News

Team Dover welcomes new honorary commanders

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Remoshay Nelson
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Thirty-four civic and business leaders were inducted into Team Dover's honorary commander program during a special ceremony Feb. 8 at the Air Mobility Command Museum.

Team Dover's honorary commander program, which began in 1992, matches leaders from across the state of Delaware with base commanders from the 436th Airlift Wing, 512th Airlift Wing, Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Center, Armed Forces Medical Examiner System, Joint Personal Effects Depot, and the 373rd Training Squadron, Detachment 3 to help them better understand Dover's mission. It also allows base commanders and their units to learn more about local leaders and businesses in the community.

"This program is intriguing because it gives us the opportunity to share our mission and Airmen with the community that supports us," said Col. Rick Moore, 436 Airlift Wing commander. "We're thrilled for this year's class and we hope they will find it as enriching as we do".

The ceremony's guest speaker, S. Renee Smith, motivational speaker, author and 2013 honorary commander for the 436th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron shared her heartening experience with the newly elected members and described it as an adventure.

"This program offers you the opportunity to be a part of so much," said Smith. "It is an adventure that takes you into deep places within yourself and makes you appreciate what the Airmen do even more".

Following Smith's speech, the previous year's honorary commanders were recognized. Col. Moore and Col. Raymond Kozak, 512th Airlift Wing commander, thanked the 2013 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 34 newly selected honorary commanders, officially bringing them into the Dover family.

The Honorable James Murray, judicial assistant, mediator and arbitrator officer, State of Delaware and Family Court, was more than happy to accept the invitation and duties as honorary commander.

"I am very excited to be a part of the program" said Murray. "As a lifelong resident, I am honored by the opportunity to finally learn the ins and outs of the base and actually see the day-to-day operations".

Team Dover's 2014 honorary commanders are:

- Mr. Michael Tatoian, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Dover Motorsports, Inc.
- Dr. Lindsay Rhodenbaugh, senior vice president, chief development officer and president, Bayhealth Foundation
- Mr. K. Scott McNary, plant manager, Procter & Gamble
- Ms. Donna Johnson, executive director, Delaware State Board of Education
- Mr. Bill Schaefer, senior mortgage specialist, New Penn Financial
- Mr. Mark Rossi, vice president, Dover Motorsports, Inc.
- Honorable Brian Bushweller, State Representative, 17th District
- Mrs. Jessica Moyer, president, Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy DE
- Mr. Michael Uffner, owner, Auto Team Delaware
- Ms. Kristen Cook, extension educator, University of Delaware
- Mr. John Yoho, owner, Little Caesars Pizza Franchise
- Mr. David McClellan, food safety and quality assurance manager, Perdue Foods
- Mr. Tom Banez, program manager, Delaware Department of Transportation
- Mr. Gilbert Baird, senior product line manager, ILC Dover
- Mrs. Lori Ewald, retail merchandiser, Hasbro, Inc.
- Mr. Eli Schrock, service manager, I.G. Burton & Company
- Mr. A. C. Lucas, material procurement and production planner, Fordham & Old Dominion Brewing Co.
- Mr. George Krupanski, president and CEO, Boys & Girls Club of Delaware
- Mr. Wilhelm Wieland, vice president, Engineering and Certification of PATS Aircraft Systems
- Ms. Dawne Nickerson-Banez, owner, Frankfurt Bakery and Deli
- Ms. Dana Lee Sawyer, director of corporate and community programs, Delaware Technical Community College
- Mrs. Kim Provo, financial advisor, First Command Financial Services
- Hon. James Murray, judicial assistant, mediator and arbitrator officer, State of Delaware & Family Court
- Dr. Eric Kmiec, professor and chairman of Department of Chemistry, Delaware State University
- Dr. Rahul Singh, medical doctor, Wolf Creek Surgeons
- Mr. Charles Gray, director of sales, Kent County Convention and Visitor's Bureau
- Hon. Andria Bennett, State Representative, 32nd District
- Dr. Dean Dobbert, medical doctor, Eden Hill Express Care
- Mr. Andrew S. Johnson, director of operations, Dentsply International's LD Caulk Division
- Ms. Bettie Campbell, director of business development, Dover Federal Credit Union
- Mrs. Renee Smith, image consultant, motivational speaker and author
- Mr. Eric Williams, owner, Mispillion River Brewery
- Mr. Greg Newman, facility management specialist, Hillyard Industries, Inc.
- Hon. Allen Angel, commissioner, Kent County Levy Court

More details about Team Dover's honorary commander program can be found here:
http://www.dover.af.mil/civicengagement/cearchive/hon.commander2014.asp