Pope Army Airfield names city, county leaders and community members as Honorary Commanders

By Staff Report, posted Sep 25, 2024 on BizFayetteville.com

Inductees gathered for a group photo. Photo provided by: Fayetteville Regional Airport

The 43rd Air Mobility Operation Group held an Honorary Commander’s Ceremony Sept. 13 on Pope Army Airfield to induct leadership from Fayetteville and the surrounding community.

Leaders take the oath. Photo provided by: Cumberland County

The 43rd AMOG Commander, Colonel Allen C. Morris Jr., inducted Mayor Pro Tem Kathy Jensen, Interim Airport Director Deontae Watson and Fayetteville Area System of Transit Director Tyffany Neal as Honorary Commanders.

Each commander is assigned to a squadron within the 43rd AMOG to provide civilian expertise, leadership and strengthen the ties between Pope Army Airfield.

“These Honorary Commanders serve as a reminder that we must work together with our military neighbors, in every aspect, to continue building a strong future for Fayetteville,” said City Manager Douglas J. Hewett in a press release. “The military community is a vital part of the City and we want to take every opportunity to continue our developing partnerships with Pope Army Airfield and Fort Liberty as they are our neighbors, friends and loved ones.”

Morris reinstated this program when he took command in Nov. 2023, as he saw the significance of local Honorary Commanders’ connections with squadrons. He stated the importance each of these Honorary Commanders have for their assigned squadrons and encouraged each Honorary Commander to partner with their assigned squadron and become involved with events and outreach.

Each Honorary Commander will serve a term of two years, with their duties including attending squadron meetings, opportunities to speak with the Airmen and invitations to official Pope Army Airfield events, such as the upcoming Air Force Ball in celebration of the Air Force’s 77th Birthday.

Watson (centered) receives the Certificate of Partnership from Colonel Allen C. Morris (left) and Chief Master Sergeant Tomio P. Brown, Sr. (right).

“It is an incredible opportunity to be chosen as an Honorary Commander,” said Interim Airport Director Deontae Watson in a press release. “I look forward to this partnership we will build between the Airport and the 43rd Air Mobility Squadron, continuing our support of the local military.”

This partnership between key leaders in the city and the military furthers the overall goal of strengthening relations between Fayetteville and the military community.

Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Chairman Glenn Adams was also inducted as an Honorary Commander by the 43rd Air Mobility Operations Group (AMOG) Commander, Colonel Allen C. Morris Jr. Chairman Adams was among five civic leaders inducted at the Honorary Commanders Induction Ceremony.

Chairman Adams (centered) receives the Certificate of Partnership from Colonel Allen C. Morris (left) and Chief Master Sergeant Tomio P. Brown, Sr. (right). Photo provided by: Cumberland County.

As an inductee, Chairman Adams was assigned a squadron within the 43rd AMOG and will serve as an Honorary Commander for the next two years. During these two years, duties as an Honorary Commander will include attending squadron meetings and engagement opportunities, advocating for the community, and providing insight on Cumberland County to military partners.

"Being inducted as an Honorary Commander is a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with our service members and act as a bridge between the military and Cumberland County," said Adams in a press release. "I am excited to embark on this journey. Together, we can continue to strengthen our community."

By partnering with 43rd AMOG, Cumberland County leadership continues to move forward in ways that strengthen the community through joint ventures and collaboration with the military community.

Candace Howell (center left ) receives the Certificate of Partnership from Colonel Allen C. Morris (far left), Lieutenant Colonel Joel Banjo-Johnson (center right) and Chief Master Sergeant Tomio P. Brown, Sr. (right). Photo provided by: Candace Howell.

Additionally, Fayetteville resident Candace Howell, owner and operator of the Candace Howell State Farm Insurance Agency was installed to the position of Honorary

Commander For The 43d Force Support Squadron.

“As a child of a proud career military father, I am deeply appreciative of this opportunity to both learn and lead through eye-opening educational experiences with our airmen,” Candace said in a press release.

A Fayetteville native, Howell is a graduate of mathematics from Duke University. With over 37 years of experience in the insurance industry, Candace leads an expanding team that focuses on assisting people in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia as they manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected and realize their dreams.

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