EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- -- The 33rd Fighter Wing welcomed nine civic leaders into the 2025 Honorary Commanders Program during an induction ceremony at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, December 12, 2025.
The wing’s HCC program is an initiative designed to foster partnerships between the military and the local community, promoting mutual understanding and cooperation to recognize the unique challenges and contributions of the 33rd FW.
The 33rd FW comprises eight squadrons that fall under the operations, fighter, and maintenance groups, with approximately 1,400 U.S. military personnel, government civilians, and contract staff.
Today's ceremony inducted new honorary commanders and recognized returning honorary commanders.
“The Honorary Commander Program is meant to give our community leaders insight into our mission and to help them understand the vital role the 33rd Fighter Wing plays in the community” said Col. Dave Skalicky, 33rd Fighter Wing commander. “It’s important that we build this mutual relationship and learn how to better support one another.”
During the ceremony, inductees were recognized and presented with an induction certificate by their commander and recited the honorary commander’s oath.
Diane Fraser, Emerald Coast Science Center executive director and former honorary commander, shared her insight and appreciation on the sacrifice of service.
“I grew up in a non-military family, so it’s been rewarding to learn about how everything works,” said Fraser. “It gives you a greater appreciation for how lucky we are that we have people who are willing to live this lifestyle in order to make everything else possible.”
Following the ceremony, honorary commanders participated in an F-35A Lightning II walkthrough to gain insight into the significance of modernization and fifth-generation air superiority. The demonstration consisted of a mission brief, a pilot brief, and a viewing of an F-35 aircraft static display.
New honorary commander, Tiffany Orner, IGY6 Company founder will be paired with the 33rd Aircraft Maintenance squadron. Orner is looking forward to reintegrating into military culture and engaging with airmen.
“I’m super excited to get back on the Air Force side of things,” Orner said. “I served many moons ago, so it’s been a minute, but again I’m really excited to engage with airmen and see how I can use my skills of networking to support my commander and his troops.”
The new honorary commanders are:
— Gordon King, Okaloosa Gas District chief executive officer and 33rd Fighter Wing HCC.
— Tarey Franxman, Walton County human resources director and 33rd Maintenance Group HCC.
— Jacqueline Blue, Odom Hotelz corporate director of sales and 33rd Operation Support Squadron HCC.
— Lori Grey, The Jay Group foreign partners liaison and 33rd Training Squadron HCC.
— Shane Weddle, Fastsigns owner and 58th Fighter Squadron HCC.
— Tiffany Orner, IGY6 Company founder and 33rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron HCC.
The returning commanders are:
— Diane Fraser, Emerald Coast Science Center executive director and 33rd Operations Group HCC.
— Jason Boole, Northwest Florida ENT owner and 60th Fighter Squadron HCC.
— April Branscome, Okaloosa Career and Tech Education program director (retired) and 33rd Maintenance Squadron HCC.