910th AW strengthens community bonds with new honorary commanders

The 910th Airlift Wing recently inducted a new group of local leaders into its revitalized Honorary Commander program during a ceremony held March 7, 2026. The event saw five civic leaders formally welcomed into the wing’s leadership echelons, reaffirming the deep-rooted connection between the military base and the Mahoning Valley.

As narrator and chief of public affairs, Capt. Donnie Hatheway explained during the ceremony that the Honorary Commander program aims to increase the community’s understanding of Youngstown Air Reserve Station’s mission: employ agile combat support, tactical airlift and aerial spray; vision: mission ready always; and priorities: train, develop and execute.

"This enduring connection between military commanders and civic leaders strengthens the outstanding relationship we enjoy with our neighboring communities, the Mahoning Valley and the state of Ohio," Hatheway said.

The centerpiece of the ceremony was the induction of Hall of Fame boxer and Youngstown native Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini as the honorary commander for the 910th Airlift Wing, paired with 910th AW Commander Col. Chris Sedlacek. In his remarks, Sedlacek detailed the symbolism behind Mancini’s selection, whose predecessor was then-Youngstown State University president, former Ohio State football coach and current Ohio Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel.

Sedlacek spoke of Mancini not just as a sports icon, but as a figure of resilience and hope for the Mahoning Valley, especially during the severe economic downturn of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Mancini’s rise to become the World Boxing Association Lightweight champion from 1982 to 1984 was a source of immense pride for a region grappling with high unemployment.

"His warrior ethos, his championship nature, his humility and his resilience are why we could find no better person to come in and be the next honorary commander for the 910th Airlift Wing," Sedlacek said.

Upon accepting the honor, Mancini expressed his gratitude.

"It's one of the greatest things that ever happened to me," he said.

Referencing his father, a World War II veteran, and his nephew, a Navy veteran, Mancini shared his deep respect for service members.

"I have a connection to the military, and I just want to thank you for who you are, because you are the heartbeat of America, and I appreciate everything you do,” Mancini continued.

The ceremony revealed a strategic trend toward pairing commanders with civilians whose professional expertise directly aligns with the mission of their respective units. The other inductees and their military counterparts included:

• Rich Edwards, chairman of the Aviation Committee for the Western Reserve Port Authority, who was paired with Col. John Sebesta, commander of the 910th Operations Group. WRPA operates the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport, which shares its runway and air traffic control tower with YARS.
• Joe DeRamo, campus director for the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics — Youngstown, who was paired with Col. Joe Winchester, commander of the 910th Maintenance Group, fostering a relationship between military aircraft maintainers and a local school that trains the next generation of aviation mechanics.
• Gregg Strollo, principal architect of Strollo Architects, who was paired with Lt. Col. Benjamin Iannucci, Commander of the 910th Mission Support Group. Strollo’s firm has worked previously on projects at YARS, and his extensive community involvement strengthens local ties.
• “Char” Gardiner, President of Mercy Health St. Joseph Warren Hospital, who was welcomed by Col. Tasha Felton-Williams, Commander of the 910th Medical Squadron, bridging the military medical community with a key regional health care leader. <br> Each inductee took an oath of appointment and participated in a symbolic exchange of their unit’s guidon, formally marking the beginning of a tenure that will involve them in base activities and provide them with an up-close look at the mission and the Airmen who carry it out. <br> The ceremony concluded with a sense of renewed partnership, highlighting shared values of dedication, heritage and resilience. By bringing these influential community figures into the fold, the 910th Airlift Wing has not only honored their achievements but also fortified the vital bond that ensures the base remains an integral and understood part of the Mahoning Valley community.