Hanscom welcomes community leaders as new Honorary Commanders

  • Published
  • By J.C. Corcoran
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  With a capacity crowd on hand, Electronic Systems Center welcomed its six new Honorary Commander's to the ESC community at an installation ceremony Jan. 9 in the Minuteman Club Ballroom.

The honorary commanders program is designed to increase public awareness and understanding of the armed forces and the missions, policies, programs and people of ESC. The ceremony mirrored an actual assumption of command, with ESC Commander Lt. Gen. Ted Bowlds and each ESC wing commander passing a unit flag to their new honoree.

"Becoming an Honorary Commander in the Air Force is a serious tribute that reflects our appreciation and respect for the individual chosen and for what they have accomplished in business and their community," said General Bowlds. "We had a very distinguished group of individuals for our first group of honorary commanders two years ago, and we have an equally distinguished cadre of new honorary commanders that I know will serve us well."

General Bowlds led off the ceremony, passing the flag to his new honorary commander, Michael Graham, host of the daily radio talk show, The Natural Truth, on WTKK in Boston. Mr. Graham is also the author of several books and is a columnist for the Boston Herald, who continues to be an active fundraiser for the Fisher House Foundation, which provides housing and support to military members when a family member is undergoing hospitalization.

Col. Dwyer Dennis, commander of the 551st Electronic Systems Wing, inducted Dr. Robert Collings, a local entrepreneur who founded and served as Chief Executive Officer of two successful high-tech companies, as the 551st's new honorary commander. He and his wife run The Collings Foundation, which supports the living history of transportation through the restoration and display of rare, antique and classic aircraft and automobiles.

Col. Robert Dominguez, commander of the 350 ELSW, welcomed his new honorary commander, Tracy West, founder and president of the Hayson Sports Group, a
professional sports and event management firm, and tournament director of the Professional Golf Association's Champions Tour held at Nashawtuc Country Club in Concord, Mass.

Ron Mason, director of the 653rd ELSW, inducted Christopher Anderson as his wing's new Honorary Commander. Mr. Anderson is president of the Defense Technology Initiative and the Massachusetts High Technology Council, Inc., organizations that help create employment opportunities in the state's high tech and defense sectors.

Col. Derrick Richardson, welcomed his wing's new honorary commander, Bill Haas, branch Manager for Raymond James Financial Services in Lexington, and a long-time supporter of the military.

Earlier in the week, Col. David Orr, 66th Air Base Wing Commander, traveled to Boston to induct his wing's new honorary commander, Jonathan Elias, anchorman and reporter for WBZ-TV News. Mr. Elias was unable to make Friday's ceremony because of his on-air commitments.

"We had a wonderful time," said Tracy West. "I look forward to forming a strong relationship with Colonel Dominguez and the men and women of the wing and being an active participant," she said. Ms. West, following her formal installation, showed her new wing spirit, leading members of the 350 ELSW with the unit cheer as she departed the stage.

Prior to the formal installation, ESC recognized those individuals who were the first to hold the title of honorary commander. On hand to accept the grateful thanks and appreciation for their many contributions over the past two years from both General Bowlds and ESC Vice Commander Brig. Gen. Terry Feehan were Charlie Zabriskie (ESC); John Ott (653 ELSW) and Richard Karelitz (551st).