BUCKLEY SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Buckley Space Force Base inducted 10 honorary commanders during the 2026 Honorary Commander Induction Ceremony on March 4, 2026.
The induction signaled the start of a revitalized Honorary Commander Program, an initiative that pairs military leaders with influential community members. Through the program, community leaders gain firsthand insight into the missions, people, and operational responsibilities that support national defense, while military leaders deepen relationships with the communities that sustain installation readiness.
While Buckley Space Force Base’s mission operates on a global scale, the foundation is built locally.
U.S. Space Force Col. Eamon Murray, commander of Space Base Delta 2, underscored the strategic importance of civic-military collaboration during his remarks.
“Strong partnerships between our installation and the communities we serve are not just beneficial, they are operationally important,” Murray said. “When civic leaders understand the mission inside the gates of Buckley, they become advocates for the Airmen, Guardians, and families who execute that mission every day.”
During the ceremony, each honorary commander was formally introduced and participated in a patch exchange with their military counterpart, symbolizing the partnership between installation leadership and community stakeholders. The group also received an installation overview and was invited to participate in tours and engagements throughout the coming year.
Murray said the program is designed to create lasting relationships that strengthen both community trust and mission effectiveness.
“Our mission may project globally, but our foundation is built locally,” Murray said. “When we strengthen relationships with the communities surrounding Buckley, we strengthen the resilience, understanding, and support that allow our service members to focus on the mission.”
Over the next year, honorary commanders and their military counterparts will participate in mission briefings, installation tours, and community engagements designed to foster greater awareness of the installation’s role in national defense.
Leaders say the program supports Buckley’s broader commitment to transparency, collaboration, and sustained partnership with the region.
“Programs like this help bridge the gap between the military and the communities we serve,” Murray said. “When we invest in relationships, we strengthen the trust and understanding that make both our installation and our community stronger.”
Honorary Commanders Inducted:
Honorable Mike Coffman, Mayor of the City of Aurora
Honorable Christine Sweetland, Mayor of Centennial
Dr. Jeremy Haefner, Chancellor of the University of Denver
Dr. Mordecai Brownlee, President of Community College of Aurora
Mr. Rick Crandall, CEO of Colorado Freedom Memorial
Ms. Gretchen Hollrah, Executive Director of Denver Arts & Venues
Ms. Amy Wiles, Aurora City Council Member
Mr. Jason Batchelor, City Manager of Aurora
Mr. Cliff Bosley, Race Director of BOLDERBoulder
Ms. Shoshana Lew, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Transportation
Over the next year, honorary commanders and their military counterparts will participate in a series of events, briefings, and community activities to build meaningful connections. Leaders said the program aims to strengthen partnerships, increase transparency, and foster continued trust between Guardians, Airmen, and the broader Denver metro area.
The initiative is part of Buckley SFB’s ongoing effort to ensure the installation remains an active, collaborative, and trusted partner in the community.
Over the next year, honorary commanders and their military counterparts will take part in a series of events, briefings and community activities designed to build meaningful connections. Leaders said the program aims to strengthen partnerships, increase transparency and foster continued trust between Guardians, Airmen and the broader Denver metro area.
The initiative is part of Buckley SFB’s ongoing effort to ensure the installation remains an active, collaborative and trusted partner in the community.