Team Dover inducts new honorary commanders

Published Feb. 9, 2016
By Senior Airman Ashlin Federick
436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Thirty-five local civic and business leaders were inducted into Team Dover's Honorary Commander Program during a ceremony Feb. 6, 2016, at the Air Mobility Command Museum on Dover AFB, Delaware.

Team Dover's Honorary Commander Program first began in 1992 as a way to match individuals from across the state with commanders from the 436th Airlift Wing, 512th AW, Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations, Armed Forces Medical Examiner System, Joint Personal Effects Depot and the 373d Training Squadron, Detachment 3. The program is a way to help members of the community understand the importance of Dover AFB's and the Air Force's mission. It also allows military commanders and their Airmen to learn more about the community in which they live.

The ceremony's guest speaker was Dawne Nickerson-Banez, Frankfurt Bakery and Deli owner and the 436th Mission Support Group honorary commander for 2015.

Nickerson-Banez talked about her time in the program and some of the things she has accomplished in her three years as an honorary commander. She also challenged the new inductees.

"Class of 2016, I challenge you," said Nickerson-Banez. "Engage, embrace and embark into a new and lifelong relationship. Don't just take. Bring your commander into your world."

Dr. Dean Dobbert, Eden Hill Express Care medical doctor and 436th Operations Support Squadron honorary commander, said he is incredibly excited about the honorary commander program and it is a tremendous honor to be a part of it this year.

"It is not a secret that Dover AFB enjoys a unique relationship with the surrounding civilian community as we support each other," said Dobbert. "The Honorary Commander Program gives base personnel a chance to explain their skills, and for us civilians to appreciate how hard their job is. From being beaten up by the Red Man, to sitting in the cockpit during an inflight refueling, it's the opportunity of a lifetime, and I'm grateful to be participating in the program."

Following Nickerson-Banez 's speech, the previous year's honorary commanders were recognized. Col. Michael Grismer, 436th AW commander, and Col. D. Scott Durham, 512th AW commander, thanked the 2015 honorary commanders in attendance for their service and welcomed them into the alumni program where they can continue to exchange ideas, experiences and friendships with Team Dover.

Both commanders then closed the ceremony by leading an oath recited by all 35 newly selected honorary commanders, officially bringing them into the Team Dover family.

Team Dover's 2016 honorary commanders are:

- Mr. Robert Pancake, entrepreneur and franchisee of Buffalo Wild Wings Restaurants
- Mr. John Paradee, partner with Baird, Mandalas & Brockstedt Law Firm
- Mr. Andrew Johnson, director of operations for Dentsply International's LD Caulk Division
- Mr. Greg Newman, facility management specialist for Hillyard Industries, Inc.
- Mr. Michael Uffner, owner of Auto Team Delaware
- Mr. Tom Banez, program manager for Delaware Department of Transportation
- Dr. Megan Williams, director for Beebe Population Health
- Mr. Robb Carter, sales manager for New Penn Financial, Inc.
- Mrs. Stephanie Preece, chief financial officer for George & Lynch, Inc.
- Mrs. Jessica Moyer, president of Cure Spinal Atrophy and personal trainer
- Dr. Mark Brainard, president of Delaware Technical Community College
- Mr. John Eichten, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Aloft AeroArchitects
- Mr. Michael Caloway, district sales manager and operations manager for United Electric Supply, Inc.
- Dr. Dean Dobbert, medical doctor for Eden Hill Express Care
- Hon. James Murray, judge for State of Delaware Family Court
- Mr. Kevin Phillipson, business consultant and adjunct instructor at Wilmington University
- Mrs. Jenny Mabus, co-owner of Bayard Pharmacy
- Mr. John Robert Ennis, director of marketing for Leadership Central Delaware, Marketing & Program Development
- Mr. Kenny Carter, head football coach for Delaware State University
- Mr. Todd Ewald, control systems engineer for Good Manufacturing Practices
- Mr. Kevin Yingling, business development and energy services manager for Delaware Electric Cooperative
- Mr. William Neaton, economic development director for City of Dover
- Mrs. Katrina Sullivan, advertising manager for Delaware State News
- Mrs. Sandra Caloway, general manager for MainStay Suites
- Mr. Rob Meding, owner of Meding & Sons Seafood
- Mrs. Lisa Courtney, senior director consumer marketing and partnership activation for Dover Motorsports, Inc.
- Ms. Deborah Edwards, human resource generalist for 1st State Manufacturing
- Mrs. Danielle Hufford, marketing manager for ShureLine Electrical
- Mr. Glenn Shipley, legislative assistant for Senators Brian Bushweller and Bruce Ennis
- Hon. Robin Christiansen, mayor for City of Dover
- Mrs. Tracy Skrobot, former director for Middletown Main Street, Inc.
- Dr. Thomas Barnett, doctor of medicine for Surgical Associates, P.A.
- Mr. David Fisher, executive director for Nephrology Associates
- Mrs. Susan Herr, executive director for Dover YMCA

More details about Team Dover's Honorary Commander Program can be found here:
http://www.dover.af.mil/civicengagement/cearchive/hon.commander2016.asp