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Food for thought

  • Published
  • By By Airman Nathan H. Barbour
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

An Air Force base cannot function properly or complete its mission effectively without public trust and support from the local community. The Honorary Commander Program opens the door to good communication by allowing D-M and the Tucson, Arizona community to see how each other operate.

“The program is used to connect military organizations with community leaders so they can have an awareness of what our mission is,” said Senior Master Sgt. Lisa Azzoline, 355th Comptroller Squadron superintendent. “That way, they can go back out into the community and advocate for us.”

Nicollette Daly, 355th CPTS honorary commander, has been able to visit the base for events that helped her better understand the mission of the Air Force and its Airmen.

“Meeting the Airmen and hearing their stories has been really cool and has definitely engaged me more with Davis-Monthan,” Daly said. “It made me realize how strong these people are to come and do what they do and do it away from their family; it has definitely given me a new respect.”

Recently, Airmen and civilians from the 355th CPTS had the opportunity to visit Daly’s operation, the Food Bank of Southern Arizona.

“This was a way for us to give back to her organization,” Azzoline said. “We’re helping her and her organization give back to the community.”

They participated in a three hour volunteer shift, which involved sorting and boxing different kinds of nonperishable foods.

“I think it’s great for people at the food bank to see how the base supports us,” said Daly.

There are currently 50 honorary commanders assigned to groups and squadrons at D-M. Any civic or business leader in the Tucson area who is curious to learn more about the military, are encouraged to apply for the program.