JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Civic and base leaders came together for the Honorary Commander’s Induction Ceremony Sept. 17, for a brief socially-distanced event that introduced new honorary commanders to their respective Joint Base Charleston counterparts.
“The Joint Base Charleston Honorary Commanders Program was developed to encourage an exchange of ideas, experiences, and friendship between key members of the local civilian community and the Charleston military community,” said Neysa Williams, 628th Air Base Wing Public Affairs Office community engagement chief.
The Honorary Commander’s Program provides leaders within the community an opportunity to learn more about the base’s mission including all tenet units. The program also allows service members to become more connected to their local community.
Concerns over attendees health was also factored into the ceremony.
“Safety was our number concern when planning this ceremony,” Williams said. “We worked diligently to ensure we complied with CDC and DoD guidelines for everyone’s safety.”
Members appointed to this program represent an array of organizations and positions within the local community to ensure a variety of perspectives and experiences are brought to the table. They are partnered with various wing, group and squadron commanders and mission partners throughout the installation for a short 2-3 year term. Throughout the year, they are invited to attend base tours, unit events, change of command ceremonies and various social functions.
The ceremony also celebrated the 73rd Air Force birthday, alongside those selected as honorary commanders, with a traditional cake-cutting with the oldest and youngest Airmen.