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Community leaders get the boot

  • Published
  • By Pascual Flores
  • Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Thirty-eight civic leaders from the surrounding communities put aside their normal work routine to test their endurance in military basic training, or "boot camp," Oct. 29, 2015, here.

These civic leaders are all part of the Honorary Commanders Program, which educates community leaders on Defense Department missions on JB MDL.

"Defending freedom is not easy," said Command Sgt. Maj. Mark L. Brinton, 174th Combined Arms Training Brigade command sergeant major. "The strength of our nation is our military and the families and the community that supports them."

Instructors representing the Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force provided information on their services, fitness and military training programs.

"Physical fitness is crucial to all members of the military," said Air Force Staff Sgt. John Byrd, honorary boot camp instructor and 87th Air Base Wing chaplain assistant. "Fitness and military training is a constant for all services of the military for the preparedness for deployed environments."

In addition to fitness standards, the instructors taught honorary commanders the fundamentals that basic trainees are expected to learn, including military customs, traditions and drill movements.

The civic leaders even experienced a boot camp-like atmosphere, with instructors yelling commands to get into formation.

"This is my second time attending the boot camp and it is still a learning process, it is nice watching how the military interacts with the honorary commanders," said Al Kernagis, 621st Contingency Response Wing, honorary commander and retired New Jersey State Trooper. "The battle lab was very informative with the firing sequences and a big eye opener."

The first two stops for the honorary commanders showcased Army vehicles, weapons and virtual training simulators.

The honorary commanders received hands-on experience handling weapons systems. They also used a Virtual Interactive Combat Environment System which places an individual in a simulated immersive virtual environment conducting fire team, squad or platoon operations.

"Being around the community of the joint base, gives me strength and comfort, I enjoy learning all I can," said Judi Tapper, 305th Air Mobility Wing honorary commander. "What I really enjoyed was learning about the different weapons, I always miss and try to be a better shot."

This is Tapper's third time attending the boot camp. The Atco, N.J. native is also the current president of the N.J. chapter of American Gold Star Mothers.

"It is a pleasure and honor to be here and I am so proud of our military."

After a "delicious" lunch of military Meals Ready to Eat, the honorary commanders were shown the professionalism and technical acumen of the JB MDL Honor Guard and received drill and cadence instructions and practice.

"I want to congratulate and thank each and every one of you for taking the time out of your day to immerse yourselves, at least for a little while, today to gain a better understanding of our joint base Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen," said Navy Capt. Christopher Bergen, JB MDL deputy commander and Naval Support Activity-Lakehurst commander, during the closing ceremony. "We appreciate each of you dedicating your time to the Honorary Commanders Program and attending todays' mock boot camp. I hope you all had fun, enjoyed the comradery and learned a little something new."

Bergen concluded the ceremony with the presentation of a certificate of completion to each honorary commander.