News

Robins honorary commanders sworn in

  • Published
  • By Jenny Gordon
  • 78th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
Robins welcomed its newest honorary commanders during a ceremony Aug. 23 at the Museum of Aviation. This year, 20 community members from across Middle Georgia were honored with the distinction of being a proactive ambassador.

Nominations for honorary commanders are accepted from the local chambers of commerce and Robins commanders.

According to Lisa Ham, 78th Air Base Wing Public Affairs Community Relations chief, the nominees include community leaders from industry and business; federal, state and local government; professional and neighborhood associations; sports and entertainment; arts and philanthropic organizations; and media.

Department of Defense - military or civilian - retirees cannot be nominated.

Every two years a new group of honorary commanders is selected to represent and support Robins in the community. The program began in 2005 and is designed to encourage friendships and experiences between the local civilian community and the base, while at the same time increasing Robins' role in civic involvement.

"The Honorary Commander Program is a method to foster supportive relationships between the base and the community, increase military involvement in civic endeavors and organizations, and make the members of our local community part of our family," Ham said.

Each new commander will not only represent his or her respective units, but will have opportunities to interact with unit personnel to learn more about the Air Force and the base's mission. They will be invited to attend such base events as Tops in Blue, air shows, Tattoos, changes of command, and various museum functions.

"Those are major events for the base and important for the honorary commander partnership," Ham said.

When possible, honorary commanders are paired with a wing or group which closely represents their trade or interest.