News

Team Dover welcomes honorary commanders

  • Published
  • By Susan E. Walls
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  More than 50 community leaders, including Gov. Ruth Ann Minner of Delaware, and Dover's Mayor, Carleton Carey, were inducted in the 17th Annual Honorary Commander Induction Ceremony at the Landings Club on Dover Air Force Base January 31.

The ceremony was more than a customary handshake and photo opportunity.

The honorary commanders program first began at Dover AFB in 1992, with 41 community leaders and has been a resounding success from its inception. To date, nearly 500 community leaders have participated in the program.

Civic leaders are matched with active duty and reserve commanders. Individuals are selected from across the First State, to include New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties, from professions ranging from school teachers and politicians to bankers, police officers, business owners and elected officials.

The program's focus is to target those community members with limited knowledge of the military, who can be further educated about Dover AFB and the important role of today's military.

"This program was initiated to extend a cross-flow of information and exchange of ideas between our military personnel and local civic leaders," said Col. Steven Harrison, 436th Airlift Wing commander.

Military commanders are encouraged to invite their civilian counterpart to unit functions including awards ceremonies, commander's calls, change-of-command ceremonies and social functions. In turn, honorary commanders are encouraged to invite their respective commanders to interact with their professions.

Cindy Small, Kent County Tourism Corporation executive director, is a newcomer to the Honorary Commander program and is looking forward to serving with the 436th Maintenance Operations Squadron.

"I'm impressed with the Dover Air Force Base leadership programs and am honored to have this wonderful opportunity to learn more about the base," stated Mrs. Small.

Joe Yacyshyn, Manager of Community Affairs for Wilmington Trust Company is the honorary commander for the 436th Mission Support Group. Mr. Yacyshyn has been involved in the program since 2004, previously serving with the 3rd Airlift Squadron, and relishes his involvement with the entire Dover Team.

"The Honorary Commander program is a great outreach tool," said Mr. Yacyshyn. "The interaction with the squadrons, gives me so many unique opportunities to work with and show my support for the military, to see what they do every day, for our local area, and our country. I'm very proud to be associated with Dover AFB."

The 2008 group of honorary commanders will have the opportunity to participate in many base functions over the next year.