Fighter Country Partnership » Honorary Commanders

Honorary Commander Feature: Mr. David Haddad

maryjo — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:30:50 +0000

Mr. David Haddad, President, Fumar Cigars Inc.

This month, Fighter Country Partnership newsletter features Mr. David Haddad, president of Fumar Cigars, Inc. He was inducted into the Luke Air Force Base’s Honorary Commanders program in November 2010 assigned to the 309th Fighter Squadron–the “Wild Ducks.” He and his partner, Honorary Commander, Mr. James “Bubba” Moffett, owner, Crescent Crown Distributing, hit the ground running committing themselves to supporting programs that benefit military families not only at Luke Air Force Base but the military as a whole.

Background: David Haddad was born a military brat on September 6, 1961 at McConnell AFB in Wichita, Kansas, where his father, a U.S. Air Force captain, was stationed. He is a University of Denver graduate with a Bachelor of Science, Business Administration degree. Mr. Haddad is described by many as a self-styled showman cigar bard and entrepreneur with a flair for renaissance. He has been collecting rare cigars and one-of-a-kind spirits for nearly three decades. He founded Fumar Cigars in 1996 with operations in 10 states and 26 markets providing cigar services to more than 300 resorts from coast to coast. In 2006, he established a cigar retail store and private club in the Deer Valley Airpark.

Actor Gary Sinise and Mr. David Haddad in Las Vegas

Mr. Haddad says that Fumar Cigars is a cigar company with a purpose. When asked what that meant, he explained, “I have always known since starting Fumar Cigars in 1996 that we were destined to be different. We are actually in the hospitality industry–we just happen to sell cigars. Our core business provides more than 300 luxury resorts with all of their cigars and cigar rolling shows. This platform provided me with a series of contacts and friends that empower Fumar and “Friends of Freedom,” our foundation dedicated to the support of military families. It gives us the ability to tap into a pool of goodwill and resources from the hotels to provide rooms and banquet facilities for events that we produce throughout the year,” he said.

“We have several major partners that donate in excess of $250,000 a year in benefits for our programs,” explains Mr. Haddad. “From coast to coast, we have access to luxury resorts for military families, wounded soldiers and volunteers. This has given me the opportunity to add value to programs unachievable without my network of contacts. Our purpose is to be good corporate citizens and to deliver the excellence that being an American demands.”

Mr. Haddad is a charter member of the USO Advisory Council and president of Friends of Freedom. He is a strategic partner as of 2009 with American Airlines Veterans Initiatives Programs gathering school supplies for Iraqi school children with Gary Sinise and Operation International Children, a division of People to People International whose chief executive officer is Mary Jean Eisenhower, one of Mr. Haddad’s most valued partners in supporting the troops.

Mr. David Haddad with the girls in Tallil Air Base, Iraq

At Easter 2009, Mr. Haddad completed a mission to Iraq to deliver 20 tons of school supplies to Iraqi children along with 7,000 pairs of Crocs shoes and 7,000 cigars for the first-ever “Cigar Social” in a war zone. David held socials in nine forward operating bases throughout Iraq and at bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, USS Eisenhower off the coast of Bahrain and at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Thanksgiving in 2009, he delivered another 15,000 cigars to Camp Leatherneck and Camp Bastion outside Kandahar, Afghanistan.

He is the committee chair and co-sponsor of the “Wounded Warrior Getaway to Las Vegas” with American Airlines taking 125 severely wounded servicemen and their caregivers from Walter Reed and Bethesda Naval Hospital to The Venetian for an all-expense paid “break” from the rehab centers. Partners in this amazing program for 2010 included Clint Black, Gary Sinise, Rich Little, Terry Fator and Sheldon Adelson, and the chief executive officer of the Sands Casinos.

David Haddad with Blackhawk soldier in Iraq

In July 2009, he delivered two complete driving ranges to the troops of Camp Victory and Camp Sather, Baghdad, with the help of the U.S. Golf Association. Communities in Scottsdale and Golf Week Magazine readers donated 100,000 golf balls, 402 golf clubs and five driving mats.

When asked what it is like being an Honorary Commander at Luke, he explained, “It is truly an honor and a privilege.” My partner in this command is Bubba Moffett , and between us, we have made every opportunity to support and show our appreciation to the military. The people in the 309th Fighter Squadron are absolutely the best! I have learned what a caring family is. The squadron has a cohesive nature to it that is very enriching and both the spouses and the airmen are important to that feature.”

Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, Chief of Staff, U.S. Army, and Mr. David Haddad, President, Fumar Cigars Inc.

The Honorary Commanders program provides many opportunities and events for these selected community and business leaders. Mr. Haddad explained that one of the most memorable events so far in his two-year term was the graduation of a new class of fighter pilots.

“It was really humbling and it made me so proud,” he said. “The graduation ceremony was moving on a visceral level. To see the young men with such commitment, honor and pride, represent me as a citizen, getting to know them and watch them develop, makes me alive with spirit. It drives me to recommit my desire to grow as a father, husband and businessman,” he said.

The 309th Fighter Squadron affectionately gave Mr. Haddad a new name–a call sign of “Willie Pete” during a naming ceremony.

Mr. Haddad is a father of three, Molly, 13, Adam, 17, and James 24, and is married to Judy for 14 years. He and his family have committed themselves to programs to support the Luke AFB family. For the past three years, he produced Fumar’s Friends of Freedom Day–a Celebration of Patriot Day.

“This day of remembrance is commemorated with fun and food and frolic and, of course, fine cigars for all, honoring our service members and first responders,” Mr. Haddad said.

Mr. Haddad explained that more than 75 companies donate to the day of music, boxing, food and beverages, while bringing in Luke AFB’s airmen and the National Guard to salute those who serve. More than 1,200 people came the first year and 3,500 to the second year with New York Metropolitan Opera star Chuck Taylor singing God Bless America, The Go Daddy Girls, national recording stars from Branson, Missouri, local bands, Air Force Reserve Commander (retired) Lieutenant General John Bradley, Bondurant School of Racing and dozens of other attractions to celebrate Freedom. In 2010, many high-level political members, including Senator John McCain, came to speak, entertain and thank our troops.

“We gathered more than 5,000 blankets for Operation Lamia Relief for Afghanistan and hundreds of pairs of Crocs shoes for refugees and airmen families at Luke AFB,” Mr. Haddad said.

“We try to include key players from the base at the Patriot Day event and have invited all of the airmen to attend at no cost,” he explained. “In fact, my host commander, Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Lasica, commander of the 309th Fighter Squadron, played a pivotal role in our Patriot Day program by presenting the Freedom Award to two WWII Fighter Aces. We do this to show our citizens’ support and to integrate the airmen to the city at large on a social basis. Without the help and support of Fighter Country Partnership and the base team, a lot of what we are doing would not happen,” he continued.

“We also organized field trips for the airmen to our cigar club and to Bubba’s warehouse for the experience of seeing out operations and how they work,” he said. “It is easy when you are in the beer and cigar business to gain interest.”

As a result of Mr. Haddad’s support, he was able to provide a scholarship grant for an airmen’s family from the Patriot Day contributions. He also provided more than 500 cigars with the “Ducks” logo on it and underwrote a charity for the Ducks called the “Prohibition Party.”

Mr. Ron Sites, President and Executive Director of Fighter Country Partnership, stated, “David’s support for the military as a whole over the years has been incredible. As an Honorary Commander, he has found a greater understanding of what Luke AFB is to our community and nation. That knowledge has also allowed him the opportunity to directly support the programs and services that FCP funds annually through our FCP Top Ten program. It is involvement and awareness like David has acquired that provides FCP the privilege of being successful in our responsibility of supporting the men, women, families and mission of Luke AFB.”

“I love this gang,” Mr. Haddad said. “I am thankful that my family and I get to participate in the Honorary Commanders Program. I appreciate the leadership of Fighter Country Partnership for the support they provide to the Honorary Commanders program and to the men and women of Luke. I am proud to be a part of this program.”

Glendale fire chief gets top honor in Arizona

Fighter Country — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 17:49:55 +0000

Glendale Fire Chief Mark Burdick is "Chief Fire Officer of the Year."

By John Genovese at the Arizona Republic

Glendale Fire Chief Mark Burdick was named “Chief Fire Officer of the Year” by the Arizona Fire Chiefs Association.

Burdick has served nearly three decades with the department, and has been chief since 2002.

Burdick was presented the award at a recent City Council meeting by Larry Rooney, the immediate past president of the association, which organizes fire department leaders across the state.

Association members nominate one of their peers each year to receive the honor.

Burdick has championed several programs throughout his career in Glendale.

In 2007, he helped launch the Glendale Regional Public Safety Training Center, a facility used by several West Valley cities to train new and veteran firefighters and police.

In 2010, he pioneered the Helicopter Air-Medical and Logistical Operations project, designed as a rapid-response air medical team primarily used to transport critically ill and injured patients to the hospital.

According to the association, Burdick has provided unified guidance on fire-service issues and concerns around the state, in addition to focusing on the health and safety of firefighters.

The organization described the chief as “an excellent example of a progressive and innovative fire service professional.”

Chief Mark Burdick is a current Honorary Commander at Luke Air Force Base for the 56 CES/CC.

Honorary Commander Feature: Mr. Blair Bunting

maryjo — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 16:17:17 +0000

Blair Bunting - Blair Bunting Photography

This month, Fighter Country Partnership newsletter features Mr. Blair Bunting, an advertising and editorial photographer in Phoenix specializing in commercial portraits of celebrities and athletes. Mr. Blair Bunting was inducted into the Luke Air Force Base’s Honorary Commanders program a year ago. Since then, he has immersed himself into the 425th Fighter Squadron and has made a positive impact to the base and his adopted squadron family.

Background: Blair Bunting burst onto the commercial advertising scene at age 19 with a very unique style. His photos for the Discovery Channel: MythBusters, Deadliest Catch, Future Weapons, the list of professional athletes and celebrities he’s photographed for major publications continues to grow. His style is edgy, contrasty, specular and is widely recognized for his vibrant and unique imagery and lighting. His advertising clientele includes Pepsi, General Motors, Adidas, Discovery Networks, AT&T, and the Ultimate Fighting Championship series. Additionally, Blair has worked with numerous movie and television personalities, profession athletes, and high profile politicians. His editorial and portraiture work has appeared in countless national and international newspapers and magazines such as the New York Times, Time, Business Week, Cosmopolitan, Sports Illustrated and ESPN Magazine.

When asked what it is like being an Honorary Commander, he explained, “First and foremost, an honor. It is an invitation to a family of men and women that possess character and class that is unrivaled. It is also a responsibility to the Airmen of Luke and a role that I take much pride in.”

Many Honorary Commanders have had no previous experience with the military or know what military life is all about. The program provides a unique insight into the mission and people at Luke.

“I have learned the complexity that the base functions under,” said Mr. Bunting. “The respect and attention that is given to every function that goes into making the F-16’s fly safely, is overwhelming. Every role has a purpose as the leadership has done such an incredible job making the bigger picture visible.”

The Honorary Commanders program provides many opportunities and events for these selected community and business leaders. Mr. Bunting explained that his most memorable so far have been the induction ceremony and the squadron naming ceremony.

“The induction is where the gravity of the situation and our role as Honorary Commanders really struck me perhaps due to the character and accomplishments of all the Honorary’s that I serve alongside or perhaps because I was the youngest one in the room,” he said.

Each squadron at Luke is assigned two Honorary Commanders. Mr. Bunting serves alongside Mr. Garth Stevens, of Snell & Wilmer.

Mr. Blair Bunting is inducted as an Honorary Commander November 2010 at Luke Air Force Base assigned to the 425th Fighter Squadron commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Michael Dean (right)

“The naming ceremony with the 425th Fighter Squadron “Black Widows” was very memorable,” Mr. Bunting said. “After that night, I was no longer Blair, but became “Flash” and Garth became “JDAM” and the 425th were not my squad, but my brothers.”

Mr. Bunting explained that one of his favorite experiences was a trip with the 425^th FS to the Barry M. Goldwater Range.

“It was an opportunity to meet not only our squad, but also their families, which is a very important aspect of the 425th (a Singapore squadron), he said. “We watched practice bomb drops and strafing passes from our guys and found a greater respect for the skill it takes to be a Viper pilot.”

Lieutenant Colonel Michael “Screamin” Dean, the commander of the 425^th Fighter Squadron, explained, “This program allows us to establish personal relationships with folks who have the ability to reach the community in ways we can’t. I’m sure there are very few people in the community who are aware of Singapore’s presence at Luke and even more importantly, why they are here. Both of my assigned Honorary Commanders, Blair “Flash” Bunting and Garth “JDAM” Stevens, know the Widows well and are advocates. They have introduced the Widows to their peers and share the “One Team, One Fight” spirit of the Black Widows with them.”

Colonel Dean went on to say, “I’ve learned not to take my job for granted.” “The ability to serve and do it as a fighter pilot and a commander is a privilege. It’s a calling most civilians don’t understand and never have the opportunity to experience. Seeing their reactions to our accomplishments is refreshing and rewarding in and of itself. Additionally, it’s always good to see appreciation from the folks we are here to protect. Blair and Garth are absolutely appreciative.”

Currently Mr. Bunting is helping the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds with a photo shoot this month to give a high-quality look to their already incredible show. He has also offered to do a photo shoot with the Widows and has been very generous providing support for larger squadron events. He has also offered his participation in many of the athletic events and promotions he photographs.

425th Fighter Squadron - Black Widows - Feared Throughout the Land

“Being assigned to the 425th Fighter Squadron is like finding out you’ve won a car, only to learn that the car you have won is a Ferrari,” Mr. Bunting explains. “Being a Black Widow is being a part of their family, their Singaporean culture, and their lives. The 425th is about community and on many occasions I have brought family, friends, and even other Honorary Commanders to our events and all were immediately treated as family.”

“Both Blair and Garth have whole heartedly embraced this program and we are happy to call them Widows,” Colonel Dean said. “The message they spread throughout the community is positive and their passion for the military is rewarding. They missed their calling and would both make great Fighter Pilots!”

Mr. Bunting concludes, “Winning photography awards is great, traveling the world for shoots is fun, but nothing (and I mean NOTHING) brings as much pride to me than to say, “I am a Black Widow—Feared Throughout the Land.”

Honorary Commander Feature: Mr. Mike Nealy

maryjo — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 16:05:50 +0000

Mike Nealy, COO & Alt. Governor, Phoenix Coyotes and Jobing.com Arena & FCP Board of Directors

Each month, Fighter Country Partnership will feature an Honorary Commander–both alumni and current members. This month’s feature is on Mr. Mike Nealy, Chief Operating Officer of the Phoenix Coyotes. He is responsible for overseeing all day-to-day business operations for the Coyotes and Jobing.com Arena. He also serves as one of the team’s alternate governors.

The Honorary Commanders Program partners Luke Air Force Base squadron commanders and others in leadership positions with civilian business and community leaders from the Phoenix metropolitan area. The program is designed to strengthen relationships between the base and local community. Since 1999, more than 400 community and business leaders have been inducted into the program. In November 2010, 65 new honorary commanders joined during a ceremony for a two-year term.

Mr. Nealy, a Minnesota native, has been an active alumni of the program since his term ended in 2008. He was inducted into the program in 2006 assigned to the 56th Equipment Maintenance Squadron. He is currently on the Fighter Country Partnership Board of Directors participating in projects that support the men and women of Luke Air Force Base.

Military working Dog at Luke AFB chases down Mike Nealy during an Honorary Commander tour on base.

It was an honor to be exposed to the internal workings of Luke and to see, firsthand, how a base operates and to see the skilled airmen perform their duties,” Nealy said. “Being an Honorary Commander gave me access to a world that I knew little about and also allowed me to share my world with the staff and airmen that I met.”

The military commanders are invited by their Honorary Commanders to learn about the community in which they live outside the confines of the base. Although military commanders usually have a short two-year assignment at Luke, they are encouraged to get involved in the local community and this program gives them that opportunity.

Mr. Nealy supports the base in many ways through a great partnership with the Phoenix Coyotes. He and his team go out of their way to ensure Airmen are recognized at every opportunity.

“I always try to think of how to include the base at our home games,” said Mr. Nealy. “For example, at each home game we honor a “Hero of the Game” and often this is an Airman from the base. We get them center ice seats, introduce and recognized them during the game, always to huge cheers from the fans.”

As a board member of Fighter Country Partnership, Mr. Nealy believes that the more you put into a great cause, the more you get out of it.

Mike Nealy is suited up and ready to climb aboard an F-16 Fighter Falcon fighter aircraft for the experience of a life time.

“When it was time to move on from the Honorary Commanders program, I did not feel as though I have given enough, so for me, I was fortunate enough to be able to join the Fighter Country Partnership and still serve on the board today. This allows me to continue to support the base and stay close to and informed on the needs of the base and its Airmen. With my position at the Phoenix Coyotes hockey organization, I have also been able to support the base by connecting the Team and base with various opportunities.”

Mr. Ron Sites, Executive Director, Fighter Country Partnership, appreciates the great support that Mr. Nealy and the Phoenix Coyotes Hockey Team provides to the men and women of Luke AFB.

“Watching 200 Airmen and their families enjoy a Phoenix Coyotes hockey game is an opportunity a lot of these airmen wouldn’t experience without the support that the Coyotes and Mr. Nealy provide,” he stated. “They have been there for the base on a consistent basis.”

“The Coyotes’ contributions are another example why the Airmen and their families at Luke AFB enjoy a quality of life that is different than other military installations, Mr. Sites explained. “Without the community support, the quality of life within Luke would be significantly different. Thank you Mr. Nealy and the Coyotes!”

When asked what inspires him, Mr. Nealy explained, “For me, I live under the protection of those who serve and have served in our armed forces and I have the opportunities I enjoy because of their service. It is my way of giving something back.