More than 400 civic, business, and education leaders gathered at the Boeing Center at Tech Port for the 2025 San Antonio Aviation & Aerospace Hall of Fame Luncheon, hosted by The Dee Howard Foundation. The event raised a record breaking amount of over $200,000 through sponsorships and in-kind contributions to support local students and educators preparing for aerospace careers.

Honoring Leaders Across Generations

This year’s Hall of Fame Honorees included:

• Chairman’s Award – Wayne I. Fagan
• Legacy Award – Joseph R. Krier
• Impact Awards – Juan Solis III, José Villarreal, and Tullos Wells
• Hope for the Future Award – Kathryn Bolish

Honorees were recognized for their roles in advancing San Antonio’s aerospace industry—from preserving jobs during the Kelly Air Force Base closure to pioneering space technology and education programs that inspire the next generation.

A Showcase of Students and Innovation

Before the luncheon program began, attendees toured the H-E-B Student Showcase, where students from CAST STEM (Southwest ISD), Dwight Middle School (South San ISD), Hallmark University’s aviation program, Highlands High School (San Antonio ISD), SETA (North East ISD), Somerset High School (Somerset ISD), and the UT San Antonio Aeronautics and Rocket Club presented projects and demonstrations. Supported by The Dee Howard Foundation, these programs highlighted Career and Technical Education (CTE) and STEM initiatives that prepare students for aerospace pathways.

The program also featured a student address from James Ennis, a SETA high school junior, who described how hands-on projects and his internship with Knight Aerospace are shaping his journey toward a career in aerospace engineering. His remarks underscored the Foundation’s mission to connect students directly with industry experiences. Guests further enjoyed performances by the McCollum High School Mariachi Band and a presentation of colors by the Edison High School JROTC.

Notable Moments

On the morning of the luncheon, we received a letter from President Bill Clinton, recognizing this year’s honorees and the lasting impact of San Antonio’s aerospace community. President Clinton served as a vital leader that ensured the successful privitization of Kelly AFB. The letter is available below.

In addition, Port San Antonio CEO Jim Perschbach introduced the organization’s inaugural “Building Futures” Award, presented to Former Mayor Bill Thornton for his leadership during the Kelly AFB transition and his enduring contributions to the region’s aerospace growth.

Our emcee, Robert Rivard, brought a powerful voice to the ceremony, further adding reflections on the closure of Kelly Air Force Base, the transformation into Port San Antonio, and the enduring impact of leaders who helped guide that transition.

Your Impact

Every gift and sponsorship directly supports:

• Classroom curriculum
• Educator professional development
• Student industry certifications
• Project-based learning
• Hands-on experiences that open doors to high-quality aerospace careers

Thousands of students and teachers benefit from The Dee Howard Foundation programs each year.

With honoree tributes, student showcases, record fundraising, and community-wide participation, the 2025 Hall of Fame highlighted San Antonio’s unique position as both a steward of aerospace history and a driver of future innovation.

For a full list of sponsors and supporting organizations, please visit the 2025 event page.

Watch the Honoree and full luncheon videos below.