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Luncheon held for 2008 Honorary Commanders

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jeff Kelly
  • 315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
CHARLESTON AFB, S.C. --  The 315th Airlift Wing's six Honorary Commanders for 2008 were recognized during a special dinner in their honor here today.

The Honorary Commander program which was recently reestablished by the 315th AW allows the local Charleston civilian community and the Charleston Air Force Base military community to exchange ideas and experiences and also fosters lasting friendships between key civic leaders and the Reserve force.

Honored today were Mr. Fred Hovey, Dr. Robert Beebe Jr., Mr. Walt Thorn, Mr. Bill Watts, Dr. Walter Leventhal and Mr. Bill Maher.

Each Honorary Commander was paired with a Reserve commander and the command chief master sergeant. They will serve between one and two years in the honorary position.

"I believe serving as an Honorary Commander will allow me to experience first hand some of what makes our military the greatest, and I am honored to do so," said Bill Watts, Owner of Gerald's Tires and Brakes and Honorary Commander for the 315th Mission Support Group. "Everyone keeps saying that they are honored to have us here, I just want to say that it is us who are honored to be here."

"Each one of our Honorary Commanders are great leaders in our community and will be great liaisons for the 315th Airlift Wing," said Vice Wing Commander, Colonel Mark Bauknight. "This program also gives us the opportunity to show Charleston how much we appreciate the support of the local community."

The Honorary Commanders are scheduled to fly with the 315th AW to Eglin AFB, Florida on Wednesday of this week.