Buckley strengthens bonds with community leaders

Police Chief Daniel Oates, Aurora Police Department, left, speaks with Col. Dan Wright, 460th Space Wing commander, Sept. 26, 2013, at the Panther’s Den during a community commanders program meeting at Buckley Air Force Base, Colo. The main objective of the Co-Commanders Program is to educate civilian community leaders by coupling them with Team Buckley senior leaders and informing them about the operations of the base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Paul Labbe/Released)

Cathy Noon, Centennial mayor, left, speaks with Col. Michael Kindt, 460th Medical Group commander, Sept. 26, 2013, at the Panther’s Den during community commanders program meeting at Buckley Air Force Base, Colo. Civilian counterparts are selected among elected officials, mayors and chamber of commerce members to be inducted into the Co-Commanders Program every two years. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Paul Labbe/Released)

Buckley strengthens bonds with community leaders

Commander Kevin Flynn, Aurora Police Department, left, visits with Maj. David Haigh, 460th Security Forces Squadron commander, Sept. 26, 2013, at the Panther’s Den during community commanders program meeting at Buckley Air Force Base, Colo. One aim of the Co-Commander Program is to orient community members who may have limited knowledge of military operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Paul Labbe/Released)

Published Sept. 27, 2013
By Staff Sgt. Paul Labbe
460th Space Wing Public Affairs

BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. - -- Team Buckley commanders and civilian counterparts gathered Sept. 26 at the Panther's Den to meet and greet during the community commanders program meeting.

The main objective of the Co-Commanders Program is to educate community leaders by coupling them with Buckley senior leaders and informing them about the operations of the base. It also aims to strengthen community partnership and increase communication between military and community leaders. Co-Commanders are inducted every two years to represent the local community and learn more about how Buckley affects the local area.

The Co-Commander Program has generated positive reviews with senior military leaders.

"We are able to get a lot of buy-in with the community. We are very much involved in the community, and they are very much involved in what we do." said Maj. Jeremy Morrill, 460th Contracting Flight commander.

Civilian leaders from around Colorado and military leaders from Buckley Air Force Base spent a majority of the time improving relationships and updating each other on recent events in their respective worlds.

"On a personal level, it's the friendships you develop. I was never in the military, and I have learned an awful lot just by being around the leaders here," said Chief Daniel Oates, Aurora Police Department chief of police.

The Co-Commanders Program has been ongoing for many years and creates a long-lasting effect on Buckley and the community.

"I was here at Buckley before as a squadron commander, and I had a co-commander then; so it is really awesome to see that program is ... continuing to be strong," said Col. Dan Wright, 460th Space Wing commander.

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Buckley strengthens bonds with community leaders

Buckley strengthens bonds with community leaders

Buckley strengthens bonds with community leaders