Local civic leaders show Pope Airmen appreciation Published June 3, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Mindy Bloem 43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs POPE AIR FORCE BASE -- More than 22 teams comprised of Airmen from Pope's various squadrons as well as some local area civic leaders participated in an Air Force Golf Appreciation Day at the Chicora Country Club in Erwin County May 28. Several honorary commanders who represent some of Pope's squadrons -- Joe Tart, Glenn Johnson, Connie Mack Johnson, Tony Wilder and Erwin Mayor Patsy Carson -- played host for the second consecutive year to Airmen from Pope as a way to honor them for their service. At the start of the day, the golfers were given name tags, assigned to a four-person team, provided a golf cart, and as a personal touch, all were handed a bag lunch handmade by Mr. Tart's wife Hannah. In addition, volunteers drove around the course on golf carts and handed out cold beverages to the players throughout the tournament. Also, Mr. Connie Mack Johnson, honorary commander of Pope's 43rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, cooked dinner for all the players at the close of the day. Mr. Glenn Johnson, honorary commander for Pope's 43rd Communications Squadron, told the participating Airmen who had assembled to eat what being an honorary commander means and why they participate in the program. "We do it because of what we've seen, what we've learned, what we wish to share with the Air Force Community about our community and what we wish to share with our community about the U.S. Air Force, especially the dedicated, competent and qualified men and women of Pope," he said. Col. John McDonald, 43rd Airlift Wing Commander, thanked the honorary commanders and the local communities for all the respect and support they give the Airmen of Pope on a continual basis.