Fourteen civic leaders representing counties throughout central Montana were inducted as inaugural honorary commanders for the 341st Missile Wing during a ceremony here Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Grizzly Bend club.
The honorary commander program is an Air Force campaign, newly implemented at Malmstrom AFB by Col. Daniel Voorhies, 341st Missile Wing commander. It is designed to strengthen lasting partnerships between the base and the communities within the wing’s 13,800 square miles of Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile operations.
“The Honorary Commander Program allows Malmstrom to create new relationships and strengthen existing partnership to bridge gaps throughout our 13,800 square mile missile field. Having alliances on every corner of the missile complex ensures that our Airmen are postured to carry out the most important mission within the Department of Defense while also taking care of our surrounding communities,” said Col. Voorhies.
This program is the first of its kind at Malmstrom, where influential community leaders are nominated by the base to partner with senior leaders to gain firsthand insight into the critical role Malmstrom plays in our nation’s national security.
Through this program, honorary commanders will have a unique opportunity to engage directly with the Air Force mission, personnel and operations, equipping them to serve as ambassadors and advocates for our mission within their communities.
“I am proud to serve as an honorary commander to help bridge the gap between Malmstrom AFB and my community. I am excited to help support and amplify Malmstrom’s mission,” said Heidi Hockett, Military Affairs Committee Chair.
Honorary commanders will remain with their current commanders for one to two years, after which time base leadership will receive a new honorary commander. This ensures that Malmstrom and our community members continue to benefit from the program for decades to come.
