6th MDG holds first honorary commander immersion tour

Col. Daniel Tulley, commander of the 6th Air Mobility Wing, gives the Wing Mission Brief to a group of honorary commanders during an immersion at the 6th Medical Group at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., Dec. 18, 2015. This immersion was the first of the quarterly immersions for the newly appointed honorary commanders of the 6th AMW and the 927th Air Refueling Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Brittany Liddon)

6th MDG holds first honorary commander immersion tour

1st Lt. Jessica Robbins, a physician’s assistant assigned to the 6th Medical Operation Squadron, and Master Sgt. Jamie Meadows Valley, the dental logistics NCO in charge of the 6th Dental Squadron, assist Yvette Segura, the honorary commander assigned to 6th Operations Group, with putting on a decontamination suit during an immersion at the 6th Medical Group at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., Dec. 18, 2015. The honorary commanders from the 6th Air Mobility Wing and the 927th Air Refueling Wing were invited to take part in the day’s activities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Brittany Liddon)

6th MDG holds first honorary commander immersion tour

1st Lt. Jessica Robbins, a physician’s assistant assigned to the 6th Medical Operation Squadron, explains the process of setting up a decontamination tent to a group of honorary commanders during an immersion tour at the 6th Medical Group at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., Dec. 18, 2015. During their visit to the 6th MDG, honorary commanders were given a mission brief by the 6th Air Mobility Wing commander, 927th Air Refueling Wing commander, and 6th MDG commander, along with viewing the work sections from several flights around the group. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Brittany Liddon)

6th MDG holds first honorary commander immersion tour

Published Dec. 23, 2015
By Staff Sgt. Brittany Liddon
6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- For the first time during their tenure, the honorary commanders for the 6th Air Mobility Wing and 927th Air Refueling Wing were invited to attend an immersion tour on Dec. 18, 2015, at the 6th Medical Group at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.

After a mission brief from Col. Daniel Tulley, commander of the 6th AMW, Col. Randal Bright, commander of the 927th ARW, and Col. Kevin Franke, commander of the 6th MDG, the honorary commanders were given the opportunity to break into small groups, receive briefings and get hands-on experience from different squadrons in the 6th MDG. The honorary commanders were also given a demonstration from the decontamination team, a brief from PharmaCare, and offered a catered lunch.

"This event was a great opportunity for the 6th Medical Group to share with our honorary commanders our different capabilities, not only from a clinical perspective, but some of the others things we do, such as pharmacy, decontamination, and aeromedical evacuation," explained Franke.

This immersion is the first of the quarterly immersions that will be offered to the honorary commanders. Each quarter, a different group from around the base will get the opportunity to showcase the men and women of their group.

"The overall experience is inspirational to me," stated Deborah Miller, honorary commander of the 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. "Not having a military background, I enjoyed learning about the various components that a military career can encompass."

Every two years, honorary commanders are selected to join their respective military commanders and experience their role in the overall mission of Team MacDill. This group of honorary commanders was inducted on Sept. 28, 2015.

The honorary commander program is used to not only educate civic leaders about the mission of Team MacDill, but to create partnerships with the community. The program also provides Team MacDill with the opportunity to share experiences and learn from members of the local community.

"The best part about the immersions is the collaboration between us and our honorary commanders to connect with them and help them understand what we do from a military perspective," said Franke.