New honorary commanders inducted at Luke

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Susan Stout
  • 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  More than 65 local business and community leaders were inducted into the Luke Air Force Base honorary commanders program Oct. 25 during a reception and ceremony. 

In the spirit of Team Luke, the 944th Fighter Wing joined the 56th Fighter Wing for the first time in a collective effort to induct community members into the honorary commander program, which is designed to help the wings educate the local community on their missions, the U.S. Air Force, and the Air Force Reserve Command. The honorary commanders are inducted bi-annually during a ceremony indoctrinating them to the base and their new military family. 

"This program provides the base a community outreach opportunity that helps us build strong and lasting relationships with our local civic and business leaders," said Col. Michael Popovich, 944th Fighter Wing vice commander. 

The 56th Fighter Wing has a community or corporate leader assigned to each of its 27 squadrons and four groups. Three community members are assigned to the 944th Fighter Wing. 

Joining the 944th Fighter Wing as an honorary commander is Mr. Dale Phillips, president of Mark Taylor Apartments. Assigned to the 944th Operations Group is Mr. Art Perkins, vice president, Western Region Barton Malow Company. Ms. Paige Lund, general manager of the Wigwam Resort and Spa, is the honorary commander of the 944th Mission Support Group. 

The induction ceremony included a parade of all group and squadron guidons with a flag exchange between the military commanders and their assigned honorary commanders signifying their acceptance to take an active part in their assigned squadron or group. 

The purpose of the program is two-fold: It allows community participants to understand the importance of the Luke, U.S. Air Force and Defense Department military missions, and it allows military commanders and their units to learn more about the community in which they live. 

Throughout their two-year tenure, the 944th FW honorary commanders will become intimately involved with their assigned groups and are invited to unit social functions, commander's calls, award banquets and other important events. They are briefed by the 944th FW and 56th FW commanders on the mission of Luke and the Reserve and given opportunities to participate in Bosses Day and civic leader tours. The honorary commander also extends reciprocal invitations to their units. 

(Portions courtesy of the 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office.)