24 September 2025 | Christopher Mammen | Spotlight, Dee Howard Foundation News

San Antonio Aviation and Aerospace Hall of Fame

Taking Flight: Hall of Fame Luncheon Celebrates Leaders and Students Shaping Aerospace

September 12, 2025

The Boeing Center at Tech Port was filled with history, recognition, and inspiration as more than 400 leaders gathered for the 2025 San Antonio Aviation & Aerospace Hall of Fame Luncheon, hosted by The Dee Howard Foundation. The event set a new milestone, raising over $200,000 in sponsorships and in-kind contributions to advance aerospace education and workforce pathways.

Honoring San Antonio’s Aerospace Legacy

This year’s honorees reflected the vision and resilience that continue to shape the region’s aerospace industry. Chairman’s Award recipient Wayne Fagan, Legacy Award recipient Joseph R. Krier, Industry Impact honorees Juan Solis III, José Villarreal, and Tullos Wells, and Hope for the Future honoree Kathryn Bolish were each recognized for their unique contributions to preserving San Antonio’s aerospace future and inspiring the next generation of innovators.

Student Showcase Highlights the Future

Before the luncheon program, guests toured the H-E-B Student Showcase, meeting students from CAST STEM, Dwight Middle School, Hallmark University, Highlands High School, SETA, Somerset High School, and UTSA’s Aeronautics and Rocket Club. The showcase reflected The Dee Howard Foundation’s mission to connect classrooms to careers through hands-on aerospace learning. Student speaker James Ennis, a SETA junior, brought that mission to life by sharing how projects and internships have fueled his path toward becoming an aerospace engineer.

Memorable Moments

Two surprise highlights added to the day’s significance. A letter from President Bill Clinton recognized the honorees and the impact of San Antonio’s aerospace community, while Port San Antonio CEO Jim Perschbach presented the first-ever “Building Futures” Award to Former Mayor Bill Thornton for his leadership during the Kelly AFB transition.

Charting the Next Flight Path Together

From McCollum High School Mariachi performances and Edison High School JROTC traditions to powerful tributes and student innovation showcases, the 2025 Hall of Fame underscored San Antonio’s unique role as both a steward of aerospace history and a driver of future innovation. Thousands of students and educators benefit annually from Dee Howard Foundation programs, made possible by the support of community partners and sponsors.