AEF Day offers honorary commanders snapshot of deployed life

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Megan P. Lyon
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  More than 20 local community leaders and guests received a crash course in the challenges and rigors of deployed life during the Honorary Commanders Air Expeditionary Force Day July 16.

Hosted by the 726th Air Control Squadron and the wing's public affairs staff, the half-day visit to the squadron's austere deployment training area offered honorary commanders a greater understanding of the missions Airmen are currently carrying out in Iraq, Afghanistan and numerous other deployed locations.

"The AEF Day was outstanding," said Lt. Col. Bryan Gates, 726th ACS commander. "The day gave our honorary commanders a chance to see what we do on a day-to-day basis."

Honorary commanders met at the Gunfighter Club and were bused to the 726th ACS training grounds, currently populated with tents, radars and radar vans, where the unit prepares its Airmen to deploy.

At the site, honorary commanders received several briefings about 726th ACS missions, toured the site and received firsthand accounts from veterans of multiple deployments about the reality of life in the combat zone.

The wing's guests were also treated to a simulated insurgent attack on the deployed location's defensive fighting positions. As several attackers charged across an open field with weapons firing, exercise ground bursts and smoke added to the fray.

AEF day wrapped up with honorary commanders firing blanks from M-16 rifle and M-60 machine guns prior to sitting down to a hearty meal of unit ground rations, compliments of the 726th ACS services Airmen.

"Firing the M-16 rifle was my favorite part of the day," said Barb Fogleman, 389th Fighter Squadron honorary commander.

The AEF day also provided some added excitement for four lucky honorary commanders who were randomly selected to receive an F-15 orientation flight. Honorary commanders, Martin Jay Beach, Donald Dietrich, Jason Roth and Tom Dale were all smiles as Col. James Browne, 366th Fighter Wing commander announced that they would receive a future flight.

"It's great that the honorary commanders can come out and experience our mission," said Colonel Gates. "It lets the Airmen know that their local community supports them."

Designed to increase the understanding of the 366th Fighter Wing and Air Force missions, the honorary commanders program annually pairs community, civic and business leaders with Gunfighter unit commanders and leadership. Throughout the year, honorary commanders participated in unique, creative events, hosted by each of the four groups, to learn about each aspect of the wing's missions. The AEF Day was the final event before a new crop of honorary commanders will be inducted later this year.

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