ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. -- Nine business and community leaders who live, work and serve around Arnold Air Force Base have been chosen to support the installation as the newest Arnold AFB Honorary Commanders.
The second class of program selectees was inducted during the Arnold Engineering Development Complex 75th anniversary open house celebration held June 27 at Arnold AFB.
The purpose of the Honorary Commander program is to strengthen the partnership between the Air Force and the communities surrounding installations.
The Honorary Commander program was inaugurated at Arnold AFB, headquarters of AEDC, in 2024.
Each of the Honorary Commanders selected by AEDC leadership will gain insight into the mission, polices, programs and people of Arnold AFB.
The aim is for the Honorary Commanders to take what they have gleaned through their participation in the program and share information with members of their communities to support local engagement.
“The Honorary Commanders program is a vital bridge between the base and the local community,” AEDC Public Affairs Chief Jason Austin said prior to introducing the new Honorary Commanders. “It pairs local civic business leaders with our commanders and senior leaders, giving them an inside look at our mission, our operations and, most importantly, our people. In turn, they share their perspectives and strengthen the bonds between Arnold and the communities we call home.”
The individuals selected to serve as Arnold AFB Honorary Commanders were:
- April Norris, Tullahoma City Schools superintendent. Norris is the Honorary Commander representing the Arnold Engineering Development Complex.
- Cassie Fulmer, Franklin County Chamber of Commerce executive director. Fulmer is the Honorary Commander representing the 804th Test Group.
- Kelly North, Tullahoma Area Economic Development Corporation executive director. North is the Honorary Commander representing the 804th Test Support Squadron.
- Greg Gressel, South Jackson Performing Arts Center & Tullahoma Fine Arts Center executive director and chairman. Gressel is the Honorary Commander representing the 715th Test Squadron.
- Austin Sisco, Hands-On Science Center executive director. Sisco is the Honorary Commander representing the 716th Test Squadron.
- Rachel Shields, Franklin County Schools secondary supervisor. Shields is the Honorary Commander representing the 717th Test Squadron.
- Ashley Gibbs, United Way of South Central Tennessee regional director. Gibbs is the Honorary Commander representing the 718th Test Squadron.
- Anne Hosea-Majors, Industrial Board of Coffee County executive director. Hosea-Majors is the Honorary Commander representing the Test Support Division.
- Katy Riddle, Manchester Area Chamber of Commerce executive director. Riddle is the Honorary Commander representing the Program Management Division.
Outgoing AEDC Commander Col. Grant Mizell administered the Oath of Induction to the new Honorary Commanders. The nine selected pledged to support the AEDC mission and the men and women of the U.S. Air Force while serving as an ambassador to their communities and fostering a spirit of partnership.
Following the ceremony, AEDC leaders with the units represented presented AEDC lapel pins to their respective Honorary Commanders.
Each Honorary Commander will serve a two-year term. During this time, they will be invited to various base and unit events.
The first class of Arnold AFB Honorary Commanders was inducted in March 2024. The seven community and business leaders selected for that initial cohort were honored and thanked for their service, and Mizell presented certificates to members of that class in attendance.
“These leaders have dedicated the past two years to learning about AEDC and advocating for our mission,” Austin said. “They have been invaluable partners, and we are deeply grateful for their service. On behalf of all of Team AEDC, thank you for your time, your counsel, your friendship. You will always be a part of Team AEDC.”