20th FW announces 2012 honorary commanders Published Nov. 13, 2012 By Capt. Ann Blodzinski 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Official letters were sent Nov. 9 announcing the new honorary commanders for the 20th Fighter Wing. The 20th FW is excited to bring on 17 new honorary commanders, continue 11 for another year and induct16 into the new lifetime honorary commander group. The purpose of the Air Force honorary commander program is to increase public awareness and understanding of the armed forces and its mission, policies and programs of the AF, and to build relationships with members of the local community and encourage them to share the AF story. The following individuals are new honorary commanders for the 20th FW: Charles Edens, Melissa White, Mark Mossell, Donnie Hines, Steven Lauzon, George McGregor, Jamie Dahl, Chip Bracalente, Rich Adams, Karl Ford, Chip Chase, Russell Roark, Wendell Turner, John Hyatt, Glenn Peagler, Mike Mischner and Kimberly Cousineaux. The following individuals will continue another year as honorary commanders: Joseph McElveen, Archie Chandler, Cliff Goodwin, David Waldkirch, Jay Schwedler, Grier Blackwelder, Mindy Taylor, Deron McCormick, Earl Wilson, Jay Cox, Jeff Faw and Michael Nimmich. This year the new lifetime honorary commanders group (formerly the Wild Weasels) has been formed. The purpose of this group is to keep those individuals part of the 20th FW family but allow newcomers to fill the two year term honorary commander positions. The following individuals will become lifetime honorary commanders this year: Steve Creech, Archie Chandler, Will Holmes, Rick Hines, Fowler Cary, Roger Flowers, Teresa Dillard, Rocky Knowlton, Britton Moseley, Gary Mixon, Brad Erwin, Patty Patterson, Joseph Tobiere, Coles Dwight, Greg Martin and Mark Crabbe. The program is designated so that all honorary commanders receive an annual base pass and are invited to installation and squadron events. "Through this interaction you will become more familiar with our mission and people, while Airmen assigned to Shaw will learn more about their adopted community through your interaction," said Col. Clay Hall, 20th FW commander in a recent letter. "This interaction has proven itself invaluable in building lasting relationships and support of the military community." Ceremonies will be held by the individual squadrons and groups simulating the military tradition of a change of command for the incoming civilian honorary commanders.