Honorary Commanders face 'Chip Challenge' at RAF Mildenhall

  • Published
  • By Karen Abeyasekere
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Team Mildenhall's honorary commanders faced a "Chip Challenge" May 13, 2014, at a special event for them on RAF Mildenhall, England.

Working in teams alongside their military commanders and spouses, the British community members had fun learning more about the base as they competed in teams, following clues and performing various tasks to earn a poker chip at each station within a given time.

Their tasks included working with the base honor guard to fold a flag, building a pallet with the 100th Logistics Readiness Squadron, memorizing the Airman's Creed and donning mission-oriented protective posture level gear with the 100th Civil Engineer Squadron.

Once their time was up, or after completing all the tasks set for them, each team gathered its poker chips for a chip throw, tossing each one into a box. Whichever team got all their chips in the box first, won the competition.

The honorary commanders' program helps build vital relationships between the base and throughout the East Anglian community. They share their professional knowledge and personal experiences, and participate in wing events.

"I think it's an important bridge between the U.S. Air Force personnel in Mildenhall, who are visiting our country, and the local communities," said Paul Hopfensperger, 100th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron honorary commander and local businessman from Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk. "We try to involve them in our community to try and better understand how we both live. There are differences between the two communities and it's important for us to make them feel welcome."

Similar to a military change-of-command ceremony, new honorary commanders were inaugurated into their positions by commanders of their units.

Honorary commanders are invited to most major events hosted by RAF Mildenhall both on and off base. Commanders are encouraged to invite their honorary commanders to their individual squadron or group events, as well as socialize with their British counterparts off duty to strengthen bonds.

The significance of change-of-command ceremonies dates back to the time of Frederick the Great of Prussia. During this time, military organizations would carry their individual flags of distinctive colors and designs into combat. At the end of a battle, if soldiers saw their flag still waving it let them know their side had not met defeat on that day.

With the symbolic importance of the flags, it became tradition during the exchange of leadership that the organizational banner would be exchanged in public for all to see.

While official change-of-command ceremonies are reserved for military leadership, the ceremony was extended to honorary commanders to establish a bond between them and their new organization.

"The opportunity to work with you and establish a valuable relationship between the American military in this area, and the citizens of East Anglia and the United Kingdom is critical to our goal to remain welcomed and respected visitors of your nation," said Col. Kenneth T. Bibb Jr., 100th Air Refueling Wing commander, addressing the honorary commanders at lunch after the Chip Challenge. "We aspire to maintain a positive and open relationship with community members surrounding our bases, and you help us achieve that."

Involving the honorary commanders in events on base provides them a better perspective of RAF Mildenhall's mission, and the men and women of Team Mildenhall.

"You're always meeting new people, because they change every two years, and it's great to renew old acquaintances," Hopfensperger said. "We get to see exactly what people here do. I've seen two new aircraft and this helps us understand exactly why they're here."