366th Fighter Wing inducts new honorary commanders Published Jan. 31, 2019 By Senior Airman Alaysia Berry 366th Fighter Wing MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- The 366th Fighter Wing held an Honorary Commander induction ceremony Jan. 25, 2019, at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. Individuals who are chosen to be honorary commanders are members of the local community, who typically hold positions as business and civic leaders. The intent of the program is to educate local community members about the base and its mission, and to forge and strengthen relationships between the base and the community. Squadron commanders chose 13 community members to be honorary commanders. One honorary commander, Russell Schiermeier, a farmer based out of Bruneau, Idaho, expressed his excitement.“I’m looking forward to gaining understanding on what happens on base,” said Schiermeier. “I’m also looking forward to helping strengthen a mutually beneficial relationship.”Col. Joe Kunkel, 366th Fighter Wing commander, spoke to the honorary commanders at the ceremony. He highlighted some reasons the Honorary Commander program exists. One reason being to find opportunities that are beneficial for both the base and the community. “This program offers many opportunities for our local community leaders to have a partnership with Mountain Home Air Force Base,” said Kunkel. “We find people that are leaders in the community then pair them with base leaders and we solve problems together.”He proceeded to welcome honorary commanders into the Gunfighter community.