Connecting with the community: Delmarva community leaders learn about Air Force as honorary commanders Published Feb. 23, 2007 By Susan E. Walls 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- More than 50 community leaders were inducted as Dover Air Force Base honorary commanders during the 16th Annual Honorary Commanders Induction Ceremony at The Landings Club here Feb.15. 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. To date, nearly 700 community leaders have participated in the program. Civic leaders are matched with military commanders, both active duty and Reserve. Individuals are selected from across the peninsula, to include New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties, from professions ranging from physicians and politicians to bankers, police officers, business owners and educational instructors. The program's focus is to target those community members with little to no military service, and in turn educate them 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. Sam Cox, 436th Airlift Wing commander. Military commanders are encouraged to invite their civilian counterparts to unit functions, including awards ceremonies, commander's calls, change of commands and social functions, while honorary commanders are encouraged to invite their respective base commanders to interact with their profession in turn. John Link, a teacher of mathematics and entrepreneurship at Campus Community High School, is a newcomer to the Honorary Commanders Program for 2007 and is looking forward to serving with the 436th Operations Support Squadron. "I'm impressed with the Dover AFB leadership programs and am honored to have this wonderful opportunity to learn more about the base," said Mr. Link. Joe Yacyshyn, manager of community affairs for Wilmington Trust Company, is the new 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. He said he relishes his involvement with the entire Dover Team. "The Honorary Commanders Program is a great outreach tool. 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," said Mr. Yacyshyn. Jim Plumley, Vice President of Roofing Resources, the vice mayor of Camden and the honorary command chief for the 436th Airlift Wing, is also familiar with the program. Previously serving with the 436th Communications Squadron and 436th Aerial Port Squadron, he is continuing his partnership with Chief Master Sgt. Bruce Blodgett, 436th AW command chief for 2007. Mr. Plumley stated he is most proud of his association with the Julio Alonso Airman Leadership School and is truly impressed at the level of training and professionalism of its staff and students. "The transformation of the students over the five-week class is amazing," said Mr. Plumley. "When they graduate, they're equipped with the skills to be first-line supervisors. Dover AFB has done well drawing from within itself, with the greatest staff and technical sergeants to serve as instructors there." The new group of honorary commanders will have the opportunity to participate in many base functions over the next year: A C-5 orientation flight is projected for the spring, a welcome event for the C-17 Globemaster arrival in June, a wing-wide picnic in the summer, as well as the fall Bluesuiter's Golf Tournament at Eagle Creek Golf Course slated for September 13. For the new and returning honorary commanders, 2007 promises to be a year of learning experiences and opportunities for the exchange of information between the military and civilian leaders.