Protocol: Minding manners

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Matthew Hubby
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  There is an office on Dover Air Force Base which covers two scopes of military life.

The Protocol office works with Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Center on dignified transfers, by acting as support of the general officer who is present for all dignified transfers.

Their second job, and the core of their duties, is to handle retirements, promotions, ribbon cuttings, changes of commands and other ceremonies.

For example, this summer, there have been 15 changes of command ceremonies said 1st Lt. Robert Neuman, 436th Airlift Wing chief of protocol. His staff which includes Lucky Dufresne, protocol specialist, Staff Sgt. Bonnie Kilichowski, protocol specialist, and Staff Sgt. Carolina Angulo, non-commissioned officer in charge of protocol, all strive to provide the best support for the ceremonies they work on.

"Summer is one of our busiest times," said Lieutenant Neuman. "We handle all distinguished visitors here on official business, all colonels and above. Our job is to make everything look crisp and polished and true to its military heritage."

"A lot of our work is preparing for an event," said Mr. Dufresne. "Though one big thing a lot of people do miss, is RSVPs. It's covered in AMC guidance that all RSVPs should be answered within two days, a lot of people answer later than that, or not at all."

The protocol office has an Enterprise Information Management site where they have posted many of the requirements for most ceremonies, all standardized to match the requirements in Air Force Instructions and Air Mobility Command guidance. They even supply invitations for events on the site.

"The doors of the protocol office are always open," said Lieutenant Neuman. "We are here to make sure events look good, and we strive to make every ceremony we touch perfect."