BUCKLEY REGIONAL MILITARY AFFAIRS COUNCIL
25th Annual
State of the Base
A quarter century of partnership between Buckley Space Force Base and the Greater Buckley Region.
MARCH 12, 2026 | AURORA MUNICIPAL CENTER
Proudly sponsored by the Rotary Club of Aurora — partners in strengthening the community-installation bond for 25 years.
EVENT HIGHLIGHT VIDEO
Celebrating 25 Years of Partnership
EVENT SUMMARY
Honoring a Quarter Century
of Shared Commitment
On March 12, 2026, 130 community leaders, elected officials, military leadership, and defense partners gathered at the Aurora Municipal Center to mark the 25th anniversary of the State of the Base — an annual tradition that has become the cornerstone of the partnership between Buckley Space Force Base and the Greater Buckley Region.
Colonel Eamon Murray, Commander of Space Base Delta 2, and Chief Master Sergeant Ben Johnson, Senior Enlisted Airman, delivered a comprehensive briefing on the installation's global mission, recent accomplishments, and infrastructure priorities. The event highlighted Buckley's $2.4 billion economic impact, critical national security missions, and the enduring community support that sustains both.
The story isn't just what happens on base. It's what happens when a community decides, year after year, to create the conditions where that mission and the people who carry it can thrive. That's a choice. And this region has made it consistently for 25 years.
EVENT GALLERY
Moments from the Day
Rob Devall, Aurora Chamber Director of Military Affairs, hosts the 25th Annual State of the Base
Colonel Eamon Murray and Chief Master Sergeant Ben Johnson brief attendees on Buckley's global mission
George Peck receives recognition for founding the State of the Base 25 years ago
Ryan Turbyfil, President of the Rotary Club of Aurora, delivers remarks on behalf of the event sponsor
Left to right: Rob Devall, Colonel Eamon Murray, Chief Master Sergeant Ben Johnson, Ryan Turbyfil
Rob Devall addresses community leaders and military personnel at the Aurora Municipal Center
HIGHLIGHTS
Key Moments
Honoring George Peck
George Peck, who helped establish the State of the Base 25 years ago, was recognized for his decades of advocacy and steadfast commitment to the partnership between Buckley Space Force Base and the Greater Buckley Region. As the driving force behind the Aurora Defense Council and the bridge between BRMAC and the Rotary Club of Aurora, George has ensured this annual tradition continues to strengthen year after year.
Mission Highlights
Colonel Murray and Chief Johnson provided comprehensive updates on Buckley's critical global missions including missile warning, space domain awareness, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, air superiority, and support to Army aviation and Naval reserve operations. They highlighted recent combat readiness exercises, infrastructure investments including a new power substation and AI data center, and the base's role in defending the homeland.
Community Partnership
The event emphasized the importance of community support for military families, particularly during challenging times. Attendees were encouraged to participate in the Month of the Military Child in April by lighting their buildings purple as a visible signal of support for military children and families.
PRESS COVERAGE
In the News
CALL TO ACTION
Light Up Purple for Military Kids
April is the Month of the Military Child. We're asking businesses, schools, churches, and government offices across the Greater Buckley Region to light their buildings purple as a visible signal of support for military children.
These kids change schools, say goodbye to friends, and watch parents deploy to dangerous places. A simple purple light tells them this community sees them and stands with them.
WHAT'S NEXT
Join Us May 15
50th Armed Forces Recognition Luncheon
Join us for a milestone celebration honoring five decades of recognizing military service and community partnership. This special event will bring together military leadership, elected officials, and community partners to celebrate those who serve.