BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Catherine B. Vanderberry, a Bossier Parish Jury Commissioner, was inducted as the first honorary commander of the 707th Maintenance Squadron during a ceremony at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., March 5, 2017. Vanderberry is the first honorary commander for the 707th MXS.
Lt. Col. Warren Crabtree, 707th MXS commander, presided over the ceremony.
“It is just great knowing that we have the support of the local community,” said Crabtree. “Mrs. Vanderberry has been involved in helping our Airmen for years and now we have the opportunity to highlight that relationship and help it grow even more.”
The honorary commanders’ program was created to strengthen community relations throughout the Shreveport and Bossier City area.
Vanderberry said she was thrilled at the opportunity of serving as an honorary commander and was happy to become a part of the 707th MXS family.
The 307th bomb wing is partnering with key community leaders to create one-on-one opportunities and build a bridge to our community while fostering a supportive relationship.
This program also increases public awareness of the Air Force Reserve, and helps sustain the work-life balance of Citizen Airmen. Each honorary commander serves a 24-month commitment and then becomes an alumnus. They receive regular updates through news releases, media advisories, and monthly commander’s topics as well as invitations to wing-wide events.