JBA honorary commanders take the stage

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Jordyn Fetter | Henry Stawinski, Prince George’s County police chief and honorary commander, takes an oath for admission to the JBA Honorary Commanders Program at Joint Base Andrews, Md., May 5, 2017. The community outreach event welcomed, recognized and retired members of the program at different stages of their two-year term. The program, which began in 1999, matches a community leader with a military leader to provide commanders a means to educate participants about the armed forces and their various missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jordyn Fetter)  

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD, UNITED STATES

05.11.2017

Story by Senior Airman Jordyn Fetter  

316th Wing

The annual Joint Base Andrews honorary commander ceremony was held here, May 5.

The community outreach event welcomed, recognized and retired approximately 60 members of the program at different stages of their two-year term.

“Increasing public awareness and understanding of the military is the overall goal for this program, while also helping our military members deeply appreciate the outstanding support of our community partners” said Col. E. John Teichert, 11th Wing and JBA commander. “This looks to build upon these superb relationships while understanding the perspectives of one another through mutual involvement.”

The individuals inducted this year were welcomed during the ceremony, where honorary commanders socialized with their paired military commander, received certificates, ate dinner and listened to a performance by the U.S. Air Force Band’s premier rock band, Max Impact.

The program, which began in 1999, matches a community leader with a military leader to provide JBA commanders a means to educate participants about the armed forces and their various missions.

During their time in the program, honorary commanders are invited to participate in various installation events like orientations, mission briefs, tours and air shows.

“This program has really helped the community understand what happens here on the base,” Dorothy Carolyn Lowe, community service volunteer and two-year honorary commander. “The base was kind enough to let some members of the [District Five] Coffee Club tour JBA, see some planes and learn about the different functions of the base.”

The ceremony marked the beginning of this program for some and, for others, a reflection of their honorary commander experience with JBA.

“It’s good for the community to actually understand what happens here on the base and how important it is to our county,” Lowe said. “It’s been a wonderful experience. We’re very proud of this base and I’m proud to be part of this program.”

For more information about the program, please contact 11th Wing Public Affairs at 240-612-4428.

• Date Taken: 05.11.2017
• Date Posted: 05.11.2017 14:12
• Story ID: 233498
• Location: JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD, US