JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md., Joint Base Andrews welcomed seven community and civic leaders into the 2016 Honorary Commanders Program during an induction ceremony luncheon at The Club, here, July 7, 2016.

The JBA Honorary Commander Program allows communication and partnerships between key leaders of the base and surrounding community.

"This program has allowed us to strengthen our relationship within the local community," said Col. Brad Hoagland, 11th Wing and JBA commander. "The partnership with these honorary commanders has given us the opportunity to learn more about the community and share our story with them."

The diversity of JBA's six wings, two headquarters and more than 80 tenant organizations impact not only missions and surrounding communities in the National Capital Region, but missions across the entire Department of Defense and around the world.

Honorary commanders are invited to attend events on base and in the surrounding communities that Airmen and Sailors from Joint Base Andrews support. In turn, HCCs also invite the units they are paired with to participate in events in the local community.

"We can never do enough, as American's, to support those who serve our country in the U.S. Military," said Jim Estepp, Andrews Business & Community Alliance president and CEO, and Senior Andrews Ambassador. "Being an Honorary Commander and Ambassador for Joint Base Andrews is one of those cherished honors that allows us in the community to give back in so many ways that we can lighten the load for those who bear so much to protect us 24/7, 365 days a year.  I'm humbled by the opportunity."

During the luncheon, each inductee was presented a certificate of induction and an honorary commander lapel pin.

Currently there are 45 JBA honorary commanders, and each new member is part of the program for approximately two years.

The new Joint Base Andrews 2016 Honorary Commanders are:
- Ms. Jenny Bilfield, President and CEO for the Washington Performing Arts
- Dr. Heather Harding, Chairwoman, CEO and President of AESI
- Ms. Danielle White, Regional Vice President Community Engagements, MGM Casino
- Mr. George Demetriades, Jr., Franchise Owner and Operator, Chick-fil-a
- Mr. Chris Barker, a mortgage consultant with Michael Stein McLean Mortgage
- Dr. Anthony Casolaro, President of the Medical Staff at Virginia Hospital Center and team physician for the Washington Redskins
- Dr. Richard Barth, Hand and Wrist Consultant for the Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards