Honorary Commanders: A program that builds bridges between the community and our military Published Feb. 25, 2008 By Capt Laura Ropelis 505th Command and Control Wing Public Affairs HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- The 505th Command and Control Wing officially welcomed its third honorary commander this year in military style here Friday. The 505 CCW Honorary Commander, Mr. Dan Sullivan, Market Manager of Cumulus Media, and was honored with an awards ceremony and tour of the facilities hosted by Col. Jack Shanahan, Commander of the 505 CCW. Sullivan replaced Mr. Mike DeMarco, who served a two-term appointment. Sullivan joins Mr. Doug Hale, who is currently the Honorary Command Chief of the 505 CCW and Senior Vice President of Parish National Bank. Sullivan was honored at the ceremony by Shanahan as an important member of the 505th family. "We want to actively participate in our community and are looking forward to a great year with Mr. Sullivan," said Shanahan. The afternoon culminated with both military and civilian leaders discussing plans to strengthen ties, toward strong relations between the 505 CCW and the community. "This program gives real civilians a chance to see that the military is made up of 'real' people. Dedicated, warm, and caring people who are willing to leave family and loved ones at a moments notice in order to protect our freedoms. The honorary commander program gives voice to that simple truth," said Demarco, former Honorary Commander, in a parting interview. DeMarco commented on the impact the Honorary Commanders program can have on community relations. "My interaction with these outstanding individuals became a staple in my conversation throughout the community. As you know, there is no lack of support for our armed forces along the Emerald Coast and I always found an audience within the community that was willing and excited to hear more about the inner workings of the various wings," said DeMarco. Honorary Commanders are civic leaders who become community ambassadors for a year to a military unit. These civic leaders form relationships with base commanders and the community, which result in the formation of close ties between the community and the military. The Honorary Commanders become an integral part of the military unit and its members. The 505 CCW Honorary Commander program seeks to expand upon the current base program currently run by Ms. Amy Oliver, Deputy Chief of Public Affairs, 1st Special Operations Wing. "The program fosters close community relations, which support civil/military relations on the home front," said Oliver. The Honorary Commanders' program has a history that dates back 1918, when the British bestowed honorary titles on diplomats and important officials, according to military journals. Their honorary rank on base is equivalent to the Commander they are partnered with and they are considered honored members of the unit, able to participate in a large range of base activities. Honorary Commanders of the past have had an incredible impact in the community. By honoring them as leaders in their communities and ours, we shorten the distance between the people and the military, building bridges, which ultimately unites our communities and our armed forces. "Finally, I carry a very special coin in my pocket at all times. I was fortunate enough to receive three different coins during my service and I rotate a different coin every week. When I hold that special token in my hand I am reminded of all that I experienced with you all," DeMarco said, "More importantly, I am reminded that there is much work to do and we are very fortunate to have men and women like you putting it on the line every day."
Honorary Commanders: A program that builds bridges between the community and our military Published Feb. 25, 2008 By Capt Laura Ropelis 505th Command and Control Wing Public Affairs HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- The 505th Command and Control Wing officially welcomed its third honorary commander this year in military style here Friday. The 505 CCW Honorary Commander, Mr. Dan Sullivan, Market Manager of Cumulus Media, and was honored with an awards ceremony and tour of the facilities hosted by Col. Jack Shanahan, Commander of the 505 CCW. Sullivan replaced Mr. Mike DeMarco, who served a two-term appointment. Sullivan joins Mr. Doug Hale, who is currently the Honorary Command Chief of the 505 CCW and Senior Vice President of Parish National Bank. Sullivan was honored at the ceremony by Shanahan as an important member of the 505th family. "We want to actively participate in our community and are looking forward to a great year with Mr. Sullivan," said Shanahan. The afternoon culminated with both military and civilian leaders discussing plans to strengthen ties, toward strong relations between the 505 CCW and the community. "This program gives real civilians a chance to see that the military is made up of 'real' people. Dedicated, warm, and caring people who are willing to leave family and loved ones at a moments notice in order to protect our freedoms. The honorary commander program gives voice to that simple truth," said Demarco, former Honorary Commander, in a parting interview. DeMarco commented on the impact the Honorary Commanders program can have on community relations. "My interaction with these outstanding individuals became a staple in my conversation throughout the community. As you know, there is no lack of support for our armed forces along the Emerald Coast and I always found an audience within the community that was willing and excited to hear more about the inner workings of the various wings," said DeMarco. Honorary Commanders are civic leaders who become community ambassadors for a year to a military unit. These civic leaders form relationships with base commanders and the community, which result in the formation of close ties between the community and the military. The Honorary Commanders become an integral part of the military unit and its members. The 505 CCW Honorary Commander program seeks to expand upon the current base program currently run by Ms. Amy Oliver, Deputy Chief of Public Affairs, 1st Special Operations Wing. "The program fosters close community relations, which support civil/military relations on the home front," said Oliver. The Honorary Commanders' program has a history that dates back 1918, when the British bestowed honorary titles on diplomats and important officials, according to military journals. Their honorary rank on base is equivalent to the Commander they are partnered with and they are considered honored members of the unit, able to participate in a large range of base activities. Honorary Commanders of the past have had an incredible impact in the community. By honoring them as leaders in their communities and ours, we shorten the distance between the people and the military, building bridges, which ultimately unites our communities and our armed forces. "Finally, I carry a very special coin in my pocket at all times. I was fortunate enough to receive three different coins during my service and I rotate a different coin every week. When I hold that special token in my hand I am reminded of all that I experienced with you all," DeMarco said, "More importantly, I am reminded that there is much work to do and we are very fortunate to have men and women like you putting it on the line every day."