Sixteen area leaders selected for Ellsworth community engagement program

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class James L. Miller
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

Sixteen area business and civic leaders were inducted into the 28th Bomb Wing Honorary Commanders program during a special event at the South Dakota Air and Space Museum Nov. 10.

 

The program, intended to develop mutually beneficial partnerships with community leaders to foster a better understanding of the Air Force, helps build long-term relationships through effective communication, education and interaction.

 

“Congratulations and welcome to the family,” said Col. Gentry Boswell, commander of the 28th BW. “The lifelong relationships you will form with your base counterparts will strengthen the partnership of the base and our community.”

 

Individuals inducted into the program include:

 

-- Jim Scull, Scull Construction CEO, new honorary commander of the 28th BW commander.

 

-- Daniel Leal-Fernandez, Kol operating partner, new honorary commander of the 28th Operations Group.

 

-- Drake Peterson, Slate Creek Grille owner, new honorary commander of the 28th Operations Support Squadron.

 

-- Justin Christman, The Man Salon owner, new honorary commander of the 34th Bomb Squadron.

 

-- Dr. Kelly Manning, Rapid City Emergency Services surgeon, new honorary commander of the 28th Medical Group.

 

-- Dr. Jeff Burns, Parkside Chiropractic owner, new honorary commander of the 28th Medical Operations Squadron.

 

-- Dr. Rob Schleiffarth, West River Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic physician, new honorary commander of the 28th Medical Support Squadron.

 

-- Nick Wald, RPM Innovations general manager, new honorary commander of the 28th Maintenance Group.

 

-- Brent Albrecht, Brink Constructors, Inc., vice president, new honorary commander of the 28th Maintenance Squadron.

 

-- Adam Templeton, Farmer’s Insurance Company agent, new honorary commander of the 28th Contracting Squadron.

 

-- Corey Brubakken, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office captain, new honorary commander of the 28th Security Forces Squadron.

 

-- Katie Magbuhat, Cabela’s marketing manager, new honorary commander of the 28th Force Support Squadron.

 

-- Linden Evans, Black Hills Corporation president, new honorary commander of the 89th Attack Squadron.

 

-- Sandra Schwan, Great Western Investment Company advisor, new honorary commander of the 28th Comptroller Squadron.

 

-- Chaplain David Kinnan, Fountain Springs Church lead pastor, new honorary commander for the 28th BW chaplain.

 

-- Don Policky, Big D Oil Company CEO, new honorary commander for the 28th BW director of staff.

 

Participants are selected among elected officials, mayors, chamber of commerce members, local school principals, Military Affairs Committee members and others who, because of their position or influence in the community, have a positive impact on the public support for the base. A community leader is paired with a designated unit commander at squadron level and above for a single two-year term.

 

Boswell also thanked the individuals completing their two-year terms, commending each of them for giving their time and support for the program.

Individuals transitioning out of the program include:

 

-- Mutch Usera, Black Hills Energy external affairs and economic development director, former 28th BW commander honorary.

 

-- James Deck, Menards general manager, former 28th OG honorary.

 

-- Michelle Pawelski, Firehouse Wine Cellars general manager, former 28th OSS honorary.

 

-- Kurt Whitesell, Whitesell Financial Group president, former 34th BS honorary.

 

-- Michael Gibbs, Rapid City Regional Hospital chief operations officer, former 28th MDG honorary.

 

-- Kyle Richards, Regional Health Network COO, former 28th MDSS honorary.

 

-- Dean Aurand, Mid Continent Testing Labs president, former 28th MXS honorary.

 

-- Ron Shape, National American University CEO, former 28th CONS honorary.

 

-- Jay Evenson, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office captain, former 28th SFS honorary.

 

-- Megan Whitman, Main Street Square executive director, former 28th FSS honorary.

 

-- Robin Schneider, Dakotah Steakhouse general manager, former 89th ATKS honorary.

 

-- Mark Thompson, Regional Health chief financial officer, former 28th CPTS honorary.

 

-- Rev. Chris Roussell, Emmanuel Episcopal Church rector, former 28th BW chaplain honorary.

 

-- Jessica Olson, Wellfully executive director, former 28th BW DS honorary.

 

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