388th FW honorary commanders inducted

  • Published
  • By Andrea V. Mason
  • 388th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  Community members and business leaders were appointed as 388th Fighter Wing Honorary Commanders during a special change of command ceremony here Jan. 25.

Through the honorary commander program, civic and corporate leaders gain insight into base operations by working and socializing with Air Force and civilian personnel. As a result, the program binds community relations between Hill Air Force Base and the surrounding communities.

"This program is about the exchange of experiences, friendships and what we hope to be a positive and growing relationship between the 388th Fighter Wing and our local community leaders," said Col. Scott Long, 388th FW commander, during his opening remarks. "It also shows how the community continues to embrace Airmen and stays fully engaged with Team Hill."

Following Long's remarks, the military commanders ceremoniously passed the guidon from their outgoing honorary commanders to the incoming in a manner similar to that of a military change of command ceremony.

The incoming honorary commanders include: Mayor Steve Hiatt, 388th FW commander; Rep. Gregory Hughes, 388th FW vice commander; Chris Bleak, 388th Operations Group; John Bahney, 388th Maintenance Group; Stan Kaminski, Utah Test and Training Range; Mike Andersen, 388th Operations Support Squadron; and Jeff Von Colln, 4th Fighter Squadron.

The outgoing honorary commanders included: Rep. Brad Wilson, 388th FW commander; Brett Mills, 388th MXG; Dr. Brian Brzowski, 388th OG; Vaughn Jacobson, UTTR; Karen Von Colln, 388th OSS; and Mayor Michael Caldwell, 4th FS. Von Colln, Caldwell and Mills each talked about their experience as an honorary and thanked the squadrons for the opportunity.

The honorary commanders spoke highly of their experience and enjoyed reminiscing about the numerous events they attended. In short, it seemed their favorite part was getting to know the Airmen.

Von Colln emphasized what an honor it was to spend time with the squadron and learn about the Air Force, the Airmen and the world they live in.

"This has been an unforgettable learning experience for me," Von Colln said. "I didn't know what I was in for when first becoming an honorary commander, but then I quickly learned it was a really big deal."

Von Colln will continue to serve as the lead honorary commander. In this role, she is responsible for serving as a mentor to the incoming honoraries, and maintaining a strong connection between them and the alumni honorary commander group, the Falcons.

Honorary commanders continuing their service are as follows: Rep. Todd Kiser, 388th FW command chief; Mayor Jamie Nagle, 388th Equipment Maintenance Squadron; Kearston Cutrubus; 388th Maintenance Operations Squadron; L.T. Weese, 388th Component Maintenance Squadron; Damon Kirchmeier, 421st Fighter Squadron; and Dwight Baldwin, 729th Air Control Squadron.

The new honorary commanders will serve for two years and create ties with the 388th FW through active involvement with their designated squadrons. Events such as changes of command, retirement ceremonies and holiday events will be open to the new honoraries.