Two senior leaders from Deborah Heart and Lung Center in Browns Mills, Lewis Clark and Dr. Aaron Kugelmass, have been inducted into the prestigious 2025–2026 Honorary Commander Program at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JB MDL). This program selects local civic and business leaders to serve as civilian liaisons to military units on base for a one-year term.
The initiative, a long-standing U.S. Air Force program, is designed to foster a mutual understanding between the military and the surrounding community. Each honorary commander is paired with a unit commander, providing them with firsthand exposure to the Department of Defense’s missions, policies, and programs. The goal is to create a stronger bond and enhance public support for JB MDL.
Jim Andrews, president and CEO of Deborah Heart and Lung Center, expressed pride in the selection of his colleagues. “Their leadership, dedication and community spirit make them outstanding ambassadors—not only for our hospital, but for the partnership between our civilian and military communities,” he said.
Pikkwan Boston, Public Affairs COMREL chief at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, welcomed the new class of honorary commanders, noting that “each of these individuals brings a unique perspective and a deep commitment to service that will help strengthen the bond between our military and the communities we proudly serve.”
As part of the program, Clark and Kugelmass will attend events, tour facilities, and engage with service members. Their role will be to serve as ambassadors, sharing their experiences with the broader public and helping to bridge the gap between military life and the civilian world. This new class of honorary commanders is expected to have a positive impact on the relationship between the base and its surrounding communities.
