60th Mission Support Group hosts honorary commanders

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jonathon D. A. Carnell
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

Travis Air Force Base, Calif. – The 60th Mission Support Group hosted a tour for 20 honorary commanders Nov. 3 at Travis Air Force Base, California.

The Honorary Commanders program allows individuals from a variety of backgrounds to partner with different commanders to strengthen and foster relationships between Travis and the local community.

The program is comprised of two main objectives: to educate key community leaders about a unit’s mission and to foster a supportive relationship with the community, increase military involvement in civic endeavors and organizations and make members of the local community feel part of the unit.

“Back in October 2011, I was first invited to be an honorary commander,” said Scott Farmer, Travis honorary golden bear. “The first two years as an honorary commander were very eye-opening to me and gave me immense respect to Travis’ unique mission.”

The vast majority of those serving in the honorary commander position have little to no military experience. For many, the program serves as an opportunity to interact and witness the behind-the-scenes efforts that showcases the installation’s rapid global mobility mission.

“Being one of three, the position of honorary golden bear has given me so much appreciation for Travis AFB,” said Farmer. “Just coming onto base, my morale is boosted and I get to see the installation mission.”

Travis puts on four honorary commander tours annually which highlights the 60th Maintenance Group, 60th Medical Group, 60th Operations Group and the 60th MSG. These tours play a significant role in the community’s engagement and understanding of what the base is doing.

On this tour the honorary commanders were able to see the dorms, fire station, the Combat Arms Training and Maintenance mission and other areas of the 60th MSG.

“I’ve always been involved in the community which gave me connection of Travis AFB,” said Sheila McCabe, Fairfield and Suisun school district’s assistant superintendent of educational services and honorary commander. “I always have had an inkling of what takes place at Travis AFB.”

The experience at CATM really captured the feeling of independence and gave a very satisfied feeling of being an American, said McCabe.

“The honorary commander position is hard to capture in words, it captures your heart,” said McCabe. “It gives you pride in your country. Out at the firing range today, we could hear the engines running from the planes in the background and it was really the sound of freedom.”