9/11/16 – South Burlington, Vermont -- On September 11, 2016, the 158th Fighter Wing (FW), Vermont Air National Guard (VTANG), inducted key members of the local community into the VTANG Honorary Commander Program (HCCP).
The HCCP provides the 158FW Commander and the VTANG a great community outreach opportunity. Civilian leaders are paired with specific units on base and encouraged to exchange ideas, experiences and build friendships. The purpose of the program is two-fold: It allows community participants to become more aware of the important VTANG, USAF, and Department of Defense military mission. It also allows military commanders and their units to learn more about the community in which they live.
As a community relations’ initiative the U.S. Air Force developed the program to educate the community about the Air Force mission, customs, and courtesies. Honorary Commanders are partnered with military commanders to help facilitate a positive partnership with the local community and bridge the military-civilian gap, which can impact public support of the base through a mutual understanding.
"Try to help more people understand the impact that they have on our community, the roles they play, not only in defense of our country but in the economy and in our community as well," President of Vermont Business Round Table Lisa Ventriss said.
The Honorary Commanders are partnered with senior leaders in the Wing, primarily group commanders. When selecting an Honorary Commander into the program the 158th FW leadership is looking for individuals who are recognized as an outstanding community or business leader; an enthusiastic supporter of the VTANG mission, willing to find resources to accomplish the objectives of the HCC program and willing to invest time and effort to fulfill the two-year term as an HCC.
On Sunday, September 11th, following the VTANGs Flag Retreat Ceremony recognizing the 15th Anniversary of September 11, 2001, the 158th Fighter Wing is proud to announce the induction of five community leaders into the VTANGs Honorary Commander Program (HCCP).
Members include Lisa Ventriss, President and CEO Vermont Business Round Table as the Honorary Wing Commander, her first order in command Ms. Ventriss dismissed the 158th Fighter Wing from their weekend drill. Honorary Vice- Wing Commander is Kevin Owens, CEO and Owner at Select Design, Ltd.
The following Honorary Group Commanders are Jack Russell, President, Century 21 Jack Associates as the Honorary Mission Support Group Commander. Win Smith, Owner, Sugar Bush Resort as the Honorary Maintenance Group Commander and Tommy Harmon CEO of Sonnix Industries is the Civil Engineering Squadron Honorary Commander