Wichita Chamber Announces Mission Wichita Class of 2026

The Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the Mission Wichita Class of 2026, presented by RealClean Aircraft Detailing. For the first time, the program is expanding beyond young professionals to welcome members of the broader business community, widening its impact across our region.

Mission Wichita connects business leaders with airmen from McConnell Air Force Base to create meaningful opportunities for professional growth and community engagement.

“Mission Wichita demonstrates how intentional leadership development strengthens the connection between military service members and our business community. The Chamber is committed to creating meaningful pathways for service members and civilians to grow as leaders, advance careers and build lasting ties in Wichita,” said Toni Porter, Vice President of Government Relations and Military Affairs for the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce. “Programs like Mission Wichita play a critical role in retaining talent, honoring service and supporting the long-term economic competitiveness in our region.”

The six-week program is designed to give participants a deeper understanding of McConnell’s mission, operations and economic impact. It also provides intentional opportunities for education and networking. Through this experience, both airmen and civilian leaders gain a clearer understanding of how collaboration strengthens our region and creates lasting impact.

• Alicia Allen | Wichita Public Schools
• Marco Benitez | Music Theatre Wichita
• Jennifer Green-Miracle | Butler Community College
• Emma Hickey | Icon Structures, Inc.
• Robert Lamberger | Textron Aviation
• Jessica Menchen | Fidelity Bank
• Emma Meyer | Cargill
• Makenzie Rockhill | Bombardier
• Austin St. John | City of Mulvane
• Sherman Steele | Textron Aviation
• Nick Strecker | INA Alert
• Aubrey Young | Kansas Aviation Museum

• Senior Sgt. Zachary Caldwell | 22nd Operations Group
• Master Sgt. Alisha Derrick | 22nd Mission Support Group
• 1st Lt. Bridget Hall | 22nd Medical Group
• Master Sgt. Travis Hallinger | 931st Air Refueling Wing
• Capt. Tiffany Helm | 184th Medical Group
• Tech. Sgt. Matthew Kelly | 22nd Maintenance Group
• Tech. Sgt. Bradley McClaskey | 931st Maintenance Group
• 1st Lt. Jessica Ogden | 931st Air Refueling Wing
• Lt. Col. Derek Patrick | 22nd Wing Staff Agency
• Senior Master Sgt. Bryan Pechanec | 931st Maintenance Squadron
• Master Sgt. Clinton Stang | 184th Intelligence Squadron
• Senior Sgt. Sarah Walkinshaw | 22nd Wing Staff Agency