Eight area leaders selected for base community engagement program

  • Published
  • By Steven J. Merrill
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, SOUTH DAKOTA --  Eight 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 Oct. 29.

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.

"I would like to welcome each of you into the Air Force family," said Col. Gentry Boswell, 28th BW commander. "The lifelong relationships you will form with your base counterparts will not only strengthen the partnership between the base and our community, but will inevitably extend beyond your involvement in the program."

Individuals inducted into the program include:
-- Austin Brummer, Armadillo's Ice Cream owner, new honorary commander of the 37th Bomb Squadron.
-- Patrick Dame, Rapid City Regional Airport executive director, new honorary commander of the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.
-- Rodney Johnson, City of Rapid City Public Works Operations Management Engineer, new honorary commander of the 28th Civil Engineer Squadron.
-- Larry Larson, Box Elder mayor, new honorary commander of the 28th Mission Support Group.
-- Judge Heidi Linngren, Unified Judicial System circuit court judge, new honorary commander of the 28th Bomb Wing Staff Judge Advocate office.
-- Bryan Olmsted, New Wave Decking president, new honorary commander of the 28th Munitions Squadron.
-- Todd Seaman, South Dakota Department of Transportation region engineer, new honorary commander of the 28th Logistics Readiness Squadron.
-- Dr. Jeffrey Wehrung, Black Hills State University School of Business assistant professor, new honorary commander of the 28th Communications Squadron.

Participants are selected among elected officials, mayors, chamber of commerce members, principals of local schools, 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 them for giving their time and support for the program.

"We know it was a rewarding experience for all those involved," Boswell said. "They leave the program with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the mission being accomplished here, and will share their experiences and what they learned with others in the community. This helps to strengthen our longstanding relationship with all of our neighbors."

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 Ellsworth.

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