TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Tinker Air Force Base is beginning the new year with a new group of Honorary Commanders.
Twelve new members, ranging in backgrounds from entrepreneurs, politicians, and educators, joined the Honorary Commander Program during a ceremony held at the Tinker Event Center January 18, 2024.
The Honorary Commander Program is unique to the United States Air Force with a goal to educate key community leaders about a unit’s mission and to foster a supportive relationship with the community. The two-year long program hopes to increase military involvement in civic endeavors and organizations and make members of the local community feel part of the unit.
“I absolutely love our Honorary Commander Program, it is so important” said Col. Abby Ruscetta, 72nd Air Base Wing commander. “It is a phenomenal opportunity to build lasting relationships with our community partners. If you look around the room tonight, the diversity and talent in this room is inspiring.”
Honorary Commanders take part in multiple tours on base including the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex, 72nd Air Base Wing, 552nd Air Control Wing, the Tinker Air Traffic Control Tower and participate in refueling missions.
While 12 new members were welcomed to the program, 11 others graduated and were recognized for their yearlong involvement. Graduating was Marissa Lightsey, Executive Director of College and Career Readiness at the Oklahoma State Department of Education, Richard Luht, Owner of Tecara Logistics, Jim Flavin, Vice President of the Oklahoma City Dodgers Corporate Partnership, Brian Grider, Mayor of Mustang, Oklahoma, Oklahoma Representative Nicole Miller, Representative Kyle Hilbert, Brent Moody, Doctor of Dental Surgery at Pediatric Dental Specialist of Central Oklahoma, Jennifer McGrail, Executive Director at the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology, Kinnee Tilly, Vice President of the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance, John Klier, Dean and AT&T Chair of the Gallogly College of Engineering at the University of Oklahoma and Tim Gatz, the Oklahoma Secretary of Transportation.
Meet the newest members of the Tinker Honorary Commander Program:
Representative Tammy Townley, House District 48
Jacob Keyes, Founder of Skydance Brewing Company
Dr. Valerie Thompson, President of the Urban League of Greater Oklahoma City
Dr. Brayden Savage, Western Heights School District Superintendent
Alexander Gray, Managing Partner of American Global Strategies, LLC
Chris Wadsworth, Chief Financial Officer of the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics
Edie Roodman, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Israel Exchange
LaShawn Thompson, Assistant City Manager of the City of Oklahoma City
Dr. Amy Sparkman, Medical Director of Skills & Education at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Brent Haken, State Director at the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education
Dr. Monique Bruner, Executive Director of Diversity and Cultural Affairs at Rose State College
Jessica Clayton, Chief Deputy County Commissioner for Oklahoma County Commissioner
Shaina Bennett, President of the Midwest City Chamber of Commerce
Amanda Carpenter, Attorney
Victoria Natalie, Oklahoma State University Engineering Operations for the Unmanned Systems Research Institute
Robyn Castleberry, Director of Business & Information Technology Programs at the Moore Norman Technology Center
Kim Brown, President of the Moore Chamber of Commerce
Jeff Mulder, Director of Oklahoma City Airports
Shad Satterthwaite, University of Oklahoma Executive Business Programs in Aerospace and Defense Director
Michael Davis, President & CEO of Oklahoma Finance Authorities
As of 2024, the Honorary Commander Program at Tinker Air Force Base has become a two-year program. This replaces the previous one-year program and is designed to better educate and immerse honorary commanders in Team Tinker’s diverse missions.
Several members have opted to extend their time with the Honorary Commander Program including Michael Davis, President & CEO of Oklahoma Finance Authorities, Amanda Tsoodle, Attorney at Williams, Box, Forshee & Bullard, Robyn Castleberry, Director of Business & Information Technology Programs at Moore Norman Technology Center, Dr. Shad Satterthwaite, Director for Executive Business Programs in Aerospace and Defense at the University of Oklahoma, Jeff Mulder Director of Oklahoma City Airports, Kim Brown, President of the Moore Chamber of Commerce, Shaina Bennett, President of the Midwest City Chamber of Commerce, and Victoria Natalie, Director of Engineering Operations for the Unmanned Systems Research Institute at Oklahoma State University.