Kirtland Partnership Committee

09/18/2026

The Kirtland Partnership Committee proudly celebrates the 79th birthday of the United States Air Force and honors the Airmen, civilian professionals, and families whose service protects our nation.

New Mexico is proud to be home to Air Force missions essential to America’s security. At Kirtland, that responsibility spans nuclear deterrence, scientific research, advanced technology, operational testing, and special operations training. The work performed here strengthens our military today and prepares it for the challenges of tomorrow.

For the Kirtland Partnership Committee, supporting these missions is both a privilege and a lasting commitment. We bring community, business, and government together to help ensure Kirtland—and the people who serve here—have the support they need to succeed.

To every Airman, past and present: thank you for answering our nation’s call. New Mexico is proud to stand beside you.

Happy 79th Birthday, United States Air Force. Aim High.

09/11/2026

Twenty-five years later, we remember the 2,977 lives lost, the heroes who ran toward danger, and the men and women of our Armed Forces who answered our nation’s call in the years that followed.

We honor their courage. We remember their sacrifice. And we remain forever grateful to those who serve in defense of our nation.

God bless our troops and God bless America.

08/04/2026

07/19/2026

🎓 Core Class of 2026 Graduate Spotlight

Today, we're proud to celebrate Colonel Thane Sisson, interim Deputy Commander of the 377th Air Base Wing at Kirtland Air Force Base, as a graduate of Leadership New Mexico's Core Class of 2026!

Throughout his career, Colonel Sisson has dedicated himself to serving our nation through leadership, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to mission readiness. In his current role, he leads the Department of War's largest Protection Level One storage and maintenance facility, while leading other wing priorities to meet national security objectives across Kirtland Air Force Base.

Commissioned through the United States Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Texas Tech University in 2004, Colonel Sisson has served in leadership positions around the world, including multiple squadron commands, joint assignments supporting the nation's nuclear enterprise, and deployments in support of joint and coalition operations. His dedication to lifelong learning is reflected in his advanced education, including a Master's in National Security and a Doctorate in Strategic Security.

Colonel Sisson, congratulations on graduating from the Leadership New Mexico Core Program! Thank you for your decades of service, your commitment to developing strong leaders, and the impact you continue to make both in New Mexico and beyond. We are honored to welcome you into our growing network of Core alumni and look forward to the continued difference you'll make in the years ahead.

07/17/2026

07/10/2026

Applications are now open for the 2026 Patriot Games! 🇺🇸

Students ages 14–17 have the opportunity to compete on a national stage, represent their community during America’s 250th birthday celebration, and compete for a share of $250,000 in scholarship awards.

Selected competitors will take part in the 2026 Patriot Games Aug. 9–11 and be featured nationally throughout the media.

Know a student with leadership, perseverance, athletic ability, and strong character?

Apply by July 10, 2026 at Freedom250.org.

07/04/2026

On behalf of the Kirtland Partnership Committee, we wish you and your families a safe, joyful, and meaningful Independence Day.

Happy Fourth of July, and Happy 250th Birthday, America!

06/26/2026

Delivering on national security ⭐

Sandia’s Integrated Military Systems team launched three sounding rocket test flights from the Kauai Test Facility, providing valuable flight test experience and data collection.

The team also advanced pulsed power technology to expand and support a variety of high-power microwave missions for the U.S. Department of War. In collaboration with the Air Force Research Laboratory, the team developed a pulsed power system designed to fit in a Group IV unmanned aerial vehicle.

06/24/2026

This week I was proud to lead members of New Mexico’s Military Base Planning Commission in productive meetings with top U.S. Air Force leadership in Washington D.C. at the Pentagon. The military bases and their programming across our state are treasures; massive drivers of our economic well-being. The State of New Mexico is absolutely dedicated to supporting our military communities. I am grateful for the dedication of our MBPC delegation; we are committed to the solid partnership between NM’s military bases and State, local governments, school districts and area businesses to meet the needs of active-duty service members and their families, supporting their quality of life.