459th honorary commanders take flight

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Ashley Crawford
  • 459th ARW Public Affairs Office
ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. --  The 459th Air Refueling Wing opened its doors and aircrafts to two honorary commanders for an orientation tour and flight April 3.

The honorary commanders were Lee Schiek, airport manager at College Park Airport and Donald Bridgeman,of the Prince George's County, Maryland Office of Human Resources and Management, honorary commanders of the 459 ARW and 459th Mission Support Group, respectively.

"When I got the invitation from a commander on base, I thought it was an answer to my prayers," said Bridgeman. "I never had any military experience, but (I) always appreciated and valued this country's military. 

Col. William Cahoon, 459th ARW commander, and Col. Timothy Nelson, 459th Maintenance Group commander, gave mission and safety briefings before the group was escorted to the flightline.

"Viewing the take off and landing from the cockpit was one of my life's top experiences, as was viewing the refueling operations up close," said Bridgeman. "I'm thrilled (to) have had the opportunity to learn and appreciate what the wing does, and I now understand more."

In an effort to open unique opportunities and foster knowledgeable partnerships between Andrews Air Force Base, civic and government leaders, the honorary commanders program was established. The program is managed by the host unit at Andrews, the 316th Wing

"The basis for this program is to get them exposed to our missions, and give the honorary commanders an opportunity to see first hand what we do," said Eric Sharman, 316th Wing deputy chief of public affairs, "Also, it offers them a better understanding of the military role here, and in turn they take their new knowledge back to the community."

For some, this exposure to military life and its people, brings to mind more ways to help those in the community.

"This experience has made me aware that there are many among the thousands of employees in county government that are also in the military, some of which are deployed," said Bridgeman, "I will now try to become more conscious of them, and their needs."

"The opportunity to learn about the Reserves and see their operations up close was both educational and exciting to me," said Bridgeman, "It was also an opportunity to show my appreciation for each member's service and their cohesive ability to keep our Country free."