Induction ceremony welcomes new ‘commanders’

Published Aug. 20, 2015
By Airman 1st Class Joshua King
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. - -- "I will do my best to support the men and women of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst as they preserve, protect and defend the constitution of the United States," 71 community leaders recited in unison during an Honorary Commander Induction Ceremony held here Aug. 19.

The program pairs community leaders from Burlington and Ocean Counties with a military unit commander from the joint base. The JB MDL honorary commander program encourages partnerships between the nations only tri-service joint base and local communities, allowing them to get an understanding of each other.

Col. Frederick D. Thaden, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and 87th Air Base Wing commander, led the inductees in the honorary commander oath, officially making them part of the program.

"This program is about cooperation, partnerships and understanding," said Thaden. "We wouldn't be able to accomplish our mission without the support of our community. This program lets us show our gratitude, while allowing commanders and community leaders to teach one another about the great things going on at JB MDL and in the communities just outside our gate."

Honorary commanders have an active role in their communities allowing them to share their experiences with the base and raise public awareness and support for Team MDL.

"I'm a rookie," joked Pastor Dominick Cuozzo, 87th ABW chaplain honorary commander, about it being his first time in the program. "I am excited and thankful to be a part of this program."

Dana Lancellotti, 87th ABW honorary deputy commander, has been in the program for a few years.

"I am very honored and privileged to be in my fourth year as an honorary commander," said Lancellotti. "There is nothing better than the face-to-face interactions. You can read articles or look at pictures, but it's not the same as being here and meeting the people."

The base hosts three honorary commander events during their year-long tenure: the induction ceremony, a "boot camp" and a simulated deployment. Additionally, each unit invites their representative to events such as awards ceremonies, training missions and other unit activities throughout the year, further developing their partnership.

"I look forward to working and interacting with man y honorary commanders over the course of the next year," Thaden said. "Together we can build partnerships that strengthen our communities and build friendships that last a lifetime and ensure the mutual success of each other."