Base, community leaders partner, cement relationships

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman J. Paul Croxon
  • 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The 319th Air Refueling Wing inducted two community leaders as new honorary commanders while 25 others "re-upped" for another year, some switching to another unit, during a ceremony at the Northern Lights Club Feb. 26.

Mr. Danny Holwerda became the new honorary vice wing commander and Mr. Rick Duquette became the 319th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron's honorary commander.

The annual ceremony pairs wing, group and squadron commanders with local business and community leaders of similar background and further cements the relationship between the two groups.

"The spirit of partnership and the bond of friendship we share is a great source of strength for our wing," said Col. Diane Hull, 319th Air Refueling Wing commander, during her closing remarks. "We would not be able to fight this Global War on Terror and carry out our mission without [the community's] support of our military members and families."

Honorary commanders participate in unit and wing functions throughout the year and are considered part of their respective units. Honorary commanders are even inducted with a ceremonial flag pass, just as Air Force commanders do during their changes of command.

"I want to express my thanks for all you do," said Mr. Wade Pearson, who moved from the honorary vice commander to the honorary wing commander. "Six years ago, when we were attacked, and I found out the attackers were from Afghanistan. I thought to myself, 'Now what are we going to do?'", reflecting on the inability of the Russian military machine to succeed in Afghanistan. "Without you, we would not have success there."

This closeness between military and civilian leaders reflects the feelings Airmen and local civilians have felt for each other for years. One of the most visible products from this bond is Operation Enduring Friendship, in which free and discounted tickets are given to Airmen for local sporting and cultural events. To date, more than $510,000 has been donated.

In addition to new honorary commanders inducted, Rev. Paul Knight became the wing's first honorary chaplain.