HONORARY COMMANDER PROGRAM

The Honorary Commander Program enables members of the community to understand the importance of Keesler Air Force Base, the United States Air Force, the Department of Defense, and their military missions. It also enables military commanders and their units to learn more about the communities in which they live. Keesler commanders and personnel benefit through increased association with the community and leaders.

The program allows for frequent opportunities to visit Keesler Air Force Base and learn about the 81st Training Wing mission and participate in base functions and to express views on issues of mutual concern.

   

Our Goal

PROMOTE a mutual understanding between Honorary Commanders and Keesler Air Force Base leadership and personnel. Help the Honorary Commander gain knowledge of the mission of Keesler Air Force Base, the United States Air Force as well as the Department of Defense. 

ENCOURAGE the Honorary Commander to invest time and resources into projects that will enhance the quality of life for Keesler Air Force Base personnel and their families. 

The Honorary Commander Program is a voluntary program designed to build and maintain solid, mutually beneficial PARTNERSHIPS between local communities and the 81st Training Wing.

What To expect

Benefits 
These programs increase the bond between local civic leaders and the Department of the Air Force. The goal of a civic leader program is to engage, educate and empower local, regional, and national level community leaders to be advocates and unofficial spokespersons for the Department of the Air Force, Airmen and Space professionals and their families. 

 

Term Length
The program is a 1-year term.

To be the best well-rounded ambassador possible, you are expected to attend all immersions. To receive the maximum benefit of this unique opportunity and how you can best communicate what and who Keesler is, attending the immersions will give you the best understanding of the base.

You will also be invited to attend socials, changes of command as well as seasonal/routine basewide events.

Honorary Commanders can resign or be dropped from the program at any time if the program is not a good fit.

To graduate at the end of the term, the Honorary Commander may not miss more than one Tier 1 immersion without a valid precoordinated excuse.

Dr. Cedric Bradley, Mississippi Gulf Coast Harrison County Campus vice president, participates in an 81st Security Forces Squadron virtual reality demonstration at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Feb. 17, 2023. The honorary commanders and civic leaders' quarterly tour of the 81st Mission Support Group also included the Youth Center, Keesler Fire Department and lunch. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
Marcus Jordan, 81st Force Support Squadron child and youth program assistant, provides a tour of the STEM lab inside the youth center to honorary commanders and civic leaders at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Feb. 17, 2023. The quarterly tour of the 81st Mission Support Group also included the Fire Department, 81st Security Forces Squadron’s virtual reality demonstrations and lunch. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
First Lt. Thomas Ross, 81st Inpatient Operation Squadron critical care nurse, briefs on the 81st Medical Group’s intensive care unit capabilities during a Keesler honorary commanders’ tour at the Keesler Medical Center Dec. 12, 2017, on Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi. The honorary commander program is a partnership between base leadership and local civic leaders to promote strong ties between military and civilian leaders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
Timothy Gray, 81st Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle management flight chief, provides a tour inside the vehicle maintenance facility to honorary commanders and civic leaders at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Feb. 17, 2023. The quarterly tour of the 81st Mission Support Group also included the Youth Center, 81st Security Forces Squadron’s virtual reality demonstrations and lunch. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
Michael Carradine, 81st Communications Squadron cyber service center chief, provides an overview on the communications equipment stored inside the Taylor Logistics Center to honorary commanders and civic leaders at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Feb. 17, 2023. The quarterly tour of the 81st Mission Support Group also included the Youth Center, 81st Security Forces Squadron’s virtual reality demonstration and lunch. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

Contact Us

Phone: (228)377-2733

Org Box Email:
 81trw.pamain@us.af.mil

APPLY HERE

Keesler’s Honorary Commander Program: Enhancing community partnerships

Building partnerships between a military installation and the local city fosters collaboration and mutual support that drives Air Power.

At Keesler, the Honorary Commander Program bridges the gap between the community and the installation, allowing community members to gain insights into the installation, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense. Participants also have the opportunity to join in base functions and provide insight on issues affecting the communities inside and outside the installation.

By investing time and resources that enhance the quality of life on Keesler, participants not only serve as representatives of the shared community, but as advocates for base personnel and families.

The program is a 1-year term, where participants attend a series of immersion events to develop a deeper understanding of the 81st Training Wing’s mission. They are also invited to socials, changes of command ceremonies as well as base wide events.

When participants graduate as Honorary Commanders, they serve as advocates for Keesler, playing a crucial role in promoting the base's mission and supporting our nation's warfighters.

Col. Billy Pope, Jr., 81st TRW commander, recently announced, “We are now accepting applications for Keesler Air Force Base's Honorary Commander Program. We enjoy such a rich and warm connection with our local Gulf Coast community. As a squadron commander here on the Gulf Coast, I saw the benefits of the program and continue to witness relationships we’ve created up to this day as a wing commander. If you are ready to truly be a part of Team Keesler, I encourage you to learn more about the program and apply. Team Keesler and I are excited and hope to see an application from you today to join the Dragon family!”