Benjamin “Ben” Arps is a retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Five who served 26 years in Army Aviation and Special Operations. A native of Woodbine, Iowa, Ben began his military career as a Cavalry Scout before transitioning to Army Aviation as a UH-60 Black Hawk pilot. He ultimately spent nearly two decades serving with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne).

During his time with the Night Stalkers, Ben served in numerous operational and senior leadership roles, including Regiment Flight Lead, Battalion Senior Warrant Officer, and ultimately the 8^th Regimental Command Chief Warrant Officer of the 160th SOAR(Abn). In his final Regimental assignment, he served as the organization’s senior warrant officer, providing leadership, mentorship, and professional development across the Regiment’s warrant officer corps while advising senior commanders on operational readiness, talent development, and organizational effectiveness.

Throughout his career, Ben deployed 30 times in support of the Global War on Terror and other sensitive overseas contingency operations, leading and supporting complex, high-risk missions around the world.

As he prepared to retire, Ben was asked to remain in uniform to establish a first-of-its-kind initiative dedicated to helping fellow Night Stalkers navigate the transition from military service. As the inaugural Officer in Charge of the 160th SOAR(Abn) EXFIL Transition Program, he built the program from the ground up, creating a deliberate transition model that helped Night Stalkers translate their leadership, operational experience, and technical expertise into meaningful opportunities beyond military service.

Developing people has remained a defining theme throughout Ben’s career. Whether mentoring junior aviators, advising senior leaders, or helping Special Operations professionals prepare for life after service, he has been driven by a passion for investing in others and helping them realize their potential.

Today, Ben brings that same passion to The Honor Foundation, combining decades of leadership experience with a firsthand understanding of the challenges and opportunities that accompany the transition from an elite military career to a renewed sense of purpose and impact in civilian life.

Ben is a follower of Jesus, has been married to his wife, Holly, for more than 27 years, and together they have raised two sons, Tyler and Ethan. He is also a proud alumnus of The Honor Foundation.