ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. -- The call went out in June 2023.
Arnold Engineering Development Complex leadership offered to peel back the curtain ever so slightly for local leaders to gain greater insight into and a deep understanding of the AEDC missions, programs and policies at its Arnold Air Force Base headquarters. AEDC announced it was accepting nominations for the first-of-its-kind Arnold AFB Honorary Commander program.
The intent of the initiative is for the civic and business leaders selected to take what they have gleaned from interactions with AEDC personnel, tours of the base and other activities and bolster public support for the missions of AEDC and the Air Force through their roles in the community.
In March 2024, the first class of Honorary Commanders was inducted during a ceremony at Arnold AFB. Each of those selected serves a two-year term and is assigned to a different AEDC unit.
An Honorary Commander Day was held at Arnold AFB on Dec. 9, 2024, during which the Honorary Commanders toured various facilities; heard from engineers, craft crews and other team members who discussed some of the work performed at Arnold; and were able to ask questions to further educate themselves about the base and its diverse test groups, divisions and operations.
Now nearing the end of their terms, several of the first-ever Arnold AFB Honorary Commanders shared what the experience has been like thus far, what they have learned, and how they intend to spread the word about Arnold and its mission to increase community engagement and support.
Scott Ladd, owner of Patriot Construction and Consulting, is the Honorary Commander assigned to the office of the AEDC commander.
“It was an incredible honor,” Ladd said of his Honorary Commander selection. “I felt both humbled and proud to be selected. Serving in this role is a privilege, and I view it as an opportunity to bridge community and military relations.”
Ladd said he initially expected the role of Arnold AFB Honorary Commander to be more of a “symbolic” mantle focused on building community ties. However, he quickly realized the post involves much more, including active participation with the mission and personnel of Arnold.
“This experience has exceeded my expectations in terms of engagement, learning and community connection,” Ladd said. “I didn’t anticipate just how meaningful the relationships and insights gained would be.”
While he admitted that he possessed a limited familiarity with Arnold AFB before taking on the role of Honorary Commander, Ladd said his knowledge of the base has grown “tremendously” since his induction.
“The experience has been very positive,” he said. “The group I am assigned to has maintained great communication. I’ve received regular updates, and the base has organized several events and activities that foster a deeper connection between the Honorary Commanders and the Arnold Air Force Base mission.”
Ladd said he was surprised to learn how pivotal Arnold AFB is to the future of national defense and aerospace innovation, adding the “cutting-edge” technology present and testing conducted at Arnold are vital to the country’s strategic advancement.
“This experience has shown me how integral Arnold Air Force Base is to the development and testing of systems that protect our nation,” he said. “It plays a quiet but powerful role in ensuring the readiness and superiority of our defense capabilities.”
From what he has seen and heard thus far, Ladd said what has stood out most for him is the depth of expertise and scale of operations at the base.
“It was eye-opening to see how much innovation and precision go into the work being done at Arnold every single day,” he said.
Ladd says he now feels a “strong responsibility” to impart what he has learned about the Arnold AFB mission and urge others – particularly business leaders and educators – to learn more about the base, adding he believes it is important to promote awareness of the vital contributions of Arnold to the nation.
“As a local business owner, I plan to continue sharing the importance of Arnold Air Force Base with my professional network,” he said. “I aim to support initiatives that highlight its value to our economy and national defense and encourage others to get involved where possible.”
Ladd also expressed his gratitude to AEDC leadership and personnel at Arnold for their hospitality and dedication.
“It’s been an honor to serve as an Honorary Commander and be part of a mission that plays such a crucial role in national defense and innovation,” he said.
Arnold AFB will begin accepting nominations for the next class of Honorary Commanders on March 1. The deadline to submit nominations is April 30.
Nominees should normally not be military retirees, as the goal of the program is to familiarize community members possessing limited knowledge of the Department of War with Arnold.
Members of the U.S. Congress, their staff or federally-elected or appointed officials may not be nominated for the program.
No more than one nominee from an individual organization will serve as an honorary commander at any given time with the exception of organizations whose membership comes from a variety of business and organizations, such as the chamber of commerce or other non-federal and civic-supported entities.
Due to the large contractor workforce at Arnold AFB, nominees will be required to declare any organizational conflict of interest prior to their nomination and at any time during their tenure and program alumni status. To ensure there is no perception of a conflict of interest or to prevent creation of an unfair business advantage, individuals chosen for the program will be placed with organizations that do not conduct business with them or contract for their services.
Nominees should not include anyone whose membership may cast a negative light on the U.S. Air Force.
The second crop of Arnold AFB Honorary Commanders will be inducted later this year.
To acquire a nomination form, contact the AEDC Public Affairs Office at arnold.aedc.pa@us.af.mil; or 931-454-4204; or 100 Kindel Dr. A242, Arnold AFB, TN, 37389.