the Mississippi University for Women. 

During the reception honorary commanders were presented certificates appointing them to their position, as well as the opportunity to visit and interact with a large number of squadron, group and base commanders. 

Following the reception, the commanders, guests and families were able to enjoy the Tops in Blue show at MUW's Rent Auditorium in Whitfield Hall. 

The honorary commander program is a public relations tool used by the 14th Flying Training Wing where local civic and corporate leaders are able to gain insight and experience by working and socializing with Air Force commanders, directors and other personnel. 

The program in turn builds community relations within the Golden Triangle and Columbus AFB. 

Each group and squadron level commander is paired with a civic leader from the local community. There are currently 37 honorary commanders at CAFB. 

This relationship also encourages Air Force recruiting by presenting a positive impression of the Air Force to influential members of the community. 

The honorary commander is invited to functions that the squadron conducts throughout the year. They are treated to an orientation visit in which they are introduced to the base and the squadron or Group's mission. They receive a mission brief and tour of the facilities on base. By the direction of the commander of Air Education and Training Command, General Bill Looney, the honorary commanders are also often treated to an orientation flight in which they are introduced to the flying aspect of the mission at CAFB, the mission that all CAFB units support. 

The honorary commander is often paired with a unit that shares the same interest as they do to initially help build report.