Vance welcomes new honorary commanders Published Jan. 23, 2014 By Linda Frost 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Nineteen civic leaders from Enid were inducted into the 71st Flying Training Wing Honorary Commanders program Jan. 13 at the Vance Collocated Club. In its 14th year here, the Air Force program matches specially selected members of the community with senior military commanders. "The goal of the Honorary Commander program is to partner with the local community and our civilian colleagues with the hope of providing additional insight into the various aspects of the Vance mission," said Col. Darren James, 71st FTW commander. "The program increases public awareness and understanding of our mission to Develop Professional Airmen, Deliver World-class Pilots, and Deploy Combat-ready warriors while fostering relationships between our military senior leadership and community and government leaders throughout Enid," he said. During the event, the newest members were introduced to their respective group and squadron commanders. The previous year's honorary commanders were also recognized. In his opening remarks, James encouraged the outgoing honorary commanders to continue to build on their relationships with their military counterparts and thanked them for all they do. "Such interaction enhances our ability to advocate for one another. The Enid community becomes more aware of what Vance contributes to the greatest Air Force in the world, and members of Team Vance become more aware of how this outstanding community supports our Airmen and their families," said James. The 71st FTW honorary commanders for 2014 are: April Danahy, vice president of Corporate Communications and Human Resources, Security National Bank of Enid Paula Nightengale, manager, Park Avenue Thrift Mickey Stowers, president, Aircraft Structures International Corp. Curtis Tucker, owner, Shaggy Duck Media & Design, Enid Buzz Greg Kuykendall, owner/operator, Kuykendall Hearing Aid Center Kaleb Hennigh, owner/partner, Ewbank, Hennigh & McVay, PLLC Kenny Blasier, co-owner, Tools Plus Inc. Dr. Jay Knapik, neurologist, Northwest Neurology Jeremiah and Sarah Herrian, directors, Forgotten Ministries; Owners, Five80 Coffee House Cody Jolliff, education director, Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center Stan Ralstin, Northwest Regional Development specialist, Oklahoma Department of Commerce Chad Caldwell, executive director, Circle of Love Hospice Ashley Ewbank, producer, Todd Hamilton Farmers Insurance Agency Mike Honigsburg, emergency management director, Enid and Garfield County Brad Shepherd, captain, Oklahoma Highway Patrol Troop J Russell Schieber, owner, Schieber's Donuts and Deli Eddie Herrman, president, INTEGRIS Bass Baptist Health Center Ashley Olivo, business development director, St. Mary's Regional Medical Center Dr. Alex Lebrija, podiatrist, INTEGRIS Bass Baptist Health Center