Honorary Commander Program Applications Due Saturday At Goodfellow

SAN ANGELO, TX — Applications for the 17th Training Wing’s 2026-2027 Honorary Commander Program must be submitted by Saturday, Aug. 15. 

The 12-month program gives San Angelo and Tom Green County community leaders an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at operations across the wing’s groups. It begins with a September induction ceremony and aims to develop participants as community ambassadors who can speak about the base’s mission and strengthen ties with the surrounding area.

“The Honorary Commander Program is a cornerstone of our ‘One Community’ partnership with San Angelo,” said Col. Matthew Norton, 17th Training Wing commander. “By bringing members from throughout our community inside the gates, we foster mutual understanding, share our critical training mission, and strengthen the bonds that make this base and this city so successful together.”

Asher Rogers, director of member relations for the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce and a past participant, said the program provided a firsthand understanding of the base’s daily operations.

“Seeing the work of the Medical Group, Training Group, and Mission Support Group has deepened my appreciation for the dedication of the men and women who support this mission every day,” Rogers said. “This experience has reinforced the importance of the partnership between Goodfellow and our local business community while highlighting new opportunities to work together in ways that support the base and strengthen our economy.”

Honorary commanders have previously been invited to events such as the Air Force Ball, Basic Military Training graduations and change-of-command ceremonies. Participants come from a range of professional backgrounds in the local community. 

Applications and submission instructions are available at www.goodfellow.af.mil. The program is open to interested community members.