Fairchild welcomes Honorary Commanders Published Jan. 24, 2007 By Joe B. Wiles 92nd ARW Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- A new group of Fairchild Honorary Commanders were officially welcomed during a reception at the wing commander's residence Saturday night. Local business and civic leaders, Honorary Commanders are chosen based on their ability and willingness to carry the Fairchild story to friends and associates in the local area and beyond. Each of the Honorary Commanders is matched with a Fairchild active-duty commander. They participate in unit activities and celebrations with the intent of learning as much about the unit mission and people as possible. Honorary Commanders are paired with a Fairchild squadron that best reflects their civilian profession. For example, Spokane Mayor Dennis Hession is paired with Col. Scott Hanson, the 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander. Dr. Stefan Humphries, medical director at St. Luke's Rehabilitation Institute is matched with Lt. Col. Patrick Murray, the 92nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron commander. As an official sign of their joining Team Fairchild, Colonel Hanson, provided each new Honorary Commander with a 92nd ARW coin, and explained the importance of the coin in military tradition. According to legend, during World War I an American fighter pilot was shot down over "no-man's land." He used a coin with his squadron's insignia to identify himself to French soldiers intent on shooting him as a saboteur. Thereafter, members of his squadron carried their coins at all times. "With this coin, you are now ready for any contingency during your time as an Honorary Commander," said Colonel Hanson. Fairchild's Honorary Commanders program is a community outreach tool that fosters strong working relationships between local leaders and Fairchild commanders. Through educational programs and interaction with their assigned unit, Honorary Commanders gain a better understanding of Fairchild and its missions, personnel, programs and operations. "It was very cool to be in the presence of all those people at the reception Saturday night and be regarded as someone on a personal level that is worthy of such an honor," said Joelean Copeland, executive director of the West Plains Chamber of Commerce. She is the Honorary Commander assigned to Lt. Col. Eleanor Foreman, the 92nd Medical Operations Squadron commander. "I hope to live up to the expectations of the Air Force and the people at Fairchild, and to fulfill my role to let my community know about all the great things Fairchild is doing," she said. In late February, the Honorary Commanders will return as a group to be officially inducted into the program and receive an orientation flight on a KC-135 tanker and a tour of base facilities. At that time, former Honorary Commanders will be inducted into an organization called The Eagles, offering them the chance to continue interacting with the men and women of Team Fairchild.