The Idaho Army National Guard inducted 10 new honorary unit commanders during a ceremony on Friday, continuing its tradition of fostering strong ties with the community. These honorary commanders, selected from local business, education, and civic leaders, will gain a deeper understanding of the Guard’s mission, policies, and programs.
“Our Honorary Unit Commander Program is a vital bridge between our Guardsmen and the communities we proudly serve,” said Brig. Gen. Cole Packwood, commander of the Idaho Army National Guard. “This program fosters a deeper understanding of our mission and provides an opportunity for community leaders to experience firsthand the dedication of our Soldiers.”
The new honorary commanders participated in a briefing about the Idaho Army National Guard’s history and capabilities. They toured Gowen Field and had the opportunity to interact with Soldiers while viewing military equipment such as Bradley Fighting Vehicles, Abrams tanks, and Black Hawk helicopters.
Six of the honorary commanders will serve with units based at Gowen Field in Boise, including:
- Dr. Paul Bennion, vice president for student affairs and dean of students at College of Idaho, with the Idaho Army National Guard Training Center.
- Derek Bub, superintendent of West Ada School District, with the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team.
- Debbie Critchfield, superintendent of the Idaho Department of Education, with the Recruiting and Retention branch.
- FBI Special Agent Dan Ramirez, with the 101st Civil Support Team.
- Bill Waterman, assistant director of athletic bands at Boise State University, with the 25th Army Band.
- Idaho State Sen. Charles Winder, with the 204th Regional Training Institute.
Other honorary commanders will serve with units stationed across the state:
- Pastor Dave Bruyette of Mountain Lakes Bible Church, with the 145th Brigade Support Battalion in Lewiston.
- Jerome Mayor David Davis, with the 116th Brigade Engineer Battalion in Twin Falls.
- Frank VanderSloot, CEO of Melaleuca, Inc., with the 1-148th Field Artillery Regiment in Pocatello.
- Greg Wiles, superintendent of Nampa Christian Schools, with the 2-116th Cavalry Regiment in Caldwell.
The Honorary Unit Commander Program serves as a partnership between the Idaho Army National Guard and community leaders, offering a hands-on opportunity to understand the Guard’s work. Throughout their yearlong tenure, honorary commanders will collaborate closely with their assigned unit commanders, participate in unit ceremonies, and observe training events.
“These partnerships enhance the connection between our organization and the public, reinforcing our role as a trusted and integrated force in Idaho and beyond,” Packwood added.
With nearly 3,000 Soldiers, the Idaho Army National Guard is headquartered at Gowen Field in Boise. Its largest unit, the 116th Cavalry Brigade, includes armories in nearly two dozen Idaho communities, with additional battalions in Montana, Nevada, and Oregon. The 1-148th Field Artillery Regiment, 116th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 145th Brigade Support Battalion, and 2-116th Cavalry Regiment are part of the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team, while the 1-183rd Aviation Regiment provides much of the Guard’s combat power.