HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- Hill Air Force Base welcomed a new class of honorary commanders and recognized outgoing members during a combined induction and farewell ceremony Jan. 30 at the Hill Aerospace Museum.
Honorary commanders are respected civilian leaders from business, education, healthcare, government, and nonprofit organizations who are paired with military commanders to strengthen partnerships between Hill AFB and the surrounding community.
Serving two-year terms, they gain a behind-the-scenes understanding of the Air Force mission, the people who carry it out, and the challenges military members and families face. In return, Honorary Commanders serve as advocates, advisors, and ambassadors, helping share the base’s story, foster community support, and build lasting relationships that enhance mission success and mutual trust.
The evening began with a farewell to the class of 2026 Honorary Commanders, recognizing their two years of service, engagement, and support of Team Hill.
“To our outgoing honorary commanders, over the past two years you have given your time and demonstrated your interest and support to this installation and our Airmen—be they military, civilian, or family members,” said Col. Dan Cornelius, 75th Air Base Wing commander. “You have attended unit and installation events, learned about the Air Force, about Hill Air Force Base’s missions, and, most importantly, you have met our Airmen. Your engagement and support have made a lasting impact, and we are a better team because of it.”
Speaking on behalf of the outgoing class, Darin Brush, president of Davis Technical College and honorary commander for the Ogden Air Logistics Complex, reflected on the value of the program and the lasting connections built between Hill Air Force Base and the surrounding community.
“My family and I are better for having been part of this program. We grew deeply fond of our Air Force leaders and their families, sharing meals, attending events, and serving alongside them. We laughed, celebrated, and even faced challenges together, creating lifelong friendships,’” Brush said. “To those stepping into this journey, be curious. Ask questions about the mission, the people, and the culture. Be present, attend events, visit units, and engage with Airmen and employees. Build relationships, not just contacts, and look for ways to contribute meaningfully. Most importantly, enjoy the experience. It goes by faster than you think, and the access and insights you gain are truly inspiring.”
The evening then shifted to welcome the Class of 2028 Honorary Commanders.
List of Inductees for Class of 2028
Ogden Air Logistics Complex
- Leslie Durham: Interim President, Weber State University
- Tye William Reid: Senior Site Director, Janicki Utah
- Mayor Tamara Tran: Kaysville City
- KC Sanders: Business Recruitment Manager, City of Ogden
- Katrina Hall: House Representative for District 11
- Mike Medina: Senior Broker, Newmark Mountain West
ICBM Directorate
- Aaron Starks: President & CEO, 47G – Utah Aerospace and Defense
Air Force Sustainment Center
- Emily Oyler: Executive Director, Weber School Foundation
75th Air Base Wing
- Kyle Schroeder: Vice President of Community and Player Engagement, Real Salt Lake and Utah Royals
- Brett Greenwell: Vice President, Member and Partner Relations, America First Credit Union
- Matthew Young: National Sales Manager, Corporate/Military/Scouting America
- Terry Capener: General Manager, Lagoon Amusement Park
- Nicole Cottle: Chief Legal Officer, Military Installation Development Authority
- Connie Stanger: Travel Agent, Campaign Manager, Event Coordinator, and Community Outreach Specialist
- Nate Hardesty: General Manager, Grand Hyatt – Deer Valley
- Kori Ann Edwards: Chief Strategy Officer, 47G – Utah Aerospace and Defense
- Kelly Snowball: Chief Operations Officer, Rocky Mountain Care
- Megan Ratchford: General Manager, Tru by Hilton Clearfield Hill AFB and Councilmember for Clearfield City
- Jaclyn Blain: Managing Partner, Texas Roadhouse in Layton
- Kelly Duffin: President, Layton Hospital
- Barry Beus: President, McKay-Dee Hospital
- Kyle Brostrom: President, Holy Cross Davis Hospital
- Shelby Willoughby: Plant Manager, Kimberly Clark
419th Fighter Wing
- Julie Snowball: Associate Vice President of Strategic Regional Partnerships, Weber State University
- Jon Fawson: President and CEO, Kent's Market
Tenant Units
- Tiara Auxier: House Representative for District 4
- Jim Enow: Vice President of Human Resources, Lakeview Hospital
- Tyler Petersen: Regional Director and Partner, EP Wealth Advisors
Col. Cornelius offered final guidance for the incoming class.
“You will have an opportunity to learn about the incredibly important missions that go on at Hill including the fact that a significant portion of our nation’s defense industrial base resides within our Air Logistics Complex. You will learn about the critical role Hill Air Force Base plays in our nation’s strategic nuclear deterrence through the sustainment of the Minuteman III ICBM and the Air Force’s No.1 new acquisition program, the Sentinel ICBM program, both of which are headquartered here. You will learn about the fact that America’s 9-11 stealth fighter force and the largest collection of combat coded F-35s in the world is right here. You will see that the Air Force’s largest munitions storage area in the continental United States is at the center of this base, and you will learn why we say that the Utah Test and Training Range is a national treasure,” he said.
“But perhaps most importantly, you will get to meet our Airmen; young men and women, many of whom could be our children’s ages, who do our nation’s business and make the mission happen every day. Thank you for your interest in and support for what we do. We genuinely look forward to partnering with and learning from you.”
After the event, Aaron Starks reflected on his personal significance of joining the program.
“For a kid who grew up in Huntsville, Utah, this is a surreal moment. The sound of freedom was prevalent in Ogden Valley, where I grew up, but being a part of the efforts here at Hill Air Force Base is a blessing for me and my family. It’s already giving me a deeper appreciation for our country, and I’m eager to roll up my sleeves and help,” Starks said.