Team Homestead gets new honorary commanders

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Frank Casciotta
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  Team Homestead welcomed its newest Honorary Commanders during an inaugural Assumption of Command ceremony March 5 at the Community Activity Center.

The Honorary Commanders Program exists to encourage an exchange of ideas, sharing experiences and fostering friendships between key civic leaders from the local area and Homestead Air Reserve Base. The program provides a unique opportunity for Honorary Commanders to shadow 482nd Fighter Wing leaders and get a glimpse of the military experience.

During the ceremony, each new honorary commander was presented a plaque from their military counterpart and welcomed into their respective new squadron.

Col. David Garfield, the 482nd Fighter Wing commander, spoke on the value of a strong relationship between the community and the base.

"You have the strength we can use to help America 'Win,'" said Garfield. "We need you to spread the message of who we are and let folks in the community know that our purpose is to support them and our country by training the finest Airmen who will then defend the constitution from our enemies, and provide you the freedoms you enjoy."

Sharon Haxton, the 482nd FW honorary commander, said she looks forward to seeing what other honorary commanders will do with the knowledge they gain from the partnership between the base and community.

"It was impressive to know that each honorary commander was hand-picked by each squadron based on their skills and knowledge," said Haxton. "I know that I will do my part to help continue bringing the base and community closer together. The more I learn, the more I can bring back to the community and I plan to stay as involved as I can. It is such an honor to have been selected for this position, I couldn't be prouder."

The honorary commanders will serve their respective units for a term of two years before new commanders from the community are appointed.