April 4, 2016
NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen was the keynote speaker at the first-ever San Antonio Aviation and Aerospace Hall of Fame 2016 inaugural dinner on March 31, where he emphasized the importance of remembering and honoring aviation’s rich heritage.
“I’m proud to be a part of this inaugural event,” said Bolen. “It’s crucial that the aviation industry remember its deep roots and pay tribute to the aviation legends who laid the groundwork for the success of our industry today.”
The event included the induction of eight individuals and organizations into the San Antonio Aviation and Aerospace Hall of Fame, a tribute to retired Lt. Col. Richard E. Cole and the Tuskegee Airmen, and an aviation and aerospace exhibit, featuring N500LN, a Howard 500 business aircraft originally manufactured in the San Antonio, TX area.
“It’s an honor to help the San Antonio Aviation and Aerospace Hall of Fame recognize the men and women who sacrificed so much for our industry and our nation,” said Bolen. “NBAA appreciates the opportunity to visit and interact with our members in their communities, especially while acknowledging the contributions of these individuals and organizations.”
Inductees included:
- The Air Education and Training Command at Randolph Air Force Base
- Richard Fessler, chairman of Hallmark University and co-founder of Hallmark Aero-Tech
- Maj. Gen. Benjamin Foulois, an integral part of the Army’s early aviation efforts at Fort Sam Houston
- Durrell “Dee” U. Howard, a legendary inventor with more than 40 patents
- The Southwest Research Institute, where engineers and scientists have been an important aspect of the San Antonio aviation and aerospace landscape
- Eddie, Katherine and Marjorie Stinson, siblings who created the Stinson School of Flying at Stinson Field
- Edward “Ed” James Swearingen, founder of Swearingen Aircraft
- Joseph A. Wilson, retired from Lockheed Martin Commercial Engine Solutions and founder of Alamo Academies
The San Antonio Aviation and Aerospace Hall of Fame was formed as a partnership between the Dee Howard Foundation and Partnership for Corporate Aviation Training to honor San Antonio’s aviation and aerospace history.
Learn more about the San Antonio Aviation and Aerospace Hall of Fame.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.