“There are so many amazing people in this program, why am I here?”
That’s what Rob Osborn thought to himself during an October 23 ceremony at the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) naming honorary commanders. Osborn, manager of the Office of Economic Development and Issues Management, is one of 23 community leaders chosen for the prestigious program. While he may have been surprised to be standing, socially distanced, along with leaders from local government, non-profits and private businesses, Osborn received multiple nominations for his new role.
Becoming an honorary commander doesn’t mean the Air Force sends you out to lead missions. Instead, it’s an ambassador program where community leaders work closely with USAFA leaders. The Honorary Commander Program began in 2018 with 14 commanders serving a two-year term. Osborn and his class will take part in the program through 2022.
The previous graduating class of honorary commanders and USAFA staff made the nominations and selections. Osborn said he was humbled to be both nominated and chosen. “This opportunity gives me the ability to support the servicemen and women at USAFA and their mission,” he said.
Aiding its mission is exactly how USAFA defines the role. A description of the program says commanders will be paired with a USAFA senior level leader during the two-year term. Osborn is assigned to work with Col. Joel R. De Boer, Executive Officer to the Commander, Air Education and Training Command. The honorary commanders will take part in quarterly “behind-the-scenes” tours of the seven key mission elements serving USAFA, receive invites to large events like graduation and meet cadets to learn aspects of what they do.
“I am most interested in learning more about the research and programs USAFA provides,” Osborn said. “I also understand there may be an opportunity to take a flight lesson.”
Serving as honorary commander is also a way to give back. “I have always regretted not serving in the military and highly respect the individuals who make the choice and sacrifice,” Osborn said. His dad served in the Army and father-in-law in the Navy. “They both have deep pride in their service.”
Now serving in his new role, this will benefit the missions of USAFA and our organization. “Learning more about USAFA will help me directly in my work,” Osborn said. “I help market Colorado Springs as a community of choice for business development for companies that can take advantage of research performed at USAFA and the workforce USAFA generates.”
That workforce was on full display at the Honorary Commander Induction Ceremony. After Osborn thought, “why am I here?” He said his biggest takeaway was, “the best and brightest future leaders of our communities, businesses, nation and the world begin their journey at USAFA.”
