ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- Col. Erick Lord, 28th Bomb Wing commander, announced the 11 individuals selected to participate in the Ellsworth Honorary Commander program during the Black Hills Military Advisory Coalition Chow Hall luncheon at the Liberty Center in Box Elder, South Dakota, Jan. 14, 2026.
More than 100 area civic and business leaders joined Lord in recognizing those completing their terms in the Honorary Commander program and welcoming those handpicked for the 2026 class.
"Ellsworth does not succeed alone," Lord said. "The honorary Commander program is one of the best bridges we have. It lets Airmen understand you and the region we call home, and it lets you see wat it takes to generate combat power, day after day, without shortcuts."
He lauded the outgoing Honorary Commanders for their time, trust and advocacy during this event. Along with commending those who contributed to the success of the program, he welcomed the 2026 inductees and provided a glimpse of what the future holds.
"To our incoming Honorary Commanders, welcome. You are joining us as we prepare for the B-21 Raider and the nuclear mission," Lord said. "That transition will demand innovation, but it will demand something even rarer: flawless standards, consistent accountability, and the humility to fix what is broken before it breaks us."
Individuals selected for the program this year include:
Caleb Arceneaux, LIV Hospitality CEO
Capt. Zach Bader, South Dakota Highway Patrol
Brian Bishop, Rapid City Regional Airport Deputy Director
Daene Boomsma, Boom Construction Owner
Ann Brentlinger, South Dakota School of Mines & Technology
Mike Headley, Sanford Underground Research Facility
Lt. Chris Holbrook, Rapid City Police Department
Brian Pereira, Ketel Thorstensen
Scott Reiman, First Interstate Bank Market President
Matt Schmahl, West River Electric Association
Brian Tande, SDSM&T President
The Honorary Commander program is designed to strengthen the relationship between the base and surrounding community by exposing individuals to the mission through firsthand experiences. Area business and community leaders apply for the program by contacting the 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs office. Nominations are compiled, reviewed and submitted to the wing commander for consideration annually.
If selected, individuals are paired with a designated unit commander at the squadron, group, or wing level for a single two-year term to develop a better understanding of the base and its mission. Participants are routinely from small and large businesses, local city officials, chamber of commerce members, school staff and others who, because of their position or influence in the community, have a lasting impact on public support for the base.
For more information about the Ellsworth Honorary Commander program, contact 28th BW Public Affairs office at 28bw.public.affairs@us.af.mil.
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