Honorary Commanders explore Dobbins mission, training facilities

  • Published
  • By James Branch
  • 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Over 40 members of the Honorary Commanders Association Class of 2017 explored various missions and training facilities at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Georgia May 25, 2017.

The HCA annually selects community and business leaders and pairs them with military commanders in a yearlong program, giving the leaders the opportunity to learn more about local military activities, their impact on our economy and various aspects of the national defense system.

Col. Patrick Campbell, 94th Operations Group commander, hosted the group, and provided them with a mission overview.

“The 94th Airlift Wing provides mission-ready forces,” said Campbell. Airlift is our primary mission, but not our only one. You will witness a lot of our Airmen at work today. Everyone plays an important role.”

The civic leaders visited the base C-130 Simulator, the 94th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron facility, the Force Support Silver Flag Training Center, and a C-130 Hercules aircraft.

The group also witnessed Dobbins Fire Department and Explosive Ordnance Disposal demonstrations, and observed an airdrop from the base observation deck.

Campbell discussed the Reserve Citizen Airmen who are currently deployed, and the many training exercises they participated in to prepare them.

“A quarter of our Airmen are deployed all over the world,” he said. “We maintain air superiority, making it easier for us to perform cargo and personnel airlift, tactical missions, and aeromedical evacuation.”

For Latasha Brinson, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Marietta site lead and senior manager ethics and business conduct, this is her fifth tour of a military installation since becoming an Honorary Commander.

“As a civilian, being a member of Honorary Commanders and having the opportunity to visit multiple military bases, gives me a greater awareness and appreciation,” she said. “It also provides me the pleasure of seeing Lockheed Martin's products in use by our service men and women.”

The C-130 Simulator is a tough act to follow, Brinson added.

Honorary Commanders is a cooperative effort of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce, Dobbins Air Reserve Base, General Lucius D. Clay National Guard Center, Navy and Marine Corps.

“The respect this community has for our military is like none I’ve ever seen,” said Campbell. “We appreciate the partnership we have with this city and county.”