Clearwater, Fla. [Nov 14, 2024] – Robert Hessel, CEO of Source 1 Solutions, has been appointed as an Honorary Commander of the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base, a prestigious role designed to strengthen ties between the base and the Tampa Bay community. The Honorary Commander Program is a unique initiative that educates community leaders about the base’s mission and fosters partnerships with the local community.
Through this program, participants like Hessel gain a deep understanding of the Air Force’s goals, including its critical role in projecting air power and national defense. The program’s primary goal is to increase public awareness of the Air Force’s missions, policies, and programs while providing opportunities for community leaders to positively impact public support for the base.
“As a fourth-generation veteran, the military has been a guiding force throughout my life, and I am deeply honored to serve as an Honorary Commander,” said Hessel. “This program offers a unique opportunity to strengthen the bonds between MacDill AFB and the Tampa Bay community, and I’m excited to support the 6th Air Refueling Wing’s mission while learning more about their vital contributions to national security.”
The program selects community leaders who can positively influence local support for MacDill AFB, including business leaders, mayors, and educators. Over the two-year program, participants engage in various activities such as meeting with wing leadership, attending base events, and taking part in immersion tours. These tours include mission briefings, viewing aircraft, and learning how the base projects air power globally.
Hessel’s appointment as an Honorary Commander follows a series of achievements that reflect his dedication to veterans and military communities. Under his leadership, Source 1 Solutions—a global managed IT service provider based in Clearwater—recently earned the Certified Veteran’s Business Enterprise™ (VBE™) designation from the National Veteran-Owned Business Association (NaVOBA). Veterans make up more than 33% of Source 1 Solutions’ workforce, embodying the company’s commitment to hiring and supporting those who have served.
In addition to his corporate leadership, Hessel is a passionate advocate for community safety. He is the author of Safe City, a book that emphasizes the importance of feeling safe in one’s community—a basic human right. The book explores how integrating advanced technologies, like thermal imaging for fire detection and gunshot sensors, can significantly enhance public safety, in addition to insights into how these innovations contribute to community resilience and security, reinforcing that safety is a collective responsibility.
“Being part of the Honorary Commander Program at MacDill AFB is a chance to give back to the community that has given so much to me,” Hessel added. “I look forward to building a supportive relationship with the base, making a positive impact, and ensuring that the local community feels a sense of connection and pride with the mission of the 6th Air Refueling Wing.”
To learn more about the program, contact the 6th ARW at 6arw.pa@us.ad.mil. To learn more about Source 1 Solutions, please visit www.source1solutions.com.
About the 6th Air Refueling Wing Honorary Commander Program
The 6th Air Refueling Wing’s Honorary Commander Program at MacDill Air Force Base aims to build positive relationships between the base and Tampa Bay community leaders. Through immersion tours, mission briefings, and interaction with Airmen, participants gain insight into the base’s operations and enhance community support for the Air Force’s mission. The program helps foster a stronger relationship with the community, encouraging military involvement in civic organizations and making the local community feel part of the unit.
About Source 1 Solutions
Source 1 Solutions is a global managed service provider specializing in managed IT services, asset procurement, testing and distribution, RF services, and network infrastructure management, monitoring, and maintenance. Headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, Source 1 Solutions is dedicated to delivering reliable and innovative technology services to businesses of all sizes. With a service area that spans 118 countries, Source 1 Solutions continues to expand its global footprint, driving growth and success for its clients worldwide.
