The 2025 Aerospace Legacy Award honors Joseph R. Krier for his visionary leadership during one of San Antonio’s most pivotal transitions. As President and CEO of the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce from 1987 to 2007, Krier was instrumental in mobilizing the city’s response to the 1995 BRAC decision to close Kelly Air Force Base. Recognizing the profound economic implications, he played a central role in establishing the Greater Kelly Development Corporation, laying the groundwork for what would become Port San Antonio. His strategic foresight and collaborative approach not only mitigated the immediate economic impact but also transformed a potential setback into a thriving hub of innovation and industry. Today, Port San Antonio stands as a testament to his efforts, contributing significantly to the region's economy and technological advancement. Beyond this, Krier's commitment to workforce development and his tenure as a San Antonio City Councilman for District 9 from 2013 to 2017 reflect his enduring dedication to the city's growth and prosperity.

The 2025 Aerospace Industry Impact Award honors Tri-Chairs Juan Solis III (City Councilman '92-'97), José Villarreal, and Tullos Wells for their extraordinary leadership in the successful transition of Kelly Air Force Base following its BRAC closure. Appointed by Mayor Thornton in 1996, they led a coordinated civic, political, and business effort to mitigate economic loss and retain aerospace industry capabilities in San Antonio. Working closely with Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, they secured a five-year delay in the closure and negotiated agreements that enabled McDonnell Douglas (later Boeing) to assume airframe operations. Their advocacy also led to a public private partnership framework preserving engine work at the Kelly Aviation Center and keeping the TF-39 and T56 engines in the region. The Tri-Chairs played a key role in bringing new military workloads, including the KC-10 and C-17, to San Antonio. They also helped eliminate significant transfer costs through a lease back arrangement, allowing continued military use of key facilities. Recognizing the importance of long-term economic stability, they spearheaded workforce development and education efforts to support the evolving aerospace sector. Their vision and collaboration laid the groundwork for what is now Port San Antonio, a thriving innovation hub that employs more people at higher wages than Kelly AFB did at its peak. Their legacy continues to shape San Antonio’s aerospace future.

The 2025 Aerospace Hope for the Future Award honors Kathryn Bolish for her outstanding contributions to space exploration and STEM education in San Antonio. As a program manager at Astroport Space Technologies, she leads the NASA-funded "Brickbot" project, developing technologies to transform lunar regolith into bricks for constructing landing pads on the Moon. Concurrently, she manages the WEX Foundation's Lunar Caves Analog Test Sites (LCATS) program, guiding middle and high school students through hands-on experiments that simulate lunar missions, including building LiDAR instruments and designing robots adapted to the Moon's gravity. Her mentorship extends to initiatives like the StellarXplorers summer camp and the New Worlds Await You (NWAY) program, fostering space education in primary schools. A San Antonio native, Bolish's journey from local student to aerospace leader exemplifies the city's growing role in space innovation. Her dedication to empowering the next generation of explorers embodies the spirit of this award.

The 2025 Chairman's Award honors Wayne Fagan for his enduring dedication to the aerospace industry and education in San Antonio and beyond. As a longtime legal partner to aviation pioneer Dee Howard, Fagan co-founded The Dee Howard Foundation in 2013, transforming it from a donor-advised fund into a dynamic nonprofit that champions Pre-K through 12 aeronautical STEM education. Under his leadership, the foundation launched initiatives like the San Antonio Aviation and Aerospace Hall of Fame and partnered with school districts to integrate hands-on aerospace learning into classrooms. Fagan's commitment to expanding access led him to establish the Dee Howard International Education Foundation, focusing on rural STEM education across multiple states. With over five decades of legal expertise in aviation and international law, Fagan has also served on numerous advisory boards, fostering cross-border collaboration and innovation. His visionary efforts have inspired countless students and solidified San Antonio's role as a leader in aerospace education and industry.