ARPC hosts honorary commander

by Maj. Lennea Montandon
Air Reserve Personnel Center Public Affairs

8/7/2013 - BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- A Team Buckley honorary commander recently visited the Air Reserve Personnel Center here.

Cindy Kreutz, chief executive officer and president of the Spalding Rehabilitation Hospital in Aurora, Colo., along with ARPC's commander, vice commander, and command chief, welcomed new senior leadership from the 460th Space Wing.

Col. Dan Wright III, 460th SW commander, Col. Mitch Stratton, 460th SW vice commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Craig Hall, 460th SW command chief, recently moved to Buckley AFB. As part of their orientation, they received a mission brief and preview of ARPC's responsibilities in support of Air National Guard and Reserve members.

The honorary commanders program emphasizes one-on-one relationships between community and Buckley leaders in order to build public trust and strong community relationships. They act as civilian counterparts to command leadership and attend events such as picnics and other unit functions.

"This program allows me as a civilian to gain exposure about how the military works. I have an appreciation for the military and can see the end result--our freedom, but it can be easy to forget how complex the process is. The honorary commanders program makes it very real and personal to me," said Kreutz.

Twenty civilian leaders are part of Team Buckley's honorary commanders program; two work closely with ARPC. They are able to gain a clear understanding of what Buckley AFB brings to the community, and military leaders have insight into the opportunities offered in Aurora and how the base impacts the area.

"I am able to get an insider's view and have a greater understanding of the challenges military members and their families face," said Kreutz. "I can take that information into the community so others gain perspective on what goes on at Buckley, its forward progress and its strategic importance."

Brig. Gen. Jay Flournoy, ARPC commander, stressed the benefits of the relationships formed.

"Having Ms. Kreutz and other community and business partners in attendance shows our commitment to our partnerships and provides open lines of communication in the community as a whole," he said.

Kreutz's employer, Spalding Rehabilitation Hospital, works closely with Buckley AFB as part of the Aurora Chamber's Defense Council, and the hospital is the premier sponsor for this year's Aurora Veterans Salute, an annual event recognizing veterans in the metropolitan area. The rehabilitation hospital has also served individual service members and veterans through their inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation programs.