Six distinguished leaders from the military and civilian sectors have been formally recognized for their significant contributions to space and missile development. Their names were added to the Schriever Wall of Honor during a ceremony at Los Angeles Air Force Base on September 4, 2025.
The annual event, held at the headquarters of Space Systems Command (SSC), commemorates individuals who have played a pivotal role in advancing the nation's space capabilities. The 2025 class increases the total number of honorees on the wall to 72.
Key Takeaways
- Six new members were inducted into the Schriever Wall of Honor at Los Angeles Air Force Base.
- The honorees are recognized for their foundational work in U.S. space and missile programs.
- The ceremony was officiated by Col. Andrew S. Menschner, deputy commander of Space Systems Command.
- The total number of individuals commemorated on the wall is now 72.
Ceremony Highlights Leadership and Legacy
The induction ceremony took place in the Schriever Courtyard and was officiated by Col. Andrew S. Menschner, the deputy commander of Space Systems Command. In his remarks, he connected the honorees to the enduring legacy of Gen. Bernard Schriever, a pioneer of U.S. space and missile programs.
“To have one’s name inscribed on this wall is to be a part of General Schriever’s legacy – one that protects our nation and reaches into space,” stated Col. Menschner. “Today, we recognize the character, commitment, connection and courage in all honorees, both military and civilian.”
Gen. Michael A. Guetlein, a former commander of Space Systems Command, also addressed the attendees. He emphasized the long-term impact of the inductees' work.
“We are safer as a nation today, as well as our children and our children’s children, because of their efforts,” Guetlein said. “It is only fitting that they join the likes of General Schriever on this wall.”
The Schriever Memorial and Its History
The event is named for Gen. Bernard Schriever, who led the U.S. Air Force's early ballistic missile and satellite initiatives during the Cold War. He was the commander of the Western Development Division, the original predecessor to today's Space Systems Command.
Forging the Future
The theme for the 2025 event was “Forging the Future: Honoring Space Pioneers Who Lit the Way.” This theme was inspired by a quote from Gen. Schriever: “The day when we can no longer look into the past with pride and into the future with confidence is the day we have lost our way.”
The General Schriever Memorial, which includes a statue and the Wall of Honor, was dedicated in 2007. The project was sponsored by the Air & Space Forces Association's Schriever chapter with support from industry partners.
The tradition of adding names to the wall began in 2014 to mark the 60th anniversary of SSC's founding organization. With the six new inductees, the wall now commemorates 72 individuals who have shaped American space and defense technology.
Profiles of the 2025 Honorees
The 2025 class includes individuals whose careers spanned critical periods of technological advancement, from ballistic missile systems to modern satellite constellations and space defense.
Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Samuel A. Greaves, USAF
With a career of nearly 40 years, Lt. Gen. Greaves was instrumental in modernizing U.S. space launch capabilities. He commanded the first successful launch of a Wideband Global SATCOM satellite and oversaw the first competitive National Security Space launch contract in over 15 years, which opened opportunities for new providers like SpaceX. He later served as the director of the Missile Defense Agency.
Col. (Ret.) Jack L. Hyslop, USAF
Col. Hyslop's 30-year service was foundational to the development of America's ballistic missile and reentry vehicle technology. His leadership in the Advanced Ballistic Reentry Systems program was a key contributor to the development of the U.S. Navy’s TRIDENT Strategic Flight Test, which influenced subsequent Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile systems.
Dr. Donald Jortner
Dr. Jortner is widely regarded as a foundational figure in the U.S. spacecraft vulnerability and hardness program. He developed nuclear survivability systems for more than 70 different satellite systems. He also established the Hardness & Survivability Lab, leading a team of 300 to ensure that critical space and airborne assets could withstand nuclear and electromagnetic threats.
Protecting Critical Infrastructure
Dr. Jortner's work directly fortified the Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) infrastructure, a system essential to national security. His research provided the basis for resilient space operations still in use today.
Col. (Ret.) Douglas L. Loverro, USAF
A career innovator, Mr. Loverro invented the supersonic chemical oxygen-iodine laser, a technology that became central to the Airborne Laser system and earned him the Air Force Invention Award in 1985. During his 30-year career, he led the Global Positioning Systems (GPS) program and later served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space, where he helped shape national space policy.
Col. (Ret.) David W. Madden, USAF
Mr. Madden's career of over three decades was marked by leadership in critical military space programs. As director of the GPS Wing, he oversaw modernization efforts that resulted in the most capable GPS constellation to date. One of his most notable achievements was directing the 14-month recovery mission of the AEHF-1 satellite after a propulsion failure, saving a vital national asset.
Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Thomas D. Taverney, USAF
Maj. Gen. Taverney was a key figure in early space defense concepts. He was involved in the design of the Air Force’s Airborne Anti-Satellite (ASAT) system. His work also included leading investigations into Titan launch failures and contributing to the design of missile tracking payloads for the Space Development Agency (SDA), influencing modern space-based surveillance.