Team Wright-Patt kicks off 2025 Honorary Commander program Published May 29, 2025 By Lisa M. Riley WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- The 2025 Team Wright-Patt Honorary Commander program kicked off with an induction ceremony held at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. Krista Overman, National Museum of the U.S. Air Force collection management curator, showcases the Col. Elmer E. Elmer teddy bear to base leadership and honorary commanders at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, May 6, 2025. The honorary commander program’s objective is to educate local leaders about a unit’s mission and foster a supportive relationship with the community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Daniel Peterson) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res More than a dozen community leaders were recognized during the event which included briefings about the importance of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in our community and in support of the nation’s defense, as well as briefings about the museum’s role in our community and the Department of the Air Force’s History and Heritage program. The group was also treated to rare behind-the-scenes tours of museum facilities. The goal of civic leader programs, such as the Honorary Commander program, is to engage, educate and empower local, regional and national level community leaders to be unofficial spokespersons for the Department of the Air Force, Airmen, Guardians and their families. This year’s cohort of honorary commanders is comprised of professionals from a wide variety of industries across our region including education, medical and technology. Each honorary commander is paired with a military leader with the intent of aligning professional interests. Throughout the year the honorary commander partners will meet in a combination of group and one-on-one engagements to further build on their relationship as well as increase their knowledge of each other’s professional roles and impacts on the community. U.S. Air Force Col. Dustin Richards, 88th Air Base Wing and installation commander, provides remarks to base leadership and honorary commanders at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, May 6, 2025. The honorary commander program’s objective is to educate local leaders about a unit’s mission and foster a supportive relationship with the community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Daniel Peterson) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res “It’s great for the military side, the commander’s side, to bring in community partners and showcase what we have to offer,” Col. Dustin Richards, 88th Air Base Wing and installation commander, said during the ceremony. “It is as important for our honorary commanders to bring us out and let us see what you are doing, meet your folks, and really build those partnerships.” Base leaders from the 88th Air Base Wing, National Air and Space Intelligence Center, National Space Intelligence Center and the 338th Recruiting Squadron have all committed to participating in this year’s program. “One of the most fascinating things is that I will be working with Space Force,” said Rhonda Phillips, assistant superintendent of instruction at Miami Valley Career Technology Center and 2025 Honorary Commander participant. “I've always known the importance of the Wright-Patt Air Force Base to the region, but now it just strengthens the collaboration of the military with the civilian and understanding how we impact each other and how important it is not only to our region, but nationally.” During the ceremony, members of the previous cohort were recognized for their participation and commitment to the program and officially transitioned into emeritus status. This status provides an avenue for continued engagement with these members of our local community. Casey Simmons and Chad VanHook (left), National Museum of the U.S. Air Force lead restoration specialists, conduct a tour of a restoration hangar for base leadership and honorary commanders at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, May 6, 2025. The honorary commander program’s objective is to educate local leaders about a unit’s mission and foster a supportive relationship with the community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Daniel Peterson) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res “I look forward as we go through the program to hearing about the progress we are making to hearing about the impacts we are having because I think as we spread this across the installation it’s going to help us integrate better and understand the missions that each of us do,” said Richards. The 2025 Team Wright-Patt Honorary Commander program will run through February 2026. Throughout the year honorary command teams will participate in a variety of leadership exchange opportunities both on and off base.