Travis welcomes new batch of honorary commanders

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Amber Carter
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Twenty-one community leaders were inducted during the Honorary Commanders Change of Command Ceremony Feb. 2 at Travis Air Force Base, California.

The honorary commander’s program was developed to encourage and exchange ideas, experiences and friendship between key members in the local area and the Travis military community.

“I am looking forward to building additional relationships with base leaders, finding ways to honor and involve them within our schools and to further enhance interaction with and honor of our military personnel and their families,” said Janet Fogh, 60th Air Mobility Wing Chaplain’s new honorary commander and Vacaville Christian School High School and Middle School principal. “Supporting the military community is a life-long passion and this opportunity will enable further involvement and opportunity to do so.”

Honorary Commanders serve a two-year term. During their term they are given tours and invited to different events to gain a complete understanding of the Travis mission.

“I love the program and the base so much,” said Jamil Zainasheff, 60th Maintenance Squadron’s current honorary commander as well as president and chief executive officer at Heretic Brewing Company in Fairfield, California. “It is a tremendous honor and opportunity to connect with the people in our Air Force. This program has shown me what service to your country means and made me want to be a better person.”

Col. John Klein, 60th Air Mobility Wing commander, hosted the event and greeted the group of more than 130 commanders, honorary commanders and civic leaders who attended the ceremony at the Delta Breeze Club.

“Here at Travis, we pride ourselves to rapidly project American power anytime … anywhere,” said Klein. “It is these enduring local partnerships, like the Honorary Commanders Program, that support our vision to serve locally and are vital for our mission execution.”

Klein encouraged new honorary commanders to be active in the program.

“Have pride in your new role,” said Klein. “A strong relationship with your unit will make this program a success and will enrich the bonds between our communities.”

The 21 Honorary Commanders who served their two year term were thanked by Klein for becoming an active member of the military community.

“You are now Team Travis alumni,” said Klein. “You will forever be a part of the Travis family and I hope the bonds you made with your unit will continue to thrive.”