Dr. Joe Sanders is a leadership development expert, speaker, author, and mentor with a deep passion for developing leaders of character. A retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, he formerly served as Director of the Center for Character and Leadership Development at the U.S. Air Force Academy. He was the Squadron Commander of the 320th Training Squadron at Lackland AFB, TX, as well as Commander of the 64th Expeditionary Support Squadron in Saudi Arabia. His father is a retired USAF Senior Master Sergeant, and his mother keeps everyone in line.

Dr Sanders is the author of Unreasonable Responsibility, a powerful call for leaders to embrace their influence and make meaningful impact. He currently serves as CEO of Colorado UpLift, teaches as an adjunct professor at UCCS, and is the founder of Touchstone Leadership Academy, equipping leaders in underserved communities. His motto is “I serve so that others may lead.”

CMSgt Kimbell is the Senior Enlisted Leader at the 423d Security Forces Squadron, RAF Alconbury, United Kingdom. He leads 139 personnel performing security operations for 4,900 personnel across four United Kingdom installations.

CMSgt Kimbell was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and entered the Air Force on 24 August 2004. He served as a Security Forces member until 2023, when he was selected for a special duty as an Instructor for the Navy Senior Enlisted Academy.

HE LOVES HIS FAMILY!

Chief and JR Lyda, a retired command chief, conduct a wide-ranging conversation about military culture and leadership, particularly focusing on how foundational principles have evolved over time. JR shares his 30-year military career and current work with McDonald's, emphasizing how military members receive unique education and leadership development from day one that differs from corporate training. Both reflect on changes in military culture and the importance of maintaining foundational leadership principles despite organizational changes. They agree that while military traditions and protocols continue to evolve, the core values of teamwork, respect, and leadership development remain essential.

t Col Shawn “Happy” Green is an officer in the United States Space Force. He graduated from the US Air Force Academy in 2007. Originally from Valatie, New York, he graduated from Ichabod Crane High School in 2002. One of Chief Bob Vásquez’ most favorite protégés, he has commanded twice: as a deployed squadron commander for the 17th Expeditionary Space Control Squadron, and as the 527th Space Aggressor Squadron to train US, joint, and allied space forces to fight through a contested environment against a thinking adversary. Happy is a perpetual optimist and passionate leader who believes that as iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Lt Col Green first met Chief Vásquez on the Academy terrazzo as a fourth-class cadet and considers him a trusted advisor, mentor, lifelong friend, ruggedly handsome battle buddy, and big brother in leadership.

Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Brown is the

Commander, 318th Recruiting Squadron,

Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. As the commander, he

leads a highly skilled team of 79 recruiters and support

personnel tasked with inspiring, engaging, and recruiting

health professions and line officers from a 1.2 million

square mile area of responsibility encompassing 21

Northeastern states, the District of Columbia, and

Europe.

Lt Col Brown received his commission in 2009 through

ROTC at Norwich University. As an Intelligence Officer,

he has served in various analysis and leadership roles

within the career field. He has also served as permanent

party at the US Air Force Academy. Prior to Command

tour, Lt Col Brown was the Chief of the East Europe

Branch, International Affairs Division at US Air Forces

Europe, Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

Rochelle Hemingway is a retired U.S. Air Force Command Chief Master Sergeant, CEO and Founder of SLAY To Success®️, and a transformational speaker dedicated to helping leaders elevate their visibility, influence, and impact. During her 30-year Air Force career, she served as a senior enlisted advisor, mentoring and advocating for thousands of Airmen while helping commanders lead through complex challenges and organizational change. Today, Rochelle combines the leadership lessons she learned as a Command Chief with her expertise in executive presence, personal branding, and leadership development. Through SLAY To Success®, she empowers professionals to lead with confidence, authenticity, and purpose while building a legacy that extends far beyond their titles.

Chief Master Sergeant (Retired) Martha Dunning served as the Chief Enlisted Manager of Air, Space and Information Operations A3 Directorate for First Air Force Air Forces Northern, Air Forces Space, Tyndall AFB, FL upon her retirement in May 2026. She was the lead Functional Area Manager for all Battle Manager Operators in the Continental North American Aerospace Defense Command Region Enterprise. Chief Dunning entered the Air Force in June of 2001 and was assigned as a Battle Management Operator (BMO) at the 337 Air Control Squadron, Tyndall Air Force Base FL where she helped build the next generation of battle managers for the United States and partner nations.

CMSgt Patrick Cone is the Senior Enlisted Leader, 372d Recruiting

Group, Riverdale, Utah. He is the primary senior enlisted

advisor to the commander for operation effectiveness,

readiness, and professional development. He also manages

and directs resource activities; interprets and enforces

policies and applicable directives to meet mission

requirements. Additionally, he oversees and advises on the

health, morale, welfare, and qualify of life for all assigned

personnel within the geographically separated unit, which

includes eight Enlisted Accessions Recruiting Squadrons and

one Officer Accessions Recruiting Squadron spanning 314

recruiting offices, 24 states and the Pacific Rim,

encompassing over 4.1 million square miles.