The intent of the Honorary Commanders (H/CC) Program is to pair up base leadership with community leaders who have limited or no knowledge about the Air Force, its mission and the 144th Fighter Wing. Civilian participants will be selected from among non-federally elected or appointed officials, mayors, chamber of commerce-type group members, principals of local schools, Military Affairs Committee members, business leaders and others, who because of their position or influence in the community, can positively impact public support for the base. Selected honorary commanders should represent a cross-section of the entire community.

The program allows for frequent opportunities to visit the Fresno Air National Guard Base and learn about the mission, to participate in base functions and to express your views on issues of mutual concern.

Benefits

This is an excellent way to gain a better understanding of the mission here at the 144th Fighter Wing and build a partnership that can help our communities plan for and move into the future. If you’re interested and have time to commit to learning and becoming our voice in your community, this is the perfect place to start.

Term Length

The H/CC Program is a voluntary program with a term of two or three years. It is designed to build and maintain solid, mutually beneficial partnerships between local communities and the 144th Fighter Wing. However, H/CCs can resign or be dropped from the program at any time if the program is not a good fit.

If selected, an H/CC should be included in unit functions as much as possible, providing a hands-on experience in the program. They should be invited to be a part of their assigned unit and attend not only business functions such as unit ceremonies and meetings, but family functions as well, i.e., Christmas parties, unit picnics, and other such unit events. The H/CC will be invited to base-wide events such as awards ceremonies and changes of command. Which events the H/CC attends is optional. H/CCs should make every effort to be involved and attend at least one event per quarter, but are encouraged to attend as many events as possible to gain knowledge and build a strong partnership with their military commander, unit personnel and the Fresno Team.

Lack of commitment undermines the program’s intent, but H/CCs should drop from the program if they are unable to actively engage with their commander. We understand mission comes first, so dropping from the program does not create a poor reflection of you or your business. Commitment and feedback is essential to the success of this program.