GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 17th Training Wing hosted the 2024-2025 class of honorary commanders for their first immersion providing exclusive insight on the mission, objectives and capabilities at Goodfellow AFB, Dec. 6.
The immersion was the first event the honorary commanders have participated in since they were inducted into the program in early November.
The immersion began at the Cressman dining facility, where the honorary commanders had the opportunity to mingle with students and learn a little bit about the perspective of military life in the eyes of a student-in-training, before eating lunch.
Following lunch, the honorary commanders participated in a base-tour and were briefed on the 17th TRW mission by Col. Angelina Maguinness, 17th TRW commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Khamillia Washington, 17th TRW command chief.
“Most Air Force bases connect each honorary commander to a specific squadron,” said Alicia Aguilar, Honorary Commander Program liaison. “Here at Goodfellow, we created a program at the wing level where the Honorary Commanders learn about the entire wing as well as the Air Force, our MAJCOM [Major Command] and our mission through immersions hosted by each group commander who shares their perspective.”
The Goodfellow Honorary Commander Program enables civic leaders to learn about the 17th TRW mission, the Air Force and the Department of Defense. It also facilitates partnerships between the community and the 17th TRW.
During these immersions, participants are given hands-on opportunities to see how the base runs from the lowest to the highest level. Throughout their time in the program, the honorary commanders will compete in a point-based system graded on participation and engagement to be the best well-rounded ambassadors possible. The graduate with the most participation and engagement at the end of the program receives the “Distinguished Graduate” award as well as valuable knowledge they gained along the way.
The goal of the Honorary Commander Program is to create lasting partnerships while familiarizing current and future community leaders with the base and its mission.
For more information about the 17th Training Wing Honorary Commander Program, visit https://www.goodfellow.af.mil/Honorary-Commander/.