Liberty Warriors honor local dignitaries

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. David Dobrydney
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  The 48th Fighter Wing hosted its annual summer reception to welcome new honorary commanders and local dignitaries July 29.

The event allowed local British leaders to visit the base and mingle with the Airmen who share their community.

"First and foremost we need to express our appreciation for all the support we get so that's why these events are important," said Col. John Quintas, 48th FW commander.

The Honorary Commander Program pairs civic leaders with squadron, group and wing-level leaders. It is designed to encourage the exchange of ideas, experiences and friendship between key leaders of the local civilian and military communities.

This year welcomed seven new honorary commanders into the program.

"Sometimes the base feels and seems like it's a guarded, secure area where they're not allowed to come in and we really want to open it up and help them understand what we do here and why we're here," Quintas said.

Besides their own induction ceremony, the visitors witnessed the wing's monthly promotion ceremony before taking a tour of the base, concluding with an American barbecue dinner. Various units put on demonstrations of their capabilities, including a flight of F-15 Eagles.

"We're the guests here in England, so the more we can show transparency the easier it is for them to accept us," said Tech. Sgt. Samuel Beckett, 48th Security Forces Squadron kennel master.

Among the dignitaries was John Bexon, head brewer for the Greene King Brewery. Bexon has participated in the honorary commander program at both Royal Air Force Mildenhall and Lakenheath for 10 years. He has been honorary commander of the 48th Munitions Squadron for the past five years.

Staying with one squadron has allowed Bexon to build continuity with the Airmen who work there.

"It makes it easier to meet new people when they come in," he said. "It helps to bond the two cultures and I've made a lot of friends along the way, at all levels."

While Bexon has visited with Airmen for several years, this year's reception was the first for Patricia O'Brien, Suffolk County Council chairman.

"I feel very privileged to be here," O'Brien said. "We read a lot about how we're allies ... but to come here and actually meet Americans and to realize we have so much in common, it's just a delight."