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Student leaders, teachers, and U.S. Airmen and Guardians pose for a group photo during All-Star Leadership Day at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, Mar. 19, 2026. The day went off successfully with student leaders from the greater Albuquerque area interacting and learning about the different career fields available to them in the U.S. Air and Space Forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Allen Winston

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A group of student leaders from Central New Mexico dawn flight helmets with Airmen from the 58th Special Operations Wing during All-Star Leadership Day at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, Mar. 19, 2026. The career booths at All-Star Leadership Day let student leaders interact with equipment from different career fields. (U.S. Air Force photo by Allen B. Winston)

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Student leaders from the greater Albuquerque area observe a 58th Special Operations Wing CV-22 as part of All-Star Leadership day at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, Mar. 19, 2026. All-Star Leadership Day is designed to honor student leaders and provide hands-on exposure to U.S. Air and Space Forces career opportunities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Allen B. Winston)

Kirtland AFB Honors Local Student Leaders During All-Star Leadership Day

Published March 19, 2026
By 1Lt Will Witherow
58th Special Operations Wing

KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, NM. --

Hundreds of high school student leaders from across Central New Mexico gathered at Kirtland Air Force Base on March 19 for All-Star Leadership Day, a dynamic event designed to honor student influencers and provide hands-on exposure to U.S. Air Force and Space Force career opportunities.

Hosted by the 58th Special Operations Wing, the half-day experience featured aircraft tours, interactive demonstrations, and leadership challenge activities aimed at showcasing the values of service, teamwork, and innovation. Students engaged directly with Airmen and Guardians from various career fields, gaining insights into the diverse roles within the Air Force and Space Force.

“These student leaders are already making a difference in their schools and communities. They're the ones shaping the future,” said Col. Jason D. Allen, 58th Special Operations Wing Commander. “All-Star Leadership Day is a way of saying thank you to our community for their consistent support while demonstrating how the Air Force and Space Force can help students achieve their full potential. We believe their dedication and leadership skills can find a home within our ranks, no matter what their passion may be.”

The event is part of a broader Department of the Air Force initiative to connect with student leaders in communities adjacent to military installations. Following the success of the inaugural event at the 171st Air Refueling Wing in Pittsburgh in 2024, All-Star Leadership Day is now being replicated at four installations nationwide this spring.

The success of the event was no accident—it was the result of weeks of planning and coordination across the base.

“This event was a testament to the hard work of all the members involved,” said Maj. Chelsey Hamilton, 58th Special Operations Wing and lead organizer for the event. “Our whole wing and our mission partners across Kirtland all pulled together to make it a great experience for these future leaders. It is an honor to be a part of a team like this.”

Students interested in learning more about career opportunities in the Air Force and Space Force are encouraged to visit https://www.airforce.com/ or download the "Aim High" app.