Alden Reid’s service didn’t end when he left the U.S. Air Force.

After 4 years and 6 months of military service, including work with a Contingency Response Wing, Alden continued using his technical experience to support those who serve. His work designing communications capabilities for tactical environments allows him to carry the skills and sense of purpose he developed in uniform into the next chapter of his life.

In 2019, Alden found another place to serve: the bee yard.

What began with beekeeping grew into five years of involvement with Hives for Heroes. Alden has served as a Mentor, formerly led the organization’s efforts in Georgia as State Lead, and now continues that work as a Hives for Heroes Ambassador. Through each role, he has helped create the same kind of connection the organization is built around: people sharing what they know, showing up for one another, and finding purpose through the hive.

Today, Alden manages anywhere from five to thirty hives depending on the season. Ask him his favorite part of working bees, and his answer is wonderfully specific: anything involving propolis.

For Alden, beekeeping and service share a common thread. The knowledge, experience, and gifts we are given become more meaningful when we use them for someone else.

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”
— 1 Peter 4:10–11

Alden’s story is a reminder that service can take many forms. Sometimes it looks like a uniform. Sometimes it looks like mentorship. And sometimes, it looks like standing beside a hive and passing what you’ve learned on to the next person.

Air Force Veteran. Beekeeper. Mentor. Ambassador.

A Local Hero whose service continues.