Alamo Wing builds bonds with Alamo City Published Nov. 4, 2012 By Tech Sgt. Carlos J. Trevino 433 Airlift Wing Public Affairs JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- For a second year, The 433rd Airlift Wing inducted more than a dozen business and community leaders into the 2013 Honorary Commanders Program during a ceremony, Nov. 3 at the Gateway Club on Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. The Honorary Commanders Program pairs "Alamo Wing" leadership with local-area businesses and civic leaders. The outreach program is designed to educate the civilians about the 433rd Airlift Wing activities and most importantly, the Air Force Reserve and its vital role in national defense. They meet periodically during their tenure for activities, including luncheons, tours, orientation flights, and other special on- and off-base events. "If you haven't been around the military much, the experience is gonna blow you away. It is absolutely awesome how much you learn from us and what we learn from you," said Col. Jeffery T. Pennington, in his welcome address to the inductees. Lt. Col. John Martino, 733rd Training Squadron commander, will continue to work with his returning Honorary Commander, Mark Frye the Government Program Manager at Port San Antonio. "Here's our connection, both of us graduated from Ohio State and we both majored in geology. What's funny is when we got paired-up last year, we had no idea of this match," Martino said. "This is a great program. It is a win-win for the wing, for the community and for our honorary commanders. They learn more about what we do, and we get to tell our story, something that we don't always have the opportunity to do. We can tell our story, not from only the commander's standpoint but also, down to our youngest Airmen. Mr. Frye wholeheartedly helps contribute to our mission," Martino said. Bill Wilson, a new inductee, is the committee director for the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs and Military Installations, is excited to be a part of the program. "Being a part of this, even if it is only honorary, is a great chance to engage on the side of the military that I don't know a lot about. I am interested in learning what the top commanders do, all the way to the enlisted Airman are involved with at the 433rd. Tino Duran, owner and publisher of two local bilingual newspapers, is also known as the godfather of Spanish media. For him, getting involved in the program is a great opportunity to share the Citizen Airmen experience. "This program is going to provide an insight into what you do. Once I get into it, I want to write about it. I am praying this gives me a profound insight into what you do, and then I can verbalize it in writing for the general public in San Antonio. I am looking forward to being part of the experience," Duran said. "As a civilian you often don't get to see what the military is doing in their missions. It's exciting that we get to know that and share it with our friends and family," said Gary Cram, president of a local roofing company that bears his name. "I am looking forward to fulfilling my oath," he said. "Those words mean a lot to us," said Col. Jeffrey T. Pennington, 433rd AW commander. "The burden of command carries a lot of responsibility. This experience will astound you when you see the men and women behind the operation and what they do, it will raise your confidence and your pride in knowing that this nation is well defended." The 2013, 433rd AW Honorary Commanders are: Wayne Alexander, Port Authority of San Antonio Regina Aune, Texas A&M University Denise Barkhurst, Big Brothers and Sisters of San Antonio Odis Blueitt, TRICARE Latin America & Canada Gary Cram, Cram Roofing Co. Gomer Custer, ARSAG International Tino Duran, La Prensa de San Antonio Ramiro Fernandez, City of San Antonio- Dept. Planning and Community Development Henry Flores, St. Mary's University Tom Frost III, Frost Bank Mark Frye, Port San Antonio Bill Gerlt, San Antonio Missions Darlene Gleinser, The Bank of San Antonio Sergio Gonzalez, VIA Metropolitan Transit Kim Harle, HEB Grocery Co. Frank Miller, San Antonio International Airport Lisa O'Briant, Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce Joyce Peavy, Webster University Ed Pena, AT&T Kathy Phoenix, VITAS Hon. Peter Sakai, 225th District Court Otis Scott, University of Texas-San Antonio Ambassador Sichan Siv, International Leadership Foundation Bill Wilson, Texas Senate Committee, Veteran Affairs and Military Installations