New set of Honorary Commanders named Published Nov. 25, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Samantha S. Crane 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- A new group of civic leaders became part of the 366th Fighter Wing family Nov. 14 during a change-of-command ceremony for the Honorary Commanders program. Now entering its third year, the program fosters key partnerships between base and community leaders showcasing the base's unique and vital mission. It also offers an opportunity for wing leadership to recognize important issues and concerns beyond the base gates. "The Honorary Gunfighter Commanders program offers a unique opportunity to develop partnerships between the 366th [Fighter Wing] and our neighbors," said Col. James Browne, 366th Fighter Wing commander during the ceremony. "The goal of this program is two-fold. First, we hope to share our exciting mission with our honorary commanders, and second, we hope to learn more about you and our surrounding communities." "I joined the program to learn about the base and help improve relations between the community and base," said Mr. John Marshall, Honorary Commander for the 366th Fighter Wing commander and Radio Shack owner and freelance media professional. Throughout the year, each of the wing's groups hosts the honorary commanders for a day in order to help them gain a greater understanding of their respective missions and meet many Airmen responsible for those missions. "I know the program is successful just hearing the comments our Honorary Commanders make after their visits to the wing," said 1st Lt. Matthew Stines, 366th Fighter Wing public affairs chief. "There are a growing number of Americans with little to no military background who may not understand the sacrifices and mission the Air Force and its Airmen make in the nation's defense. This program plays a critical role in bridging that gap and building advocates and supporters of the Gunfighter Airmen and missions."