Honorary commanders program in full swing at Wolf Pack

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Sean P. Houlihan
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  More than 60 honorary commanders held a Friendship Day for about 400 Wolf Pack Airmen Nov. 12 to increase relationships between the base and local community.

"The honorary commanders program is a win-win situation for Kunsan's good neighbors and Wolf Pack Airmen," said Col. CQ "Wolf" Brown, 8th Fighter Wing Commander. "Our Airmen are able to learn more about the Korean culture as honorary commanders interact with them at squadron functions or during events in the local community. The honorary commanders who already do a great deal for the base will now have the opportunity to see firsthand what their perspective squadron accomplishes on a daily basis through interactions with the commander and their Airmen."

Colonel Brown said our honorary commanders have truly been good neighbors throughout the years to the Wolf Pack and he hopes that through this program the relationship will only grow.

As part of this program, the honorary commanders sponsored a Friendship Day, which included a pig roast for the entire Wolf Pack Nov. 12 during the observance of Veterans Day. More than 400 members from across the wing were able to attend the event and meet many Kunsan honorary commanders.

Throughout the two and half hour event commanders and Airmen were able to communicate with honorary commanders assigned to their perspective squadron, explaining the mission of the squadron and to begin their friendship.

For Maj. Quy Nguyen, 8th Comptroller Squadron commander, there was an initial hesitation to contact his four honorary commanders, but after spending time with them, he is looking forward to future meetings, and developing and growing their relationships.

"For the Airmen in my squadron, I hope this program will allow them the opportunity to go to functions off base for entertainment, experience growth from learning from the honorary commanders as successful business leaders or just have a mentor from outside the Defense Department that can give a different perspective on how things operate," he said.

Several squadrons on base have already invited honorary commanders out to functions. Last month the 8th Medical Group and its two squadrons invited honorary commanders out to see an expeditionary hospital set up.

Making an effort to support the Wolf Pack is the corner story of the honorary commanders. Many of these good neighbors have been supporting the base for more than 30 years according to Mr. Cho Nam Sok, Korean-American Golf Association Chairman.

Mr. Cho said the organization has typically been involved in large programs around the base, but now with the honorary commanders program, the group is able to split up and support at the squadron level.

"As the KAGA president I have asked members to get involved within their squadron functions to share our (Korean) culture and good friendships with the commanders, but also the Airmen in the squadron," said the 28-year KAGA member. "Good relationships between honorary commanders and Airmen can only help Colonel Brown and the Wolf Pack accomplish the mission."

Mr. Cho said before the honorary commanders program began, most of the interaction between the Wolf Pack and his organization was at senior leadership level, but now the focus will be more on friendship functions with all Airmen.

"This is our opportunity to return appreciation to the young Airmen for what they do at the Wolf Pack," he said.

Colonel Brown agreed that this program will show Airmen just how much our honorary commanders want to do for the wing and in return Kunsan Airmen will offer opportunities to create friendships and enhance positive bi-lateral relationships here in the Gunsan City area.

"Our Airmen will truly see what good neighbors our honorary commanders are and how each of them wants to support us," he said. "These folks are so gracious and we truly appreciate everything they do for the Wolf Pack."