JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, New Jersey --
Honorary commanders from across Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst had an opportunity to see Peterson Air Force base, Schriever Air Force base and the United States Air Force Academy during their tour of military installations in Colorado, May 4 and 5, 2017.
Honorary commanders are key civil leaders assigned to military commanders. The purpose of the program is to help foster communication between the Joint Base and the community and to provide them insight into what the military does every day.
“This was an amazing opportunity, most people don’t get an intimate view into the military like this,” said Gino Sciorilli. “Our job as honorary commanders is to take this information back into the community to foster support for Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and the military as a whole.”
The honorary commanders hopped on a C-17 Globemaster III and experienced an exclusive look into the way the military often travels. After setting down at Peterson Air Force Base, they took a bus to Schriever to get a better understanding of the space and cyberspace missions there.
“It’s hard to believe they track and communicate all of the world’s satellites here,” said Toby Stark, honorary commander. “It’s an amazing mission; I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Following the trip to Schriever and dinner at Peterson, the honorary commanders returned to Colorado Springs for a night’s rest. The next morning, they drove out to The United States Air Force Academy for a tour of the prestigious installation.
After the tour was over, the honorary commanders took their stories and experience back on the long flight home to New Jersey.
“This was a unique opportunity to learn more about the diversity of the Air Force’s mission,” said Kenneth Wong. “Ultimately, the people pay for the military with taxes. It’s plain to see it’s a worthy investment. The military has our support, 100 percent."