Honorary commander program prompts change of heart

  • Published
  • By Rebecca Amber
  • Staff writer
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Honorary commander Carol Crabson is the chief executive officer for the Antelope Valley Domestic Violence Council, which is called Valley Oasis.

Each year, to foster positive relationships between the local community and Edwards, community leaders are inducted as honorary commanders and paired with group and squadron commanders at Edwards. Crabson is paired with Col. Karen Cox-Dean, 412th Medical Group commander.

Only half-way through the program, being an honorary commander has already been a "life-altering experience" for Crabson.

As a teen and young adult in the 60s and 70s, Crabson was "much to [her] parent's dismay" a hippie. She protested against the Vietnam War, marched for civil rights and for one isolated night, landed herself in jail during an illegal protest.

"I didn't know it was illegal to protest, this was America after all," she said. "I did not believe in war and did not support people going to die for politicians agendas."

After becoming an honorary commander, her perspective on the military has completely changed.

"What I did not know or understand is that the people who signed up for the military made choices. They made choices to do something for others and their country in a way that makes me feel my protest years were wrong," she said.

"I have developed a respect for the military and each and every military unit that willingly places their lives on the line for me."

Throughout the year the honorary commanders are invited to join their commander counterparts for tours of the base. For Crabson, one of the most insightful trips was to the Edwards control tower. As she watched them monitor airways she was impressed by the way they could direct aircraft that were so far away from the tower and moving so rapidly.

"The level of focus and concentration it takes to do that job is incredible," she said.

Her most fun memory so far has was the opportunity to sit in the cockpit of an F-16 and fly several aircraft simulators.

"I now understand that the military does so much more than go to war. They work to prevent war. They work to save the lives of their personnel and in the process make incredible strides in advancing technology."

While her perspective on the military has changed, Crabson's hippie days did lead her to a career in social work, helping victims of neglect and violence. For the last 30 years, she has worked primarily with children who have been sexually and physically abused, domestic violence victims, sexual assault victims and victims of other trauma. She is also very passionate about ending bullying in schools and elsewhere.

Cox-Dean introduced Crabson to Capt. Laura Pfledderer who works at Family Advocacy. Together, they have been able to collaborate on ways for the 412th MDG and Valley Oasis staff to better help military personnel and their families when domestic violence or sexual assault occurs.

Special training sessions allowed Valley Oasis staff to hear how the military responds differently to military personnel than civilians.

"My staff found it very informative and helpful," Crabson said.

One of the things she learned from the 412th MDG was that some of the members of the group fly in trainer aircraft in order to understand the machinery. That way, when an accident happens, that information helps them work with the injured pilots from a psychological perspective.

"I think that this [program] is such a powerful and creative way to engage in the community that the Air Force base is located in," said Crabson. "To partner with members of the community and the base to understand each other, learn from each other and develop ways to help each other reach common goals...This experience truly has made me a better person and better citizen of this country."

Valley Oasis is a community base organization dedicated to eliminating social and domestic violence, sexual abuse, child abuse and homelessness through community awareness, intervention, prevention, safe shelter and supportive services.

Their programs include the 60-day shelter for domestic violence victims, Sexual Assault Response Services, Calworks Outreach and legal services, and services to homeless families and individuals in the Antelope Valley.