25th Annual State of the Base
A quarter century of partnership between Buckley Space Force Base and the Greater Buckley Region — marked by a candid briefing, a founding recognition, and a renewed commitment to the community-installation bond.
Proudly sponsored by the Rotary Club of Aurora — partners in strengthening the community-installation bond for 25 years.
Celebrating 25 Years of Partnership
Watch highlights from the 25th Annual State of the Base — including the military briefing, the recognition of founding member George Peck, and remarks from community and installation leadership.
Colonel Eamon Murray and Chief Master Sergeant Ben Johnson delivered a comprehensive update on Buckley's global missions, infrastructure investments, and the enduring community bond that sustains them.
Honoring a Quarter Century of Shared Commitment
On March 12, 2026, over 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 $2.44 billion economic impact, critical national security missions, and the enduring community support that sustains both.
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 — a fitting tribute at a milestone anniversary.
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.
Moments from the Day
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 across the Greater Buckley Region.
In the News
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Aurora Now Covers the 25th Annual State of the Base
Light Up Purple for Military Kids
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.