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McChord hosts Honorary Commanders Change of Command

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Naomi Shipley
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs --  More than 15 civic leaders and community partners from the Puget Sound took an oath to support the men and women of Team McChord and the United States Air Force during an Honorary Commander change of command ceremony at the McChord Chapel Support Center Feb. 22., Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

The Honorary Commander program is an Air Force public affairs initiative to educate community partners with limited knowledge about the Air Force by teaming them up with commanders at Air Force bases.

This program enables an inside view to life in the Air Force with key leaders, an opportunity which otherwise would not occur.

"It's a very special day and a very meaningful ceremony," said Col. Leonard Kosinski, 62nd Airlift Wing commander. "It's an honor to have you here today. We are full of appreciation for our community partners who have served and bettered the lives of our Airmen and their families."

Kosinksi emphasized the significance of the program and the vitality of it.

"You[honorary commanders] have enabled worldwide mobility airlift and made our military stronger through your efforts," Kosinski said. "It's crucial to have an open and cooperative relationship with our community, which is why Team McChord's Honorary Commanders Program is very important to us."

Anne Sprute, who is a retired U.S. Army Aviator and founder of Rally Point 6, was paired up with Kosinksi as his new honorary commander.
 
"It's extremely humbling," said Sprute. "Anytime we [community members] have the opportunity to learn about organizations doing amazing things that are impacting our society as a whole including maintain our freedoms, it's extremely valuable. I [now] have the opportunity to take that information and share it with people in the private sector. It's an opportunity to educate the community at large."

There are several goals for the program according to Kosinski.

"The first is to give you insight into Team McChord and the Air Force as a whole through direct personal involvement with our Airmen," Kosinksi said. "For those who have not met the Airmen who make the Air Force so great, you will be amazed. Secondly, our Airmen will benefit through increased association with you, our key community leaders."

From the tangible donations to the behind the scenes interaction and support of Airmen, the community plays a huge role in the success of military installations worldwide. 

"It goes without saying; we could not do our mission without your support," said Kosinski.

The last time an honorary commander's change of command was conducted on McChord was 2013, when eight new commanders were welcomed in.

For more information about the Honorary Commander program contact Public Affairs at 982-5637.