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The Dee Howard Foundation preserves and honors San Antonio's history of aviation and aerospace innovation with school-based programs that inspire and empower the next generation of talent. Image credit: Philip Williamson/Port San Antonio.

Kelly: Honoring Our Legacy, Building Futures 

This year’s event focused on the transition from the former base to creating the foundation that established Port San Antonio’s success today as one of America’s leading technology innovation hubs. 

In 1995, the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) decision to close Kelly sent shockwaves through the community. At the time, Kelly was a cornerstone of the city’s economy and identity, and the specter of its closure was seen as a devastating blow. 

But for a group of determined leaders, it was an extraordinary opportunity. 

“This wasn’t just about saving jobs,” said emcee Bob Rivard, host of the bigcitysmalltown podcast. “It was about reimagining what San Antonio could be. And today, we’re living that vision.” 

Watch: Tracing Kelly's history as a leading economic engine for the region throughout the 20th century, from 1917 through 1995.*

Listen: Rivard speaks with DHF Executive Director Christopher Mammen, attorney Tullos Wells and Astroport's Kat Bolish about Kelly's past and Port San Antonio's present and future.

From Crisis to Catalyst 

This year, the Aerospace Legacy Award went to Joseph R. Krier, former president and CEO of the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. Krier played a pivotal role in the city’s response to the BRAC decision, working alongside partners to establish the Greater Kelly Development Corporation, which would ultimately become Port San Antonio. 

“Joe saw the writing on the wall and chose action over despair,” said Rivard. “He helped turn a base closure into a launchpad for innovation.” 

Krier’s leadership ensured that San Antonio didn’t just recover—it reinvented itself. Today, Rivard noted, Port San Antonio employs more people at higher wages than Kelly AFB did at its peak. 

Former San Antonio Mayor Bill Thornton poses with Port San Antonio Board Chair Margaret Wilson-Anaglia and President and CEO Jim Perschbach. Image credit: Mark Sobhani.

The Aerospace Industry Impact Award went to the Tri-Chairs of the Industrial and Business Advisory Subcommittee created by then-Mayor Bill Thornton: Juan Solis III, José Villarreal, and Tullos Wells. They, alongside with Krier and many others, worked closely with U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, President Bill Clinton and other leaders to delay the base closure and preserve key operations. 

Their behind-the-scenes efforts allowed private enterprises, including Boeing and StandardAero, to retain thousands of Kelly’s civilian employees as they took over former military workloads, ensuring that the region’s aerospace capabilities remained strong and that momentum continued. 

“We didn’t just fight to keep what we had,” said Villarreal in a video shown during the ceremony. “We fought to build something better.” 

Watch: Honorees recount the critical months around the announcement of Kelly’s closure and the beginning of a game-changing transition. 

Port San Antonio leaders presented a special recognition to Thornton. A plaque honoring his contributions will now have a permanent place inside the Boeing Center. 

“Mayor Thornton’s leadership was pivotal,” said Port President and CEO Jim Perschbach. “He didn’t just respond to a crisis—he helped build the roadmap for what would become one of the most successful base redevelopment efforts in the country.” 

Margaret Wilson-Anaglia, chair of the Port San Antonio Board of Directors, invited Thornton to join her at the podium. "We want to honor you for your vision and your personal leadership. You are a big reason we have a thriving Port community today." 

Inspiring the Next Generation 

The Aerospace Hope for the Future Award was presented to Kathryn “Kat” Bolish, a program manager at Astroport Space Technologies. Bolish leads NASA-funded projects like “Brickbot,” which explores building lunar infrastructure using regolith. She also leads students through the WEX Foundation’s LCATS program, guiding them in hands-on experiments that simulate lunar missions. 

“I want students to know that space isn’t just something you read about—it’s something you can be part of,” Bolish said. “We’re building the future, and they belong in it.” 

Watch: Bolish reflects on her work as an educator and scientist with a focus on developing the skills of students who may soon work alongside her in advancing space exploration for the benefit of all humankind.  

A Legacy of Leadership 

The Chairman’s Award was presented to Wayne I. Fagan, co-founder of the Dee Howard Foundation and former senior VP and general counsel of The Dee Howard Co. Fagan was recognized for his tireless work in preserving San Antonio’s aviation legacy and expanding access to aerospace education. 

“Wayne has always believed that the future of aerospace starts in the classroom,” said Christopher Mammen, executive director of the foundation. “His leadership has helped thousands of students see themselves in this industry.” 

Watch: Wayne Fagan’s legacy and vision help prepare young San Antonians for futures in aerospace.

Students at the Center 

The luncheon also featured remarks from James Ennis, a student at Northeast Independent School District’s Space and Engineering Technology Academy and an intern at Knight Aerospace on the Tech Port campus. 

“I used to think aerospace was something far away,” he said. “Now I know it’s something I can do—and something I want to do.” 

Students from Southwest, South San Antonio, San Antonio and Northeast school districts displayed their work, offering guests an up-close look at their robotics, flight simulations, and engineering projects ahead of the luncheon. 

“The story of San Antonio’s aerospace transformation is still being written,” said Rivard as he closed the event. “And it’s being written by the students in this room.”

Student exhibitors engage with eventgoers. Image credit: Philip Williamson/Port San Antonio.

Video credits: David Sims.

*Historic photos of Kelly from 1917-1995 were animated using AI.