Kevin Owens Select Design Honorary Wing Commander, 158th FW
Tom Leavitt President, Northfield Savings Bank Honorary Commander, 158th Civil Engineer Squadron
Bill Shouldice Vermont Teddy Bear Honorary Commander, 158th Maintenance Group
The U.S. Air Force has a responsibility to establish and maintain personal contact with local civic leaders in order to increase public awareness of the missions, policies, and programs of the United States Air Force and an understanding of the Department of Defense. In accordance with AFI 35-105, Community Relations, the intent of the Honorary Commanders (H/CC) Program is to pair up base leadership with community leaders who have limited or no knowledge about the Air Force, its mission and the 158th Fighter Wing at the Vermont Air National Guard base in South Burlington, Vermont. Civilian participants will be selected from among non-federal elected or appointed officials, mayors, chamber of commerce-type group members, principals of local schools, Military Affairs Committee members, business leaders and others who, because of their position or influence in the community, can positively impact public support for the base. Selected honorary commanders should represent a cross-section of the entire community.
Honorary Commanders should:
Honorary Commanders will not:
The program allows for frequent opportunities to visit the 158th Fighter Wing and learn about our mission, to participate in base functions and to express your views on issues of mutual concern. Benefits This is an excellent way to gain a better understanding of the VTANG mission and build a partnership that can help our communities plan for and move into the future. If you’re interested and have time to commit to learning and becoming our voice in your community, this is the perfect place to start. Term Length The 158th FW H/CC Program is a voluntary program with a maximum two-year term limit. It is designed to build and maintain solid, mutually beneficial partnerships between local communities and the VTANG. However, H/CCs can resign or be dropped from the program at any time if the program is not a good fit.
If selected, an H/CC should be included in unit functions as much as possible, providing a hands-on experience in the program. They should be invited to be a part of their assigned unit and attend not only business functions such as unit ceremonies and meetings, but family functions as well, i.e., Christmas parties, unit picnics, and other such unit events. The H/CC will be invited (by the Public Affairs Office) to base-wide events such as awards ceremonies and changes of command. Which events the H/CC attends is optional. H/CCs should make every effort to be involved and attend at least one event per quarter, but are encouraged to attend as many events as possible to gain knowledge and build a strong partnership with their military commander, unit personnel and the VTANG as a whole. Lack of commitment undermines the program’s intent and H/CCs should drop from the program if they are unable to actively engage with their commander. We understand mission comes first, so dropping from the program does not create a poor reflection of you or your business. All questions, concerns or issues about the overall program should be directed to the 158th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office. Commitment and feedback is essential to the success of this program.
HONORARY COMMANDER VACANCIES (as of 1 FEB 2022):
Anyone interested in applying for the Honorary Commander Program, please contact the 158th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office org box.
Phone: (802) 660-5451 Org Box: 158fw.pa.publicaffairs@us.af.mil