Aurora Rotary Builds Ties with Buckley Space Force Base
The Rotary Club of Aurora once again partnered with the Aurora Chamber of Commerce’s Buckley Regional Military Affairs Council for the annual State of the Base presentation. Now in its 25th year, the event featured the commander of Buckley Space Force Base, Colonel Eamon Murray and Chief Master Sergeant Benjamin Johnson and was jointly presided over by Aurora Rotary President Ryan Turbyfill, and Rob Duvall, the Chamber’s Director of Military Affairs.
Attended by more than 150 civic leaders, business representatives, Rotarians and military officials, the event offered the senior leadership of Buckley SFB the opportunity to share with the metro community a detailed overview of the base’s recent achievements, critical role in national defense and the economic partnership with the Aurora community. Pictured: Aurora Rotary Club President Ryan Turbyfill
Turbyfill noted that the Aurora Rotary Club, which has been part of this community since 1956, has remained steadfast in its support of our men and women that serve our country. He also outlined some of the many programs the Club supported in the community including helping to create the all-inclusive, fully accessible RedTail Hawk Park in Aurora, projects in South America and Africa, support for reading programs at Aurora and Cherry Creek schools, assisting the local Salvation Army with their annual Red Kettle program, facilitating the area Shots for Tots low or no cost immunization for area youngsters and fund raising with the Aurora Fire Rescue Department to purchase a fire safety trailer for use in area schools.
An Air Force Spokesman said the State of the Base “showcased the remarkable and diverse accomplishments from across the installation’s 117 mission partners.” Col. Eamon told the group gathered at the Aurora Municipal Center, “…these achievements ranged from supporting global combat operations and earning national-level awards, to modernizing critical infrastructure and providing direct support to the nation’s space exploration goals.”
The event concluded with Col. Murray highlighted the base’s role as a major economic partner in Aurora and Colorado.
“In 2025, Buckley contributed over $2.4 billion to the local economy, strengthening not only national security, but also the community where we live, shop, and our kids go to school,” said Murray. “The community that makes our mission possible.”
U.S. Space Force Col. Eamon Murray, Space Base Delta 2 commander, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Benjamin Johnson, SBD 2 senior enlisted airman, briefs attendees during the annual State of the Base address in Aurora, Colorado, March 12, 2026. The event highlighted the installation’s operational priorities, mission partners and continued partnership with the local community. (U.S. Space Force photo by Senior Airman Joshua Hollis)