Final wave of Honorary Commanders join wing Published June 13, 2017 By By Tech. Sgt. Carlos J. Trevino 433rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- Five San Antonio civic and business leaders were inducted into the 433rd Airlift Wing's Honorary Commanders Program, June 10 during a ceremony here. The additional ceremony was held due to the unavailability of the new honorary commander to attend the original ceremony which took place April 1 in San Antonio. The ceremony, hosted by the 433rd Airlift Wing Commander Col. Thomas K. Smith, Jr., is a time-honored tradition signifying the relationship between the military and civilian communities. Smith provided opening remarks concerning the variety of backgrounds which comprise the Alamo Wing, and the reasoning for Reservists’ service to their nation and community. “There are plenty of opportunities to serve the country,” he said. “One of them is by supporting the military and we truly appreciate that. There are a lot of sacrifices that go on with the businesses when the Air Force Reserve calls Airmen in to work for one week a month or the whole month, we know your businesses suffer for that, so this program is one way we can let you see our side of it and to let you see the good that we are doing for the Wing and for the country.” The Honorary Commanders Program is an executive-level program intended as a forum in which the Alamo Wing commanders can solicit advice and support from civic leaders on matters affecting military and civilian communities, while reinforcing the already strong ties between the 433rd Airlift Wing and the San Antonio community. Each of the Alamo Wing's Honorary Commanders is matched with a leader from within the wing. During the year, the civilian and military counterparts become acquainted at social and professional events. This allows the community leaders to understand the importance of the U.S. Air Force Reserve, and its many resources, and mission. In turn, it provides military leaders a better understanding and appreciation of the community in which they live. During the ceremony, each honorary commander participated in a reenactment of an official military change of command ceremony. Group and squadron commanders presented the honorary commanders with an Air Force Commander's Insignia pin. The Commander's Insignia is awarded to any Air Force officer who holds a major command billet in the United States Air Force. While only five of this year's Alamo Wing Honorary Commanders participated in this ceremony, there are 23 in all. The Honorary Commander's inducted during the event were: Charles Andrews, Now Cast SA board member, Ben Swaney, co-owner of the Prestigious Mark, Tom Long, executive vice-president of the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation, Craig Veltrie, chairman of Veltrie Interests Inc., and Keith Chester, Creative Director of the Broadway Agency..