MDG hosts honorary commanders

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Benjamin Sutton
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  The quiet summer day was fractured when gunfire erupted in the distance and the sounds of mortar rounds "walking" toward the building made everyone inside jump with surprise.

Fortunately, the situation was just a training exercise to show local civic leaders the capabilities of medics and doctors from the 366th Medical Group.

The Honorary Commander program pairs these civic leaders with squadron, group and wing leadership. The civilian commanders are given the opportunity to learn about MHAFB while the military commanders learn about the local civilian community.

During the Aug. 14 tour, the civilian leaders were treated to lunch at the Gunfighter Club before being mock-deployed as the newest Gunfighter medics.

"It was great to see what the medics do while deployed and at home," said Brandon Starwalt, 428th Fighter Squadron honorary commander. "There is so much work and effort that goes into getting Airmen ready to deploy and then taking care of them when they return home."

As part of the mock-deployment event, Airmen posing as mock-casualties were medically evacuated as one way of showing the honorary commanders how patients are assessed and treated downrange.

"Walking through the deployed facility they set up in order to treat those Airmen was my favorite part," said Starwalt. "It was amazing to be able to touch the beds they use and tents they work out of. The amount of life-saving capabilities in those smaller tents is incredible.

"The facilities and equipment the medics have is almost as impressive as the medics themselves," he continued. "The process of getting injured people the help they need from the battlefield to back home is very important."

Throughout the event Airmen wearing biochemical and radiation suits showed the honorary commanders just how detailed the training they receive is.

"I'm definitely glad I wear a regular suit to work and not one of those crazy hazardous material suits," said Shane Zenner, 366th Fighter Wing honorary commander. "Wearing all that gear in 100 degree or more heat is extremely impressive and shows how efficient those Airmen are at what they do.

"We don't get the opportunity to come out here and be involved with the base very often so when events like this happen it's a real treat," he continued. "I was impressed with how much work the Medical Group put into today's event."

Master Sgt. Kevin Wallace, 366th Fighter Wing public affairs superintendent, ended the day by recounting his experience with combat medics while deployed.

"Out of everything we experienced today my favorite portion was listening to Master Sgt. Wallace," said Zenner. "I appreciate that he took the time to come out here and tell his story and highlight how medics saved him. After hearing it, I certainly have a broader appreciation for what the Gunfighter medics do now."

After a day full of excitement, one commander was already enthusiastic for more.

"I'm extremely excited to come back for the next honorary commander event," said Starwalt. "These medics and doctors really care about ensuring Airmen are ready to go anytime."