AF leaders share worlds with honorary commanders

  • Published
  • By Kirtland Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Business leaders, government officials and involved citizens joined Kirtland Air Force Base representatives for lunch Nov. 10 to discuss the base's Honorary Commanders Program.

The Air Force program pairs local civic leaders with commanders and directors on the military installation in an effort to foster understanding between the military and civilian communities.

Kirtland is accepting nominations through the end of November and will send invitations to participate in December. Nomination forms can be requested from the 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs Office at 377abw.pa@us.af.mil or 846-5991.

The base previously only assigned honorary commanders to group commanders and above. However, under the direction of Col. Eric Froehlich, 377th Air Base Wing commander, the program is expanding in 2016 to include more of the community.

Increasing from 23 positions to more than 40, Froehlich intends to strengthen Kirtland's bond with the local community by providing more opportunities for engagement.

"Kirtland has a proud history here in Albuquerque. For almost 75 years, we have been honored to live and operate in the Land of Enchantment," Froehlich said. "We couldn't be successful without the tremendous support we receive from the community, and this program is one way to grow life-long professional friendships here."

The informative lunch introduced more than 80 leaders to the program and provided a few with a personal tour of the 58th Special Operations Wing. Christine Glidden, a current honorary commander and active community supporter, set up the tour.

"I encourage leaders to consider this opportunity and become an honorary commander," Glidden said. "I knew virtually nothing about the military when I was nominated, and I am so grateful for this experience. I am in awe of the caliber and character of the people on this base, and getting to know them has been a highlight in my life."

Glidden has been active in arranging tours on the base through Public Affairs, and has nominated numerous professionals for the 2016-18 class of honoraries. In addition to bringing civilians in to meet their military, she is working on initiatives to bring more military members out into the community.

Next in her plans are a tour of the University of New Mexico Cancer Center and a social at the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History. Her prolific involvement makes her an ideal mentor for future honorary commanders.

"Christine is doing exactly what the program is designed to do. She introduces her civilian network to the military and the military to the civilian community," said Meredith Mingledorff, 377th ABW chief of community relations.

Mingledorff said being introduced to new businesses and attractions can be difficult for Airmen, since they move into the area and get to work immediately.

By inviting personnel to experience the community, an honorary commander offers them a chance to experience a part of New Mexico they might not otherwise see.

"No matter where these warriors move throughout the world, they will remember the hospitality here and carry Albuquerque in their hearts," Mingledorff said. "Hopefully, this will translate into new citizens of Albuquerque in the future, and increased tourism for the area as their friends and families hear about their wonderful experiences."

Mingledorff added that businesses have an opportunity to cultivate the future workforce by bringing Airmen into their industry and company for introductory experiences.

The next class of honoraries will be inducted Jan. 29 at the base. The volunteer assignment is for two years, and is open to anyone interested in learning more about the Air Force and fostering positive relationships between the community and the base. Ideal candidates have little to no experience with the Air Force and are active in the civilian business community.

A background check is required.

For more information on the program, contact Public Affairs .