News

Honorary Commander nominated for NSF

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ashlin Federick
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  One of the ways in which the Air Force seeks to enhance its relationship with civilian leaders is through the National Security Forum.

Mike Tatoian, Dover Motor Sports, Inc. chief operating officer and 436th Airlift Wing honorary commander, was selected and will attend the 61st Annual NSF May 6-8, at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.

"There are a lot of areas where the military is similar to business in the civilian world such as leadership, decision making skills and management," said Tatoian. "I am honored to be able to participate in this unique opportunity that not many civilians are able to do. It will give me a better understanding of the military."

The forum's purpose is to broaden the participants' perspectives and attain a mutual understanding on topics of interest concerning diplomatic information, military, economic and cultural instruments of power in a lecture and seminar environment. It provides attendees the opportunity to share perspectives between key civic leaders, senior military officers and highly-experienced government civilians.

More than 110 business and community leaders are invited each year to attend the secretary of the Air Force-sponsored forum. The forum allows for open discussions between guests and Air War College students, faculty and senior leaders on international and national security issues impacting the Air Force, the Department of Defense and the nation.

NSF guests are usually individuals with significant influence in their fields or communities, but who have limited knowledge of the military. They will engage in an exchange of ideas with AWC students, who are all senior Air Force, joint and international officers and government civilians learning to lead at the strategic level.

Tatoian said he is fortunate to be able to work in the sports and entertainment world. He said how the Air Force deals with national and international security somewhat applies to him because they both protect a large number of people.

"We may not be protecting the country, but we have our guard up during events such as the Firefly Music Festival and NASCAR," said Tatoian. "Anytime you have a mass gathering of people it is an attractive threat. I think it will be a great way to learn how others, who have the same type of challenges as me, are protecting their facilities."

Tatoian was nominated for the forum by Col. Rick Moore, 436th AW commander, because of his active involvement in the base and surrounding communities. Col. Moore said not only has Tatoian been an honorary commander for three years, he has been a huge Team Dover supporter since he arrived in Dover, Del. seven years ago. Tatoian is always eager to learn all that he can about the base and the military.

"We're thrilled to have a member of our Team selected for such a prestigious opportunity," said Col. Moore. "Mr. Tatoian will no doubt be able to add a great deal of perspective to the program, and will hopefully gain a greater understanding of the overall Air Force mission. We're anxious for him to get back so he can share his experiences with us."