Joint Base Charleston, S.C.
Patriot Vol. 9, No. 8
Joint Base Charleston: ‘Launch Point For The Nation's Resolve’
April 20, 2018
Into the fire
U.S. Air Force photo / Tech. Sgt. Efren Lopez
Firefighters with the 315th Civil Engineer Flight stepped out of the firehouse and into the fire during the Air Force Reserve drill weekend at Joint Base Charleston this March. The team conducted aircraft live-fire training, with newer members taking the lead to gain familiarity with equipment and tactics. See the story on Page 3.
New Honorary Commanders inducted
Story and photos by Airman 1st Class Helena B. Owens Joint Base Charleston Public Affairs
JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. – Joint Base Charleston welcomed 32 new Honorary Commanders during an Induction Ceremony April 13 at the Air Base Club. The Charleston Honorary Commanders Program was developed to encourage an exchange of ideas and experiences between Charleston’s community and military leaders. The program provides a unique opportunity for Charleston civic leaders to shadow military commanders across the installation. “It is beneficial for us to get matched with civilian leaders so we can share experiences and knowledge about our different missions as well as their role within the community,” said Col. Jeff Nelson, commander of the 628th Air Base Wing. “Whether they are a business or a civic leader, they will give us a better understanding about how we can work together as part of the The new Honorary Commanders of Joint Base Charleston take the oath of office at the Air community.” Base Club April 13, 2018. The Joint Base Charleston Honorary Commander Program encourThe mission of the program is to increase public awareness ages an exchange of ideas and experiences between Charleston’s civilian and military leader and understanding of the Joint Base Charleston mission, poli- communities. cies and programs within the base, the local area and surrounding communities. The Honorary Commander program fosters goodwill, under- past year, the program has created 20 new positions for squadron-level comstanding, support and acceptance from Lowcountry leaders and community manders, expanding the program significantly. “There were a lot of community members interested in the Honorary members. “I am looking forward to connecting with Joint Base Charleston and my Commander program,” said Nelson. “So we opened up the program to commander,” said Shawn Edwards, Chief Diversity Officer at the Citadel and squadron level commanders to pair up as many civilian leaders as we could.” Part of Air Mobility Command’s mission is strengthening the partnership Honorary Commander for the 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. “We have already met a few times and exchanged some ideas on challenges we are between active duty, guard, reserve and civilian workforces, so they can work together to execute the air mobility mission around the world. The Honorary experiencing and how we can help each other.” The 32 new incoming honorary commanders join four returning Honorary Commander program helps leaders from the community understand the joint Commanders for the 628th Air Base Wing and base mission partners. Over the base mission and encourages other members of the community to get involved. “I am looking forward to mostly interacting with the military and being their voice to the outside world,” said Mark Bell, CEO of Atlantic Heating and Air and Honorary Commander for the 437th Aerial Port Squadron. “I am more so invested in the Airmen’s development than my own career. I am at the end of my career, so it’s more of how can I be a mentor for the service members I come in contact with.”
INSIDE
COMMISSIONED USS Ralph Johnson celebrates hero See page 3
AIR SHOW
Story, maps & parking guide inside! See pages 6-7
JUSTICE
Courts martial for March See page 9
Next Issue of the Patriot: May 4, 2018
Weekend Weather Update for Joint Base Charleston, SC Friday, April 20 Sunny (0% precip)
High 69º / Low 48º
Saturday, April 21 Sunny! (0% precip)
High 70º / Low 51º
Sunday, April 22 Mostly Cloudy
(20% precip)
High 70 / Low 59º
Extended Forecast Col. Jimmy Canlas, left, commander of the 437th Airlift Wing, speaks with his new honorary commander Town of North Mayor Patty Carson, right, during the Honorary Commander Induction Ceremony April 13, 2018, at the Air Base Club. The Joint Base Charleston Honorary Commander Program encourages an exchange of ideas and experiences between Charleston’s civilian and military leader communities
Mon. - April 23 67°/ 61° - Showers (50%) Tue. - April 24 74°/ 57° - Rain (80%) Wed. - April 25 75°/ 54° - PM Showers (30%) Thur. - April 26 73°/ 55° - Partly Cloudy (10%) Fri. - April 27 77°/ 58° - Partly Cloudy (10%)
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