Play Video
Luke Forward Circa 2009
Luke Forward Then – Ready for the Future
In 2009, Luke Forward was launched as a broad public campaign to secure the F-35 training mission at Luke Air Force Base. The campaign was created by the West Valley Partners (Maricopa County and the cities and towns within the county west of Interstate 17) and Fighter Country Partnership to generate awareness and support of the positive impacts the F-35 will bring to Arizona. The goal was to show decision-makers in Washington, D.C., that Arizona strongly supports Luke Air Force Base continuing to serve as the nation’s premier fighter pilot training facility.
On Aug 1, 2012, the U.S. Air Force announced its final selection of Luke as the first F-35 training center. In November 2012 Luke Forward received Westmarc’s Special 20th Anniversary Best of the West Award for championing one of the West Valley’s biggest accomplishments — Luke Air Force Base landing the F-35 training center. Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs and Fighter Country Partnership Chair Charley Freericks received the award on behalf of everyone involved in the successful campaign.
If you would like to contribute to current programs, services and projects please click the donate button below.
Donate
Play Video
Luke Forward Circa 2020
Luke Forward Now – To Serve Those Who Serve Us
In 2018, Luke Forward was rebooted as Fighter Country began planning a 5.82M capital campaign to support the Airmen, their families and all the armed forces who serve at Luke Air Force Base. The projects funded by this campaign will dramatically impact the lives and morale of our servicemen and women, and demonstrate in a concrete way that we value those who are committed to protecting us.
As of May 2027, the following projects have been completed leaving the in-progress CDC to complete.
Luke Forward Projects Completed
- Honor Guard Training Facility
- Food Pantry
- Flight Line Kitchen
- Fire Station Kitchen
- DEK Hockey Rink
- New Security Forces Guard Mount
- Heritage Rooms Completed:
- 61st FS, 62nd FS, 310th FS, 308th FS, 63rd FS and the 309th FS
Honor Guard Training Facility
Honoring Those Who Honor Our Fallen: LAFB Honor Guard Facility
The Luke Air Force Base Honor Guard represents the very best of our military, serving as the base’s most visible presence in the community. This extraordinary team is composed of dedicated volunteers who respond to honor calls in addition to their regular military duties.
Their impact across the state is staggering:
-
Massive Coverage: Serving a 52,000-square-mile territory across Arizona, from Page to Yuma and Parker to Globe.
-
Constant Service: Performing more than 800 funerals and 144 color guard details annually, including retirements, POW/MIA ceremonies, and sporting events.
A Major Milestone: The Doors Are Open!
Unlike most Air Force installations, Luke’s Honor Guard historically lacked a dedicated indoor space. These service members spent years drilling and practicing outdoors, enduring the punishing Arizona summer heat after exhausting days supporting their community.
That changed on May 7, 2026. Thanks to the incredible support of the Fighter Country Foundation, IDM Companies, Mortensen Signature Homes, the Halle Foundation, the Kemper & Ethel Marley Foundation, and many other community champions, we secured nearly $2 million to build a home of their own.
The newly opened Honor Guard Training Facility features:
-
An air-conditioned, 3,300-square-foot multi-purpose space.
-
Dedicated areas for indoor training, secure storage, and administration.
-
An adjacent covered outdoor area for large-detail drills and ceremonies.
The Final Stretch: Help Us Furnish the Facility
While we successfully raised the funds required to build the structure, we faced a shortfall for the interior. The walls are up and the building is open, but it is not yet fully furnished.
We only raised enough to complete the construction. Now, we need our community’s help to cross the finish line. We are seeking donations to fully equip and furnish the training rooms, administrative offices, and storage spaces so these outstanding airmen can utilize the facility to its full potential.
Please consider making a donation today to help us furnish the Luke AFB Honor Guard Facility. Let’s give these dedicated individuals the world-class environment they deserve.
