Twenty inducted into AF Missileers Hall of Fame
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The Association of Air Force Missileers held its national meeting in Minot Aug. 5-8, bringing together past and current service members to preserve the heritage of the nation’s nuclear missile mission, educate the public on nuclear deterrence, and recognize those who serve.
The week culminated with the induction of the 2026 class into the Air Force Missileers Hall of Fame. Every two years, the association honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the nuclear missile enterprise across operations, maintenance, security, supply, engineering, services and special duty assignments. Honorees are recognized for outstanding achievement either over a career or during a single landmark event.
The inaugural Hall of Fame class of 20 individuals was inducted in 2024 by retired Chief Master Sgt. Mark Silliman, president of the association, and Maj. Gen. Colin Connor, commander of 20th Air Force.
The 20 inductees into the Air Force Missileers Hall of Fame are retired Gen. Lance W. Lord of Aurora, Colorado; retired Col. John J. Politi of Raymore, Missouri; retired Gen. Bob Kehler of Alexandria, Virginia; retired Chief Master Sgt. Middland Jackson of Layton, Utah; retired Chief Master Sgt. Charles Rodgers of Fisher, Minnesota; retired Chief Master Sgt. John Farmer of Cheyenne, Wyoming; retired Chief Master Sgt. Bobbie Watts of Warrensburg, Missouri; retired Col. Kai Lee Norwood of Colorado Springs, Colorado; retired Col. Denny Abbey of Charlotte, North Carolina; retired Col. Tucker Fagen of Cheyenne; retired Senior Master Sgt. Al Hall of Rapid City, South Dakota; retired Chief Master Sgt. Glenn Baldwin of Box Elder, South Dakota; retired Maj. Greg Ogletree of Lompoc, California; retired Col. Charles Simpson of Breckenridge, Colorado; retired Maj. Gen. Tim McMahon Colorado Springs; retired Chief Master Sgt. Robert Schillo of Clinton, Missouri; retired Chief Master Sgt. Richard Hochheiser (represented by his wife Sue) of Clearfield, Utah; and Dr David Stumpf of Tucson, Arizona.
During the association’s gathering, members spent a day with airmen from the 91st Missile Wing at Minot Air Force Base, receiving briefings, touring facilities, and comparing life in the missile field today with past eras. Attendees also visited the International Peace Garden, north of Dunseith, explored downtown Minot, and reconnected with former colleagues.
Throughout the week, the group received updates on the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile program - the planned replacement for the Minuteman III - and available services from Veterans Affairs centers. Discussions also covered the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine’s ongoing Missile Cancer Study and the work of the Torchlight Initiative, which advocates for proper Veterans Administration care for missileers and families affected by work-related cancers.
Minot Mayor Mark Jantzer welcomed the group on opening night. State Sen. Randy Burckhard and Task Force 21 members Bruce Christianson, Peter Hankla, and Jason Zimmerman supported the event throughout the week. Advance planning by Brekka Kramer and her team at the Minot Area Chamber EDC, alongside Visit Minot, proved key to the convention’s success.
The association will meet again in 2028 in Cheyenne, Wyoming.