366th MDG hosts Honorary Commanders Day

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Samantha S. Crane
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  Members of the 366th Fighter Wing's Honorary Commanders program visited the base July 24 for a tour of the 366th Medical Group.

The day began with lunch in the dental conference room followed by a short briefing by the 366th MDG commander, Col. Kevin Connolly.

After the briefing, the honorary commanders were able to see first-hand how different departments, such as radiology, aero physiology, self-aid and buddy care, and the health and wellness center, contribute to the 366th MDG mission through static displays and question and answer sessions with department personnel.

The honorary commanders were also treated to a fashion show demonstrating the protective garments worn in chemical environments while deployed and protective gear worn when responding to hazardous material incidents at home station.

Afterward, the group toured the hospital, including the family care unit, women's health clinic, dental clinic and urgent care center. The honorary commanders then proceeded outside for a vehicle accident response, extraction and patient loading scenario followed by a chemical response clean-up demonstration.

The day ended with a display of self aid and buddy care items used in deployed locations, a mental health question and answer session and a pre- and post-deployment briefing from the medical readiness staff.

"I am amazed at the organization and team work it takes to make everything 'move,'" said Deb Swearingen, Metlife Home Loans loan officer and honorary commander for Col. Peter Lee, 366th Fighter Wing vice commander. "You gain a huge appreciation for all of the support personnel who keep those awesome planes flying high!"

The wing-level program pairs civic leaders with squadron, group and wing leaders to enhance the relationships between local communities and the base. It also provides a rare glimpse of life on a military installation to members of neighboring communities -- many of whom have no connection to the Air Force or prior knowledge of the military.

"I have lived in Mountain Home for over 20 years and have been active in a lot of activities and social events with our airbase friends," said Mrs. Swearingen. "However, I've never really had an opportunity to see and experience the daily operations at the base. So far, I have had the chance to see the maintenance and medical group operations. They have been very interesting and make me appreciate the work that is done there even more."

In addition to tours of each group on base, honorary commanders also take part in a change of command ceremony at the beginning and end of their time in the program, an Air Expeditionary Day hosted by the 726th Air Control Squadron and are invited to base events, like the Air Force ball.

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