Photo By Tech. Sgt. Lucas Weber | Col. Douglas Stouffer, 911th Airlift Wing commander, poses for a photo with the newest...... read more read more
The 911th Airlift Wing and the 171st Air Refueling Wing took a significant step in fortifying community-military ties by launching the emerging Steel City Honorary Commanders Association with a civic leader flight, Aug. 13, 2024.
The event commenced at 8 a.m. with Col. Douglas Stouffer and Col. Raymond Hyland, commanders of the 911th AW and 171st ARW respectively, leading the introduction of their units and missions and showcasing the operational synergy between the two wings.
Stouffer highlighted the value of the Honorary Commanders Program, stating, “The Honorary Commanders Program is more than just a partnership; it’s a bridge that connects our military and civilian communities. It’s vital that we work together, share our stories, and understand each other’s challenges and successes.” He added, “By engaging with our community leaders through this program, we not only strengthen our ties but also ensure that the story of our Airmen and their mission is understood and appreciated by those who support us.”
Following the introductions, the community leaders were matched with their respective wings and units based on their expertise in fields such as medicine, technology, aviation, and manufacturing. Of the 28 inductees, 13 were selected to represent the 911th AW as honorary commanders. They, along with five Pennsylvania State Representatives, embarked on a C-17 Globemaster III for a two-hour flight, experiencing its capabilities firsthand.
Buckled in next to palletized cargo and medical bays with a training Aeromedical Evacuation team, attendees experienced the operational environment of Steel Airmen. Later in the flight, they were brought up to the flight deck in pairs to observe aerial refueling—a crucial strategic capability. The sight of the C-17 joining formation with a 171st ARW assigned KC-135 Stratotanker illustrated Pittsburgh International Airport's role as a power projection platform, essential for global military operations.
“Coming up on that refueler was definitely the most exciting thing I’ve seen today,” said Petra Mitchell, the president and CEO for Catalyst Connection and honorary commander for the 911th Logistics Readiness Squadron. “I was up in the cockpit when we started to meet up with the other jet. Seeing it so far out in the distance and watching it get closer and closer was incredible.”
Mitchell, whose non-profit economic development organization works specifically with manufacturing companies in the Southwestern Pennsylvania region, joined the Steel City HCA with the intent to better understand the life of the military, the mission and the collaboration between the Guard and Reserve units. She aims to connect regional manufacturing with the mission of the 911th AW and the protection of the country.
The Honorary Commanders Association, developed to foster an exchange of ideas, share experiences, and build lasting relationships between local civilian leaders and the military, plays a crucial role in strengthening the bonds between Western Pennsylvania’s military and civilian communities. Dr. Peter J. Lambrou, MD, president & CEO of the Center for Aviation Medicine and honorary commander of the 911th Aeromedical Staging Squadron, noted his commitment to the program, stating, “I really want to put a lot into this program. These two bases are integral to our community. I want to make the most out of my two years as an honorary commander.”
The launch of the newly formed Steel City Honorary Commanders Association signifies a renewed commitment to building and maintaining strong community relations, ensuring that the voices and experiences of both military and civilian leaders are shared and valued.
The 911th AW honorary commanders are as follows:
Jenn Beer; president and CEO, Leadership Pittsburgh Inc.
Christina Cassotis; CEO, Allegheny County Airport Authority
Maurissa D’Angelo; president, D'Angelo Technologies, LLC
James Deighan; CEO and founder, Mega Cat Studios
Alex Heit; vice president, VISIMO
Jeff Kotula; president, Washington County Chamber of Commerce
Dr. Peter J. Lambrou, MD; president & CEO, Center for Aviation Medicine
Thad Magyar; Chief financial Officer, Titan Robotics Inc.
Jorge Martinez; CEO, American Red Cross
Petra Mitchell; president and CEO, Catalyst Connection
Michelle Patrick; president, Robert Morris University
Olga Pogoda; chief operating officer, KEF Robotics
Walt Zukowski; branch manager, Sunbelt Rentals Inc.
The 171st ARW honorary commanders are as follows:
John Barnes; founder and president, The Barnes Global Advisors
Katherine Byrne; vice president, PNC Bank
Tim Chesleigh; Council Representative, Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters
Andy Davis; CEO, UPMC
Matt Gentile; president, My BFF Social
Chris Heck; president and CEO, Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce
Justine Kaznicka; shareholder and attorney, Babst Calland; founding board member and board chair, Keystone Space Collaborative
Thomas Langston; President, Keystone Hydrocarbon
Margaret Larkins-Pettigrew; Senior Vice President; Allegheny Health Network and Highmark Health,
Douglas Leonard; consultant, executive coach, Douglas Leonard Consulting, LLC
Adam Murphy; president, Sourceree
Bob Raida; CEO, HEBI Robotics
Audrey Russo; president and CEO, Pittsburgh Technology Council & Fortyx80
Michael Varholla; vice president, IBEW Local Electrical Union 5
Craig Waller; CEO and founder, Rewyndr
| Date Taken: | 08.15.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 08.16.2024 11:01 |
| Story ID: | 478679 |
| Location: | PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AIR RESERVE STATION, PENNSYLVANIA, US |
| Hometown: | CORAOPOLIS, PENNSYLVANIA, US |
| Hometown: | MOON, PENNSYLVANIA, US |
| Hometown: | PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA, US |
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