Air Armament Center ambassadors selected

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  • 96 ABW Public Affairs
Eglin AFB, Fla. --  Maj. Gen. David  Eidsaune, Program Executive Officer for Weapons and Air Armament Center Commander, recently selected the 2008 James E. Plew Outstanding Community Ambassadors. Those selected were Gen. (retired) William Kirk, Mayor Michael Anderson, Mr. Thomas Rice and Mrs. Melinda Wickham. 

The center instituted the program in 2005 to recognize outstanding community leaders who have demonstrated long-term support for Team Eglin and its military communities.
 
"The Ambassador program is just one way to recognize the important role community leaders play in supporting the military," the general said. "Community leaders are a visible presence at military events and go above and beyond to demonstrate their commitment to the mission and the men and women of Eglin AFB, Hurlburt Field and Duke Field." 

Gen. (retired) William Kirk served thirty-eight years in the United States Air Force. He began his career as a fighter pilot and served as commander in chief, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, and commander, Allied Air Forces Central Europe. He retired in 1989. General Kirk is currently involved in consulting activities primarily in electronic warfare and computer modeling/simulations. He is also a participant in various local study groups for the advisability of retention of air armaments capability at Eglin Air Force Base. 

Mayor Michael Anderson is the mayor of Fort Walton Beach. He also serves as the
Chairman of the Florida League of Cities Home Rule Legislative Policy Council and is on the Board of Directors for the Okaloosa School Foundation (Take Stock in Children). He is also a member of the Joint Land Use Study (JLUS) and Eglin's Installation Growth Management Executive Committee. Mayor Anderson recently received the 2008 Northwest Florida League of Cities Municipal Official of the Year award. In 2007, he was selected as the Florida League of Cities Mayor of the Year.

Mr. Thomas Rice is the owner and chef of The Magnolia Grill of Fort Walton Beach. He received the "Good Neighbor Award" from the National Restaurant Association and the Greater Fort Walton Beach Small Business of the Year. U.S. Representative Jeff Miller recognized him for his humanitarian work in the Congressional Record of the 110th Congress. Mr. Rice is on the Board of Directors of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and the Fisher House of the Emerald Coast plus several other civic organizations. He chairs the Emerald Coast Bridge Authority and he serves on the Appointment Board to the United States Military Academy for U.S. Senator Mel Martinez.

Mrs. Melinda Wickham is employed with the Walton County Tourist Development Council. Mrs. Wickham is the former Mayor of Ponce de Leon, Fla. and currently serves as the Walton County Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Council chairperson. Under her leadership, the MAC has sponsored two Military Appreciation events for Eglin, Hurlburt and Duke personnel as well as an annual Eglin Spouse Leadership tour.