DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Team Dover inducted 35 local civic and business leaders into the base’s 2026 Honorary Commander Program March 24, 2026, during an orientation and ceremony at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware.
In addition to an induction dinner, the day featured an orientation of the base’s mission and history, tours of a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft and the largest aerial port in the Department of War.
Col. Jamil Musa, 436th Airlift Wing commander, emphasized the importance of the program during his speech at the induction ceremony.
“Congratulations to our newest honorary commanders,” he said. “Dover Air Force Base is full of gratitude for your service to the greater good and for your investment in our community.”
The Dover AFB Honorary Commander Program connects members of the community with commanders from the 436th Airlift Wing, 512th Airlift Wing, Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations, Armed Forces Medical Examiner System and the Joint Personal Effects Depot. The program first began at Dover AFB in 1992; it educates honorary commanders about the importance of the base and Department of War’s mission and additionally educates military members about Delaware and the local community.
“Dover AFB would not be able to successfully accomplish its mission without the support we receive from the Delaware community,” said Zachary Cacicia, 436th AW chief of community engagement. “This program is the foundation of that support we receive.”
This year, Team Dover selected the honorary commander class from a large pool of candidates. The 2026 class is made up of a wide range of industries and professions, from throughout the state of Delaware, said Cacicia.
Sara Bluhm, executive director of the Sussex County Land Trust, is excited to serve her first term as an honorary commander for the 436th Mission Support Group. She said she was drawn to the program because of family members who serve in the military and the word-of-mouth from previous honorary commanders.
“I have such tremendous respect for all of the service members and what they do here at the base,” she said. “I can’t wait to learn more about their mission and sharing with them what I do.”
The fact that the program is meant to be collaborative was a point of focus for Col. Eric J. Rivero, 512th AW commander, during his speech at the ceremony.
“We gather not just to begin a program, but to mark the start of a meaningful partnership – one built on mutual respect, shared learning and a commitment to community,” he said. This is a two-way exchange. Your perspectives, your questions and your leadership experiences will enrich this program and help foster stronger ties between the base and the community it serves.”
Sean Bakst, chief operating officer with Delaware Back Pain and Sports Rehabilitation Center will serve his second term serving as an honorary commander and this year he is partnered with Col. Rivero and the 512th AW. He said he enjoyed his first year but felt like he had more to give.
“I felt like my mission wasn’t done with this,” he said. “I take being a community partner very seriously, and this has been a great honor for me. I learned so much over the last year and feel like there is so much more to learn. I encourage anybody interested to sign up for this program; you will not regret it.”
This year’s honorary commanders are scheduled for several base immersions, including an orientation flight, and are slated to graduate in January of 2027.