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    New HCCs strengthen base, community bond

    New HCCs strengthen base, community bond

    Photo By Senior Airman Jose Leon | McConnell commanders mingle with Honorary Commanders at the 2012 HCC Change of Command...... read more read more

    MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, KS, UNITED STATES

    08.07.2012

    Story by Senior Airman Laura Claypool 

    22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

    MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. - Sixteen members of the local community assumed command of several McConnell squadrons during the Honorary Commander Change-of-Command banquet Aug. 7, 2012.

    The Honorary Commander program gives local community leaders the opportunity to participate in special events, programs and activities sponsored by their honorary squadron. The program is designed to benefit the military and its civilian partners by sharing ideas and learning from each other.

    "We felt it was a great opportunity for camaraderie and sharing health and wellness," said Kevin Swinicki, owner of GoRun Wichita. Swinicki was inducted as the new 22nd Medical Group honorary commander.

    According to Air Force Instruction 35-105 Public Affairs Community Relations, the intent of an honorary commanders program is to educate and increase the knowledge and understanding of key civic leaders about the Air Force and the installation.

    During their two-year tenure, the honorary commanders will have opportunities to tour the groups in the wing. Additionally, their McConnell commander counterparts are encouraged to immerse their respective honorary commanders into as much of their field as possible.

    Honorary commanders are matched with squadrons that have similar missions, backgrounds, occupations and skill sets.

    For example, Dan Alefs, owner of Alefs Harley Davidson in Wichita, was paired with the 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron as their new honorary in part because a large number of the squadron is involved in motorcycle riding and focused on motorcycle safety .

    Having become an honorary command chief in 2011, he has had the opportunity to experience events on base as well as off base. He was among the several civic leaders who traveled to Air Mobility Command's Rodeo, held July 2011 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

    "The biggest thing for me is that all (Airmen) are like my heroes," said Jared Estes, Hartman Arena marketing director and 22nd ARW honorary command chief, "so it's really cool to get to spend time with you and see what you do. And at the same time seeing that you are a lot like me too. That's been the coolest thing for me."

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 08.07.2012
    Date Posted: 10.25.2012 05:01
    Story ID: 96731
    Location: MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, KS, US

    Web Views: 43
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN