Alamogordo and Holloman Air Force Base Receive 2025 Altus Trophy for Outstanding Military-Community Partnership

Alamogordo, NM — On Wednesday evening, May 20, the City of Alamogordo and Holloman Air Force Base proudly accepted the prestigious 2025 Altus Trophy from the Air Education and Training Command (AETC) during a ceremony at the Sgt. Willie Estrada Memorial Civic Center. This marks the second time in three years the community and base have earned the award.

The Altus Trophy recognizes communities that demonstrate exceptional support for their local AETC wing through education, housing, quality of life, volunteerism, economic integration, and mission readiness. Alamogordo’s repeat win underscores its national reputation as a model military-civilian partnership.

Col. John Ethridge, 49th Wing Commander, delivered remarks on behalf of Holloman Air Force Base. Mayor Sharon McDonald gave the city’s remarks, and Lt. Gen. Clark J. Quinn, commander of Air Education and Training Command, provided the keynote address.

In a post-ceremony interview with Anthony Lucero of Alamogordo Town News on KALH Radio, Mayor McDonald highlighted the strong collaboration:

She described the event as “beautiful,” with elegant decorations, outstanding attendance, and a warm, celebratory atmosphere that included food and music afterward.

Key highlights of the partnership recognized in the award include:

• Five & Thrive Initiative — Championed locally by Danielle Rondelez through the creation of the Alamogordo Thrive Guide, a tailored digital resource supporting military families with housing, education, healthcare, spouse employment, and community integration.

• Education — Significant investments via the Public School on Military Installation program, delivering new Holloman Elementary and Middle Schools.

• Housing — New military-focused housing has already broken ground near Mesa Village with the Sendero Alamo Apartments project, following a prior ceremonial groundbreaking. Ongoing development in Mesa Village continues to provide quality homes for military families.

• Community Projects — Volunteer efforts and ongoing work at the Gateway Freedom Monument featuring the restored F-4 Phantom II. The significance of military volunteers was recognized by outgoing Mayor Susan Payne last year, as her last official act, highlighting the significance of military volunteers to the Alamogordo community via the Casa Big Give, their contributions to downtown redevelopment and to the Dudley School in addition to the F14 monument. This being a key pillar to the May 20th Atlus Award. 

Mayor McDonald expressed deep pride in the achievement and gratitude to all who contributed.

This latest honor strengthens the enduring bond between Alamogordo and Holloman Air Force Base, supporting Airmen, families, and the critical training mission of the 49th Wing.

Congratulations to Mayor Sharon McDonald, Col. John Ethridge and the 49th Wing, Danielle Rondelez, the Alamogordo Chamber of Commerce, and every community member and volunteer who helped make this possible!

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