Team McChord welcomed the 2022-2024 honorary commanders during an assumption of command ceremony at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Sept. 29. These local community leaders come from various backgrounds and play a key role in continuing to strengthen ties between Team McChord and the local community.

"Leaders pair with military commanders and serve alongside them as Honorary Commanders," said U.S. Air Force Col. David Fazenbaker, commander of the 62d Airlift Wing. "The purpose of this program is twofold: first, to educate and foster a supportive relationship with the local community, second to increase involvement in civic endeavors and bolster community connections with Team McChord."

Across the Air Force, the Honorary Commander Program provides a platform to inform and educate about Department of Defense missions and develop supportive relationships with the community. In recent years, common duties of an Honorary Commander include visiting McChord Field, learning about the mission, participating in base functions and expressing their views on issues of mutual concern.

"We are lucky to live in an amazing community here in the Pacific Northwest, a community as diverse as our Air Force," Fazenbaker said, "We have a diverse group of honorary commanders from various parts of this community, and I look forward to the partnerships we will build with each other."

The Honorary Commander Program isn't just about civic leaders becoming involved in military affairs; it also focuses on increasing military involvement in public endeavors and city organizations that will bring unit comradery to the local community.

"The outstanding airmen of Team McChord are motivated and ready to learn from your leadership and experiences," Fazenbaker said, "We are proud and grateful to have you as a part of our organization"

Each honorary commander term lasts up to two years. The Air Force's goal of creating one-on-one mission-based learning opportunities within these partnerships is something Team McChord is honored to be a part of.

The 2022-2024 Honorary Commanders:

62d Airlift Wing commander - Mary Moss, deputy mayor for the City of Lakewood

62d Airlift Wing vice commander - Andrea Reay, president/CEO of Tacoma-Pierce Chamber of Commerce

4th Airlift Squadron commander - Matthew Hayes, president/CEO of the Museum of Flight, Seattle

5th Air Support Operations Squadron commander - Dr. Lance Goodpaster, superintendent of the Franklin Pierce School District

7th Airlift Squadron commander - Mike Runion, president/CEO of 7 Seas Brewing Co.

8th Airlift Squadron commander - Todd McLaughlin, manager of E9 Brewing Co.

627th Communications Squadron commander - Adam Cook, director of Tacoma Venues and Events

627th Logistics Readiness Squadron commander - Thomas Embleton, senior manager of FedEx

627th Civil Engineer Squadron commander - Mike Cannon, president/CEO of Cannon Companies

627th Force Support Squadron commander - Brenda Rogers, vice president of the Board of Directors, Bethel School District

62d Maintenance Squadron commander - Dave Bugher, community economic development director of the City of Lakewood

62d Aerial Port Squadron - Sean Eagan, government affairs director for the Port of Tacoma

62d Operations Group commander - Tim Mensonides, manager of the Auburn Municipal Airport

62d Maintenance Group commander - Dr. Joyce Loveday, president of Clover Park Technical College

1st Air Support Operations Group commander - Kelly Benson, interim executive director for Pierce College at Joint Base Lewis-McChord

446th Airlift Wing commander - Edna Shim, senior director of Regional Government Affairs & Community Relations, Seattle Children's Hospital

Western Air Defense Sector commander - Ashley Krebs, marketing manager for The Old Cannery

361st Recruiting Squadron commander - Dr. Julie White, president of Pierce College Fort Steilacoom

62d Airlift Wing command chief - Jaimie Garrett, senior loan consultant with Caliber Home Loans

62d Operations Support Squadron commander - Sen. T'wina Nobles, Washington state senator and president/CEO of Tacoma Urban League

62d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander - Josh Dunn, founder/CEO of Premier Media

62d Comptroller Squadron commander - AJ Gordon, vice president of the South Sound Commercial Banking division, Banner Bank

627th Security Forces Squadron commander - Carl Cole, city manager for the city of SeaTac

62d Medical Squadron commander - Bill Robertson, president/CEO of MultiCare Health System

627th Air Base Group commander - Jeremiah Visaya, general manager with Titus-Will Ford of Lakewood