VA Heart of Texas Healthcare Network
Jones inducted as Guard honorary commander
Lt. Col. Elizabeth Duffy-Milmo, 136 Medical Group commander, presents Dr. Wendell E. Jones, VA Heart of Texas Healthcare Network director, with a Certificate of Induction during the 136th Airlift Wing Honorary Commander Program induction ceremony held at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, Fort Worth, Texas, August 9, 2023. (U.S. Air Force photo by Julie Briden-Garcia)
Texas Air National Guard unit inducts regional VA leader as honorary commander
ARLINGTON, Texas—VA Heart of Texas Healthcare Network Director Dr. Wendell E. Jones was inducted as an honorary commander into the 136th Airlift Wing, Texas Air National Guard, during a ceremony August 9, 2023, on Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas.
This was the wing’s inaugural group of honorary commanders, seven in total, since it elected to establish an Honorary Commander Program. Honorary commanders serve as military advocates within their spheres of influence, helping to bridge gaps in the employer-guardsman relationship.
“I am honored to have been chosen for this role,” Jones said. “Alliances with our Department of Defense partners are essential for meeting the needs of our Veterans.”
Lt. Col. Elizabeth Duffy-Milmo, 136th Medical Group commander, shares the unit guidon with Dr. Wendell E. Jones, VA Heart of Texas Healthcare Network director, during the 136th Airlift Wing Honorary Commander Program induction ceremony held at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, Fort Worth, Texas, August 9, 2023. (U.S. Air Force photo by Julie Briden-Garcia)
Each honorary commander is paired with a group or squadron commander and given a behind-the-scenes look at the mission and the 136 AW Airmen. Jones will serve as honorary commander to the 136th Medical Group, partnered with Lt. Col. Elizabeth Duffy-Milmo, 136th Medical Group commander.
Col. Matt Groves, 136 AW commander, advocates building these relationships within the local communities.
“When we dedicate time to providing [our] knowledge to civic groups, local leaders, and private organizations, we immediately find common goals, symbiotic opportunities, and goodness ensues, usually with exponential return on investment,” he said.
These relationship builds insight into Air Force customs and traditions for the honorary commanders, while wing commanders can, in turn, receive their advice and support regarding regional and state issues affecting civilians and military members.
When addressing the inductees during the ceremony, Groves had a special request.
“Some of you have done this before and some have not, but you all have learned the lessons leading to success,” he said. “Please teach us. Mentor us. Help us to lead well, with compassion, and to be worthy of the responsibility we’re entrusted with.”
Lt. Col. Elizabeth Duffy-Milmo, 136 Medical Group commander, presents Dr. Wendell E. Jones, VA Heart of Texas Healthcare Network director, with a wing polo shirt during the 136th Airlift Wing Honorary Commander Program induction ceremony held at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, Fort Worth, Texas, August 9, 2023. (U.S. Air Force photo by Julie Briden-Garcia)
Groves selected the inductees from local civic leader nominations produced earlier this year. During their two-year term, the honorary commanders will be invited to various events to support the Citizen Airmen and see how the Guard, Reserve, active duty, and civilian components operate to accomplish total force integration.
Jones and the six other honorary commanders are scheduled to attend a wing status briefing Oct. 27 and orientation flight aboard the wing’s new C-130J Super Hercules for a flight around Fort Worth.
