Conference links area leaders, base commanders

Published Nov. 22, 2006
By Steve Brady
21st Space Wing Public Affairs

PETERSON AFB, Colo. -- The 21st Space Wing held its semi-annual co-commanders reception Nov. 16 at the Officers Club.

The co-commanders program was established in 2005 to serve several purposes. The most prominent is to build relations with active civic leaders in the Pikes Peak region and create relationships between them and wing leadership, according to wing Public Affairs Community Relations Division Chief Jeff Bohn.

"Our co-commanders joined us in celebrating Air Force, Air Force Space Command and Peterson's history while building new relationships," said Col. Jay G. Santee, 21st SW commander. "Our history would not be what it is without the strong partnership that exists between us and the community."

About 60 area civics and wing leaders attended of the 80-plus members.

"I've been a member of the co-commander's program from the beginning and I think that the events are always great," said Dee Vazquez, community relations officer for Pikes Peak Library District. "It's really a learning experience for me because I am very military ignorant."

The program's goal is to strengthen the bond between influential civics and the commanders of 21st SW units.

"I think the connectivity is really cool," Ms. Vazquez said. "It's beneficial to both sides because there isn't traditionally a lot of connectivity between the base and the city. I think this is a great opportunity to talk to people on the base about what we are doing."

"The benefits are circular; commanders learn more about the region they support and their Airmen live, and civic leaders receive a valuable education of their military through this one-on-one process. In the end, all benefit when commanders and civics take the time to learn about each other," Mr. Bohn said.

Co-commanders have prominent positions in the community's businesses, government, cultural and social organizations. This program joins military and civilian leaders to share experiences.

"Members of the co-commanders program came together to celebrate our commitment of continued service to one another," Colonel Santee said. "We also enjoyed building new friendships that will enhance the already great relationship between military and civilian leaders in the Colorado Springs area."

For information about the co-commander program, contact the 21 SW Public Affairs office at 556-6208.

(Senior Airman Mandy Weightman contributed to this article.)

Greeting co-commanders