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53rd Wing welcomes new honorary commanders

  • Published
  • By Ashley M. Wright
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 53rd Wing leadership welcomed 10 new community leaders during their honorary squadron commander change of command ceremony.

"Through this community outreach program, we are able to showcase the 53rd's contributions to the Air Force mission and champion the Air Force story while fostering enduring community relations," said Col. Michael Gantt, 53rd Wing commander.

The honorary commanders program allows local community members a unique opportunity to interact with and learn about 53rd Wing Airmen, their mission and the role they play in supporting the Air Force. Honoraries may invite commanders to community functions, building and maintaining positive relationships between the military and local communities.

Tammy McDaniel, 16th Electronic Warfare Squadron honorary commander, said she applied for the program for three years and has already noticed changes since she was in the Air National Guard in the 1980s, especially in the higher level of education today's Airmen have.

"I am looking forward to seeing what the wing does and what, specifically, my squadron does and taking it back to the community organizations I belong to," Ms. McDaniel said.

The new commanders represent a diverse section of the local business, medical, education and other professional sectors. 

This year the 84th Test and Evaluation Squadron, the 53rd Wing's new reserve unit, welcomed their first honorary commander.

The previous year's honorary commanders were also recognized at the ceremony.

"The last class participated at a very high level, immersing themselves into our wing and inviting Air Force personnel into their lines of work," Colonel Gantt said. "I believe our new crew of honorary commanders will do the same, if not a better job, of embracing the program with all their energy. I look forward to working and learning with them over the next year."

The 53rd Wing Honorary Commanders are:
Joe Carnley- 53rd Wing
Joe Fagundes-85th Test and Evaluation Squadron
Dean Jacks- 84th Test and Evaluation Squadron
Tammy McDaniel-16th Electronic Warfare Squadron
James Moody-29th Training Systems Squadron
Randall Butts- Operational Flight Program Combined Test Force
Mark Rankin- 28th Test and Evaluation Squadron
Christopher Sehman- 36th Electronic Warfare Squadron
Tim Zook- 68th Electronic Warfare Squadron
William McCormick- 86th Fighter Weapons Squadron
Gary Yancey-53rd Computer Systems Squadron