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.
Suzanne Mitchell, director of Career and Technical Education for the Franklin County School District, is the Honorary Commander assigned to the 717th Test Squadron.
“I was very excited and honored to be selected to serve as an Honorary Commander,” Mitchell said. “I was not sure what to expect, but each and every event has built such pride for the work that happens at AEDC.”
Mitchell said she initially assumed those selected as Honorary Commanders would occasionally be involved in quick tours of the base. However, her involvement in the program has thus far exceeded expectations.
“I never expected to be so included in things like award banquets and Change of Command ceremonies,” she said. “It has been an honor to meet the members of the Air Force and see their passion and competitive spirit for being their best to keep America and civilians safe.”
Before taking on the role of Honorary Commander, Mitchell’s knowledge of Arnold was somewhat limited. She said while she had visited the base as a child, took part in a driving tour a couple of years prior to her Honorary Commander selection, and had toured the AEDC Model and Machine Shop with students and other teachers, she was unfamiliar with the organizational structure of AEDC and its multitude of capabilities.
“Prior to this opportunity, I thought AEDC just tested engines,” Mitchell said. “I was not aware of the other aspects. I had never considered the number of civilians employed and how that impacts the economic stability of the surrounding counties.”
During her time in the program, Mitchell has learned more about how AEDC has grown and expanded in the decades since its establishment to meet ever-changing objectives.
“The storytelling from (former AEDC Commander Col. Randal Gordon) regarding how AEDC evolved from World War II really sparked my interest in the history of AEDC,” Mitchell said. “My husband represents a third generation to be employed at AEDC on the civilian side, so it was neat to learn more of how his grandfather was one of the first 10 employees at AEDC.”
Mitchell added it has been an “eye-opening experience” to get a closer look at how AEDC contributes to the security and defense of the nation.
“I think the biggest thing that stands out about AEDC is the scale to which everything is done,” Mitchell said. “The size of the test cells and amount of resources and coordination needed for each project or test to happen is remarkable.”
Arnold AFB personnel have also maintained regular contact since the induction ceremony to provide event invitations and updates since the Honorary Commander induction ceremony, Mitchell said.
“This has been a wonderful experience thus far,” she said. “Jason Austin and Sonja Smith have done a great job of coordinating meaningful and organized events. I have been made aware and felt very included in many activities at AEDC. Upon visiting, everyone has been so gracious to take time to explain their unique position and responsibilities.”
In her role as Franklin County School District CTE director, Mitchell intends to promote Arnold AFB and its diverse career opportunities to her students.
“I will continue to encourage students to follow their dreams, but now I am more aware of what AEDC has to offer,” Mitchell said. “There are more careers available other than engineers and welders. There is a need for security and police personnel, environmentalists, business majors, and so much more. There is also a need for our youth to join the armed forces. Recently, the Tennessee Department of Education has included military readiness under the umbrella of Career and Technical Education.”
She and other local CTE directors are currently in collaboration with the Arnold AFB Innovation Center to organize a competition to demonstrate the importance of each job and trade.
“We hope to create a task that would involve an engineer/design team, a machining team, a welding team and a business marketing team,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell said she has also spoken to the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, as she serves the organization’s Board of Directors, to help make those at Arnold aware of community events in Franklin County to further embrace Air Force families stationed locally.
Returning the conversation to education, Mitchell said a great deal of focus in the education arena has been placed on STEM in recent years. She added that area students interested in seeking careers in these fields, and even those opting to pursue non-STEM paths, would benefit from exploring the possibilities at AEDC.
“AEDC is the epitome of STEM,” Mitchell said. “From the science of the reservoir and the role it plays in the ability for AEDC to run the tests to the environmental science sector of returning the safe water, one must consider the science, technology, engineering and math used to manage, deliver and store that water and direct it to the correct testing facility at the required time. Another STEM concept is how the engineers use resources to create the desired conditions to mimic atmospheric conditions for test objects. Lastly, there’s the support and technology required to make those tests and projects a success.
“Another thing of interest is AEDC is its own city with a cafeteria, health care, police, fire station and the commissary. The daily management is just a tip of the iceberg to what is required for AEDC to be able to implement the cutting-edge tests that contribute to the safety of America.
“I hope I am able to utilize the knowledge I have gained by being an Honorary Commander to assist our school district in preparing our students to make informed decisions about their future careers and local job opportunities.”
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.