2025 State of the Base address

The McConnell Base Honor Guard presents the colors during the annual State of the Base address at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, March 13, 2025. Attendees for the address consisted of civic leaders including honorary commanders, Golden Eagles and mayors from nearby communities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Paige Weldon)

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2025 State of the Base address

The names of Randy White and Janet Schwindaman, McConnell Golden Eagles, are newly displayed on the McConnell Golden Eagle plaque during the annual State of the Base address at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, March 13, 2025. Golden Eagles are McConnell’s most elite supporters from the local community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Paige Weldon)

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2025 State of the Base address

Published March 14, 2025
By Senior Airman Paige Weldon
22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --

Col. Cory Damon, 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander, speaks to the crowd during the annual State of the Base address at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, March 13, 2025. Damon spoke about Team McConnell’s 2024 accomplishments and plans for the future, including the announcement of the 2026 Frontiers in Flight airshow scheduled for Oct. 17-18, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Paige Weldon)

A man in a military dress uniform speaks to a crowd. — 2025 State of the Base address

Col. Cory Damon, 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander, speaks to the crowd during the annual State of the Base address at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, March 13, 2025. Damon spoke about Team McConnell’s 2024 accomplishments and plans for the future, including the announcement of the 2026 Frontiers in Flight airshow scheduled for Oct. 17-18, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Paige Weldon)

People sitting at tables clap their hands. — 2025 State of the Base address

Attendees applaud as Janet Schwindaman, McConnell Golden Eagle, is announced as a Golden Eagle member during the annual State of the Base address at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, March 13, 2025. The address aimed to keep the local community informed on Team McConnell’s mission and thank them for their support. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Paige Weldon)

Men in military uniforms and a man in a suit holding a piece of paper pose for a photo. — 2025 State of the Base address

Col. Cory Damon, 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander, Randy White, McConnell Golden Eagle, Col. Matt Basler, 931st Operations Group commander, and Col. David Hewlett, 184th Wing commander, pose for a photo during the annual State of the Base address at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, March 13, 2025. White was also given Damon’s personal coin after being announced as a Golden Eagle member. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Paige Weldon)