Honorary commanders get look behind the scenes of EAFB

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Hrair H. Palyan
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Civic leaders serving as honorary commanders of squadrons under the 28th Maintenance Group umbrella received a guided tour of Ellsworth Oct. 18.

The daylong tour, which included stops at all 28th MXG work centers, lunch, and a variety of demonstrations, was designed to help increase awareness of the vital mission accomplished by the group.

"We recently welcomed several new honorary commanders to the group and to three of our four squadrons," said Col. James Katrenak, 28th MXG commander. "The tour familiarized our community partners with a wide array of challenges our organizations face while supporting the base mission."

The tour began with a detailed unit mission briefing about the mission of the 28th Bomb Wing and the vital role the 28th MXG plays to ensuring success. Participants then visited several facilities including the base Deployment Center, maintenance shops and the base Munitions Storage Area.

"They got to see a variety of aspects that are necessary for generating airpower - maintenance planning, munitions building, weapons loading, and flightline sortie generation," Katrenak said.

The 28th BW Honorary Commanders program, like similar civic outreach programs around the Air Force, seeks to foster positive relationships between base leaders and their neighbors throughout the Black Hills. The program is intended to develop mutually beneficial partnerships with community leaders that foster a better understanding of the Air Force, specifically Ellsworth units and missions.

Ronald Balster, 28th Maintenance Squadron honorary commander who toured the base with his wife, Winnie, said he enjoys visiting Ellsworth because it gives him an opportunity to support Airmen and the Air Force mission.

"Our job is to gain a better understanding of Ellsworth Airmen and their jobs," Balster said. "We then help people in neighboring communities understand what Ellsworth Airmen go through for their country."

Balster, who will complete his term as a honorary commander in September 2013, added that he's thankful for having the opportunity to be part of an organization as hard working and selfless as Ellsworth.

"We're proud of our Airmen and we appreciate everything they do for us," Balster said.

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