Honorary commanders visit Grand Forks

Published Nov. 22, 2013
By Senior Airman Xavier Navarro
319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Grand Forks Air Force Base officials hosted an immersion tour Nov. 19 as part of the base's honorary commanders program, which helps give a military perspective to non-military people helping them gain a better understanding of the "Airman experience."

Honorary commanders are civilian leaders from the Grand Forks area who are selected through close coordination with the Military Affairs Committee and Air Force counterparts from Grand Forks AFB.

Col. Paul Bauman, 319th Air Base Wing commander, welcomed the honorary commanders, telling them, "We don't want to be a mystery to the community; we want the community to know what's going on and help spread that word about what the base does."

The tour gave the honorary commanders an opportunity to learn more about the military personnel on Grand Forks AFB and how large of a role community partnerships play in completing the mission.

"The most important part of the tour is gaining an understanding of what we do," said Maj. Foley, 319th Logistics Readiness Squadron operations officer.

During their tour, the honorary commanders enjoyed a meal at the Airey Dining Facility and viewed static displays of aircraft. Later, they visited the 319th Security Forces Squadron to see how Airmen interact with the public and defend the base.

The honorary commanders were even treated to a display of what the 319th Medical Group does in the event of a disaster, showing how they can treat the ill and injured in certain situations, and how they work with the community.

The last stop of the tour was at Barnes Hall where they viewed the quality of living for single Airmen in the junior enlisted ranks.

"I have been an honorary commander since 1998, but I really have to say that this was the best tour I have ever taken part in," said Donna Wolfe-Shoes, 319th Mission Support Group honorary commander.

The honorary commanders program brings with it many benefits such as invitations to base events and the opportunities to attend Airman Leadership School graduations as well as awards and medal presentations on base.

Dr. Delore Zimmerman, 319th ABW honorary commander, has served as an honorary commander for five years, and said "it's important for Grand Forks and its community to support what our warfighters do; Grand Forks AFB has been an integral part of that for over 50 years and it's our duty and honor to help support that."