Base welcomes new Honorary Commanders

  • Published
  • By J.C. Corcoran
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
Hanscom Air Force Base --  A new chapter was added to the Hanscom history books when six members of the civilian community were formally installed as the first Honorary Wing Commanders Tuesday in ceremonies held at The Minuteman Club.

Presiding over the ceremony was Electronic Systems Center Commander Lt. Gen. Chuck Johnson who passed a 60th Anniversary Air Force flag to each of the six new honorees, signifying acceptance of their new positions within the Electronic Systems Center and each of Hanscom's five wings, as well as the 360th Recruiting Group.

The purpose of the honorary commanders program is to increase public awareness and understanding of the armed forces and the missions, policies, programs and people of the Electronic Systems Center. Another goal of the program is to bring together members of the communities near Hanscom and help commanders keep a pulse on community concerns.

"We're a small base near a huge, sprawling urban area. Does anyone know we're here? Does anyone care?" the general asked. "Well, they do," he said, gesturing toward the honorary commanders.

General Johnson went on to say he was excited for the opportunity to share Air Force heritage and Hanscom's accomplishments with the new honorees as well as learn about their organizations, communities and views.

As outlined by General Johnson, the new honorary commanders will now have the opportunity to take part in a variety of events and activities to include awards programs, changes of command, holiday parties and commanders' calls.

"It's a great way to connect with the community and share knowledge and information," General Johnson said.

Likewise, Hanscom's wing commanders will have the opportunity to visit with their honorary commanders as they establish new ties and share in the exchange of information.

Each new honorary commander was presented a certificate of appointment, an honorary commander shirt and an Air Force coin.

Following the ceremony, the honored guests and their military counterparts attended the Air Force Tops In Blue show at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium.

The following is a list of the new Honorary Commanders in the order they were installed.
To the Electronic Systems Center:
Charles Zabriskie will be the honorary commander to General Johnson. Mr. Zabriskie is the president and CEO of the Zabriskie Family Foundation and is regarded as one of the nation's leading authorities on acquisitions and mergers.

To the 350th Electronic Systems Wing:
The 350 ELSW welcomed Kevin Cummings as their new honorary commander. Mr. Cummings is president of the Lowell Devils American Hockey League team located in Lowell, Mass.

To the 653rd Electronic Systems Wing:
John Ott, National Heritage Museum executive director, in Lexington, Mass. was installed as the new honorary commander to the 653 ELSW.

To the 551st Electronic Systems Wing:
The honorary commander for the 551 ELSW is Richard Karelitz. Mr. Karelitz is the general counsel to the Kraft Group, the New England Patriots and the New England Revolution.

To the 66th Air Base Wing:
The 66 ABW personnel welcomed Christine Schuster as their new Honorary Commander. Ms. Schuster is president and CEO of Emerson Hospital in Concord, Mass.

To the 360th Recruiting Group:
Michael Lawson, Boston University School of Management senior associate dean, was installed as the Honorary Commander for the 360 RCG.

554th Electronic Systems Wing:
A seventh Honorary Commander, Peter Zimmerman, was unable to attend the ceremony and will be formally installed as the Honorary Commander for the 554 ELSW at a later date. Mr. Zimmerman is the senior associate dean of executive education and program development at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.