Travis welcomes new honorary leaders

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Nicole Leidholm
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  An induction ceremony was held for 36 new honorary commanders at the Delta Breeze Club here Jan. 16.

The honorary commander program exists not only to strengthen ties between Travis and the local community, but also for key members in the community and leaders in the Air Force to mutually benefit each other.

Each squadron commander has the opportunity to designate an honorary commander to participate in squadron and base functions.

The role of the honorary commander is to share their experience with the community and invite Travis to participate in community events to create a culture of understanding and cultivate camaraderie for both parties.

Col. Harold "Doug" Bugado, 60th Mission Support Group commander, said he sees Dorla Licausi bringing high energy and enthusiasm to Travis.

"I can already see how she leads her sales team through the strength of her personality and motivation," he said. "This will be a valuable and mutually beneficial exchange of ideas and education between our organizations. Licausi will be able to bridge various community networks that we may have not been connecting well in the past."

Bugado went on to say how Licausi has many great ideas to expand existing relationships, not just between her company and Travis, but others that they do business with as well.

Licausi, Macy's store manager, was more than happy to accept the invitation and duties as honorary commander.

"It's really exciting to be part of this program," Licausi said. "This is my first time being involved in a program like this, but I've heard many great things from outgoing commanders. It's an incredible program."

Before the new honorary commanders were pinned on by their respective commanders, certificates were presented to the honorary commanders who had completed their two year tenure.

Honorary commanders who have completed their tenure have the opportunity to join the alumni program where they can continue to exchange ideas, experiences and friendships with Travis.

After the pinning of the new honorary commanders, an oath was recited by all 36 key members of the community to officially bring them into the Travis family.

The ceremony ended with a speech from Col. Corey Martin, 60th Air Mobility Wing commander, inviting approximately 100 honorary commanders to Travis to join in the morale and heritage the base can offer them.

Licausi said she wanted to become an honorary commander to get more involved with the community.

"Travis is such a big part of the community," she said. "I look forward to being able to get more involved with the Air Force community, the Airmen there and learning more about what they do."