Honorary commanders tour base Published Dec. 11, 2006 By Capt Heather Kekic Public Affairs Vance Air Force Base, Okla. -- Several Vance AFB honorary commanders visited here Friday afternoon for a mission briefing and windshield tour hosted by Col Mike Callan, 71st Flying Training Wing commander. Eight of the 17 honorary commanders were treated to the first of several base visits designed to educate them on the mission of Vance AFB and introduce them to the Airmen who accomplish Vance's mission of Expeditionary Air Warriors Training Tomorrow's Leaders. During their tour, the honorary commanders saw first hand base housing where members and their families live, the fitness and sports center and the new T-1A hangar. "Being an honorary commander is an honor for me and a win-win situation for Leonardo's and the 71 MSS," said Molly Maud-Helm, Director & CEO, Leonardo's Discovery Warehouse. "Enid and Vance AFB have always had a great relationship, but the honorary commander program improves an already good thing. Major Bomkamp and I already found several areas in which we can help each other and our organizations. Leonardo's is looking forward to hosting a family gathering for his squadron, and the men and women of 71 MSS are looking forward to volunteering and helping out with some of our upcoming projects," said Mrs. Maud-Helm. The next scheduled visit for the honorary commanders is May 11 for a tour of the operations group where the honorary commanders will tour the 8th and 25th Flying Training Squadrons and receive T-1A simulator rides. The honorary commander program is designed to encourage an exchange of ideas, experiences and friendship between key members of the local civilian community and the Vance military community. "This is a method to foster a supportive relationship between the base and the community, increase military involvement in civic endeavors and organizations and make the members of our local communities part of our "Team Vance" family," said Bob Farrell, public affairs chief of community relations. The honorary commanders serve for a period of one calendar year beginning in January. The individuals chosen for the program come from influential positions in the civilian community. Current honorary commanders include doctors, company presidents, business owners, a school principal and an engineer Nominations for the honorary commander program come not only from commanders here, but from anyone on Vance AFB. The individual's name can be submitted to the public affairs office at any time. Selections for the 2005 honorary commanders will be made at the end of 2004.