NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University President Dr. Chris Maggio was among several civilian leaders to be inducted as an honorary commander at Barksdale Air Force Base’s 2nd Bomb Wing. The U.S. Air Force developed the Honorary Commanders program to improve community relations with the service. Civilian leaders from around the region are paired with specific units and encouraged to exchange ideas and experiences while building relationships.
The Honorary Commander program allows community participants to become more aware of the Air Force mission and the mission of the individual base and provides military commanders and their units the opportunity to learn more about their local community.
Honorary Commanders at Barksdale Air Force Base serve as military advocates within their spheres of influence in the Shreveport/Bossier community. Their insight into base operations, mission requirements and capabilities can facilitate partnerships and events with the local community to bridge the military-civilian gap.
Honorary Commanders are encouraged to attend, whenever possible, all functions of their assigned military unit, interact with unit personnel to learn more about the mission of Barksdale and its tenant units and encourage and assist Airmen to build relationships with local community leaders.
