Ellsworth names 2013 Honorary Commander program selectees

  • Published
  • By Steven J. Merrill
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE, S.D. --  Base and community leaders welcomed five area business and civic leaders selected to participate in the 28th Bomb Wing Honorary Commanders program during an event Sept. 11, in the Deployment Center.

The program - similar to other civic outreach programs conducted around the Air Force - is designed to foster positive relationships between Air Force leaders and their neighbors throughout the Black Hills region.

Once approved by the 28th BW commander, participants are matched with an organization or unit and serve a two-year term.

"As members of the Ellsworth family, those selected learn firsthand about our wing through routine involvement and by attending base events and activities," said Col. Kevin Kennedy, 28th BW commander. "We strive to maintain a strong, positive relationship with our neighbors throughout the Black Hills, and this program is a key part of that."

Those selected to participate in the program this year include:
-- Scott Engmann, executive director of Black Hills Habitat for Humanity, new honorary commander for the 28th Logistics Readiness Squadron commanded by Lt. Col. Anthony Mims.
-- Doug Feterl, principal of West Plains Engineering, new honorary commander for the 28th Civil Engineer Squadron commanded by Lt. Col. Nicholas Lynch.
-- Judge Robert Gusinsky, 7th Judicial Circuit Court. Judge Gusinsky, new honorary commander for the 28th Bomb Wing Judge Advocate, Lt. Col. Robert Hall.
-- Eric Doney, branch manager for Veterans United Home Loans, new honorary commander for the 28th Munitions Squadron commanded by Maj. Christopher Gardner.
-- Burton Long, owner of Parkway Catering. Burton assumed the role of honorary commander for the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, commanded by Lt. Col. Michael Colvard, in January 2013.

In addition to welcoming new honorary commanders, all outgoing honorary commanders who completed their terms were recognized for their commitment to the program. They included:
-- Ron Balster, Exit Realty broker associate, honorary commander for the 28th Maintenance Operations Squadron.
-- Mike Buckingham, president of real estate operations for National American University, honorary commander for the 28th Mission Support Group.
-- Tim Cheever, president of Upper Deck Architects, honorary for 28th CES.
-- Dave Davis, president of Dave Davis Insurance Agency, honorary for 28th MUNS.
-- Judge Jeff Davis, Seventh Judicial Court judge, honorary commander for 28th BW/JA.
-- Marsha Frericks, Girl Scouts-Dakota Horizons district director, honorary commander for 28th LRS.

All outgoing honorary commanders transition to the Friends of Ellsworth program - managed by the 28th BW Protocol Office - and are invited to attend base events and activities as a way of continuing the strong relationships they have forged with the base.

For more information about the 28th BW Honorary Commanders Program, call the 28th BW Public Affairs Office at (605) 385-5056.