Honorary commanders learn ropes

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Madelyn Brown
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Honorary commanders of Travis completed a six-hour boot camp Feb. 21 specifically tailored to integrate the civic leaders into the military culture.

The honorary commander program consists of 59 key civic leaders from counties surrounding Travis. Each assigned to a wing, group or squadron commander on Travis. The purpose of the program is to encourage the exchange of ideas, experiences and friendship between key members of the civilian and the military community.

Max Villalobos, Chief Executive Officer for Kaiser Permanente hospital and 60th Medical Group honorary commander, was motivated to become a part of the program because of his desire to be a valuable member of the local community and to support the Airmen of Travis, he said.

Another civic leader was inspired to become active in the program because of the character of various Airmen he had come into contact with in the community.

"I was motivated to get involved in the honorary commander program by the enthusiasm, can-do spirit and 100-percent positive nature reflected in the Airmen I've met," said Tom Rinaldi, Hewitt and Provenance Vineyards director of winemaking and 60th Operations Group honorary commander. "If there was anything I could do to be a part of that great culture, it was for me."

For the civic leaders to become fully engaged in the Air Force mission, it's necessary to introduce them to the basics of the overall Air Force. For this reason, the intensive honorary commander boot camp was created so honorary commanders can better understand their military counterparts.

The morning began with a physical training session which included pushups, sit ups, running and stretching.

"I learned that Airmen are very fit and strong," Rinaldi said. "That was a painful awakening, trying to keep up with the active-duty personnel. Was I ever sore the next day from the workout?"

Afterward, the honorary commanders ate breakfast and socialized with their respective commanders. Briefings presented by several Airman Leadership School instructors and other experts around the base followed the social break.

The event kicked off with a video of the Airman's Creed and went on to teach the honorary commanders about Air Force history, the chain of command, the components of the Air Force family -- including active duty, Reservists, Guardsmen, general service civilians, contractors and retirees -- Air Force culture, base protocols, the core values and a discussion of ethics presented by the legal office.

While Rinaldi's military background includes serving in Vietnam, air crewman on the C-121 Super Constellation, gunner roles on other planes and helicopters and typhoon tracker in the Navy, the boot camp provided him the opportunity to learn about Air Force specific culture.

"Boot camp, even as a one-day introduction, covered a myriad of subjects," he said. "I learned the core values of integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do."

After the briefings, honorary commanders were invited to learn and practice drill movements.

They were instructed on preparatory and commands, then executed their newly learned moves during a "Retreat" flag ceremony.

"It is an honor and privilege to support the Air Force and the men and women who bravely serve our country," Villalobos said.

Rinaldi reflected this sentiment.

"Being an honorary commander is just that: an honor," he said. "A chance to give back for the sacrifices that come with service, an opportunity to be a sounding board for the base as well as the community. I hope to serve well."