The 1st Special Operations Wing paired 14 local civic and business leaders with military commanders during a kickoff tour at Hurlburt Field on Aug. 7, launching the base’s 2026-2027 Honorary Commander Program.
- The yearlong program is designed to strengthen ties between Hurlburt Field and the surrounding Northwest Florida communities by giving civilian leaders insight into military operations while allowing base leadership to draw on local expertise in education, business and healthcare. In turn, civic leaders gain a better understanding of how to support military families.
“The Honorary Commander program is a strategic imperative. It forges a direct link between the readiness of our Air Commandos and the civic leaders who shape this community,” said Col. Mark Hamilton, 1st Special Operations Wing commander. “These are not ceremonial relationships but active partnerships. The collaboration we gain here will be instrumental as we tackle challenges like housing and infrastructure to ensure Hurlburt Field remains the premier platform for generating combat power.”
Over the course of the year, the selectees will participate in immersive unit tours across the wing, observe day-to-day operations and attend key base functions including changes of command, award ceremonies and homecomings.
This year’s incoming honorary commanders are:
- Kelly Jansen, President and CEO, United Way Emerald Coast
- Joy Makela, Founder and President, True Joy Counseling and Consulting
- Dr. Alex Arevalo, Division Chief of Pediatric Cardiology, Nemours Children’s Health
- Petra Maddens, Community Health Improvement Section Chief, Florida Department of Health
- Laura Coale, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations, Eglin Federal Credit Union
- Tamara Young, Public Information Director, City of Destin
- Evan Noel, General Manager and Operating Partner, Emerald Coast Harley Davidson
- Larry Hipsh, Managing Partner, Hipsh Law Firm
- Jason McClelland, Principal, Pryor Middle School
- Jeff Helms, Vice President, Moffatt & Nichol
- Shannon Ogletree, Economic Developer, Santa Rosa County
- Alan Jowers, Partner, Carr, Riggs & Ingram
- John Holguin, Chief Administration and Operations Officer, Okaloosa County Tax Collector’s Office
- Robert “Mac” McFarland, Director of Association Management, Newman-Dailey Resort Properties
“After a day of wing briefings, I came away impressed by the caliber of everyone we met and even more committed to strengthening the ties between the base and our community,” said Young. “I know I have a steep learning curve ahead this year, and I’m excited for all of it.”
At the end of the term, outgoing commanders transition into the program’s alumni network, where they continue to serve as community ambassadors for Hurlburt Field.
