Luke honorary commanders get hands-on visit

  • Published
  • By Mary Jo May
  • 56 Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
Luke Air Force Base, Ariz --  Twelve Luke honorary commanders participated in an all-day, interactive visit here April 4 giving them an inside look at the mission performed by the men and women at Luke. 

Colonel Hank Reed, 56th Fighter Wing vice commander, started the day with an update on Luke and the latest issues concerning the U.S. Air Force. The group moved on to visit the 56th Maintenance Group weapons load barn where they were briefed by Master Sgt. Duane Kaholo, 56th MXG Weapons Standardization crew chief and viewed a weapons load demonstration. Several honorary commanders got hands-on experience by loading BDU 33s (blue practice bombs) onto an F-16. 

It was off to the dogs, military working dogs that is where Staff Sgts. Mark Quintero, John Pillarella, Justin Kitts, Kyle Alltop and Gabriel Bravo conducted a military working dog demonstration and introduced canine hero, Rex, who received the Service to Community Hero Award given by the Friends of Animal Care and Control. 

Mr. Mike Nealy, Phoenix Coyotes chief financial officer, HC of the 56th Equipment Maintenance Squadron and Mr. Bill Brewer, city of Glendale, HC to the 56th Contracting Squadron, surrendered to Rex's speed and strength when they tried to escape from Sergeant Bravo's arrest. 

"I thought the game of hockey and the Coyotes were fast but I learned a German Sheppard can get to you in a flash," said Mr. Nealy. "About the time I looked back to see when Rex was coming, he was on me and took me down. I was eye-to-eye with one of the Air Forces finest and was losing the wrestling match." 

The excitement continued as the 56th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal team demonstrated their skills and talked about their important and dangerous job. Julie Rees, Triadvocates, HC for the 56th Medical Operations Squadron, yelled, "fire in the hole," before pushing the firing device blowing up five pounds of TNT explosives while the rest of the group looked on. 

"Setting off the explosive was truly a unique experience," Ms. Rees said. "What a great release for all of my stress! It's going to be difficult to go back to my day job where my time is spent in meetings." 

The group dined with Luke Airmen at the Ray V. Hensman Dining Facility and discussed one-on-one with the Airmen about why they joined the Air Force, their jobs and background. 

"I'm so impressed by the men and women of Luke and the diversity and depth of their expertise," Ms. Rees said. "Everyone is so gracious in sharing their stories and information about what they do." 

After lunch the HCs joined the 310th Aircraft Maintenance Unit in an afternoon FOD walk where they picked up debris and experienced the daily ritual of Luke's aircraft maintenance professionals. 

"I was impressed with the sense of pride that every Airman displayed," Mr. Nealy said. "They all seem to understand that success for all comes from the sum of everyone's duties and working together. No job is taken lightly." 

A visit to hush house 2 was next. Master Sgt. Daniel Lucero, Engine Test Cell Section chief and Tech. Sgt. Keith Zeigler, assistant section chief, conducted an engine test run up showing the powerful engine of the F-16 aircraft. 

"I am never disappointed with the professionalism and discipline with which the men and women of Luke perform their work, said Eric Orsborn, DMB White Tank, Verrado project manager, HC to the 63rd Fighter Squadron. "Our visit to the hush house was no exception. I was honored to sit in the test cab while two highly skilled Airmen ran a jet engine up to full afterburner less than 30 feet away. Both of the Airmen were very knowledgeable and took pride in their work. The experience makes me even more proud of my country and the people who serve to protect it." 

From atop the air traffic control tower and from inside the RAPCON facility, the HCs got a birds-eye view of the base and surrounding cities as they learned about air traffic control.
"I am so grateful to have become an HC for Luke," said Molly Edwards of Molly Edwards Associates, assigned to the 56th Training Squadron. "One of the greatest experiences for me is when I visit the base and watch F-16s take off and land. It never gets boring. It's indescribable unless you see if first hand." 

The day ended after HCs flew air-to-air missions trying to shoot each other down in the F-16 simulators. Mike McCann, Chase Bank senior vice president and division manager, HC to the 61st FS was the only one to accomplish the mission. 

"What a great experience!" said Mr. McCann. "It was really exciting to fly the simulator in an air-to-air scenario. The simulator gives you a real appreciation for the skill and talent Luke pilots have to fly and train in the F-16. I'll remember the experience for a long time!"
Their two-year term as honorary commanders is up in October. A new group will be inducted at a ceremony Oct. 24 for the 2008 to 2010 term. 

When asked about the experience, Larry King, a judge in Paradise Valley and HC to the 756th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, said, "I think the HC program is an excellent opportunity for members of the community to see the sacrifices and hard work that the men and women in uniform and the support staff of the U.S. Air Force go through to protect this country 24/7, 365!" 

The HC program allows community participants to understand the importance of the Luke, Air Force and Defense Department military mission and allows military commanders and their units to learn more about the community in which they live. Luke commanders and personnel benefit through increased association with the community and its leaders.