Alamo Wing inducts new Honorary Commanders

For the third consecutive year, the 433rd Airlift Wing inducted 16 business and community leaders into the 2014 Honorary Commanders Program during a ceremony, Dec. 7 at the Gateway Club on Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. Honorary Commanders are paired with commanders and senior leadership assigned to the "Alamo Wing" to educate them about the activities of the 433rd AW, the Air Force Reserve and its vital role in the national defense. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Carlos J. Trevino)

Alamo Wing inducts new Honorary Commanders

Odis Blueitt, Defense Health Agency Chief of Program Operations and Col. Deborah Hodge, 433rd Aeromedical Staging Squadron commander, converse prior to his induction as an Honorary Commander with the 433rd Airlift Wing. The purpose of the Honorary Commanders' Program is twofold: It allows our community partners to gain awareness of our important military mission, and it allows our military members and their units to learn more about the communities in which we live. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Carlos J. Trevino)

Honorary Commander

Lisa O'Briant, Provenir Manager of Admininstrative Services, assumed command of the 733rd Training Squadron from Col. Jeffrey T. Pennington, 433rd Airlift Wing commander during the Honorary Commander Induction Ceremony Dec. 7 at the Gateway Club on Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. The Honorary Commander program educates local businesses and civic communities about the Air Force Reserve mission in national defense and encourages employers to support employees who are members of the Air Force Reserve and specifically the 433rd AW. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Carlos J. Trevino)

Alamo Wing Honorary Commanders assume command at induction ceremony

Published Dec. 9, 2013
By Elsa Martinez
433rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-Lackland -- The 433rd Airlift Wing inducted 16 civic and business leaders into the Honorary Commanders Program here on Dec. 7.

The newly inducted Honorary Commanders--seven returning and nine inaugural--joined Col. Jeffrey Pennington, 433rd AW commander, and wing leadership for the third annual induction ceremony. A total of 24 civic and business leaders comprise the full complement of Honorary Commanders assigned to the Alamo Wing. The program was introduced at the wing in 2011.
"I'm very happy to see the Honorary Commanders Program grow as it has," said Pennington. "Seeing all of you here proves that every one of you not only are exceptional leaders in your individual fields, but you're also equally aware and interested in your community, including that of the 433rd and the role we play in the Air Force and the national defense."

Honorary Commanders are paired with Alamo Wing squadron commanders and senior leadership to learn about the various missions of the 433rd AW and the Air Force Reserve. They meet quarterly during their tenure for activities including luncheons, tours, orientation flights and other, special on- and off-base events.

The program's goal is to foster community support for the U.S. Air Force. Honorary Commanders are encouraged to share their knowledge to support Citizen-Airmen.

Congratulations to the Alamo Wing's Class 03 of Honorary Commanders:

Raul Banasco, Deputy Chief, Bexar County Sheriffs Office
Denise Barkhurst, Pres/CEO, Big Brothers & Sisters of South Texas
Odis Blueitt, Chief, Program Ops, Defense Health Agency
Gary Cram, President, Cram Roofing Co.
Jeffrey Downing, Group Human Resources Director, Enterprise Holdings
Darlene Gleinser, Senior Vice Pres., Bank of San Antonio
Sergio Gonzalez, Employee Relations Administrator, VIA Metropolitan Transit
Lacy Hampton, Senior Vice President, St. Philips College
Mickey Holt, Assistant Vice President, S.A. Missions Baseball Club
Danny Jones, Manager, Airport Operations, Port San Antonio
Mario Lozoya, Director, Governmental Affairs & External Affairs, Toyota Motor Manufacturing
Nick Mann, Group/Franchise Programs Manger, S.A. Spurs Entertainment
Nathan McKinley, Vice President, Military Affinity, USAA
Debbie McNabb, Senior Sales Manager, Emily Morgan Hotel
Tim O'Krongley, Assistant Director, Operations, S.A. International Airport
Lisa O'Briant, Manager, Administrative Services, Provenir
Dave Saylor, Owner/Manager, Acadiana Café
Otis Scott, Engineering Careers Counselor, University of Texas San Antonio Career Center
Bill Wilson, Director, Veterans Affairs/Military Installations - Texas State Rep Leticia Van de Putte