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Gamblers welcome new honorary commander

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Ann Blodzinski
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  The 77th Fighter Squadron welcomed a new honorary commander at a recognition ceremony, Aug. 24 at Hangar 1200 here.

Dr. Steven Lauzon, a Sumter Surgical partner, officially just joined the Gamblers but has been a long time supporter and friend to the squadron.

"To be honest, we really didn't pick Dr. Lauzon, he was just a natural fit with the men and women of the 77th and we desired to formalize the tie by requesting he be recognized and made our honorary commander," said Lt. Col. John Vargas, 77th FS commander. "He, and his wife Laura, are incredible people and we are fortunate to have them as part of our Gambler family. They have a genuine appreciation for military."

During a short ceremony duplicating the military tradition of a change of command, Dr. Lauzon was officially deemed a new leader of the 77th FS.

"Dr. Lauzon, today we officially add you to the 20th Operations Group leadership team, and equally important, to part of the Gambler family," said Col. Shaun McGrath, 20th OG commander. "The important part is that you have already been a supportive part of the Gambler team."

The honorary commander program educates those in the community with limited knowledge of the Air Force and the installation.

"Behind the might of the most visibly awesome F-16s is a tight-knit community, firmly grounded in friendship and family, and you've allowed me to be a part of that both on the base and in your individual families and homes. I hope I can give you that feeling here in Sumter as your honorary commander," said Lauzon.

The 20th Fighter Wing will change out 50 percent of the honorary commanders every year. The 77th FS led the way with an early change over due to their upcoming deployment.

With 28 honorary commander positions, the 20th FW teams up with elected officials, mayors, chamber of commerce members, school officials and others who, because of their position or influence in the community, have a positive impact on the public support for the base.

20th FW Commanders and Public Affairs ensure the base has contact with local civic leaders to increase public awareness and understanding of the armed forces and the mission, policies and programs of the Air Force, and to build relationships with members of the local community.

As the 77th FS nears the start of their next deployment the relationships with the community also help families at home.

"When we are deployed it will no doubt help to bring peace of mind for those deployed to know their families are being well cared for as part of the Sumter community," said McGrath.

After honorary commanders complete their time with the squadron, they are inducted into the Lifetime Honorary Commander program. This allows the family of civic leaders to grow and become a family with the base over the years.

Current and lifetime honorary commanders are invited to base and squadron functions and in turn the military members are invited off base to learn and get to know the community.

The 20th Fighter Wing group commanders will hold assumption of command ceremonies for all new participants during the fall of 2012, growing the military and local community into a bigger family each year.