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Top Stories from Our Military Retirement Community

Welcome to Top Stories where we'll catch you up on the most up-to-date happenings at AFV! Check out the latest news below, or visit the Archives for even more news and information.

Dixon Exhibit Highlights AFPC Headquarters Re-dedication

The renovated wing, also known as Dixon Hall, evoked strong emotion from the widow of the man for whom the AFPC headquarters is named.

"It is beautifully done," said a tearful Kelly Dixon to her escort, AFPC commander Maj. Gen. Alfred Stewart, as they toured the Dixon Heritage Hall exhibit in the A Wing lobby. The permanent exhibit honors the Air Force career of the late Gen. Robert James Dixon, who is considered the "Father of Modern Air Force Personnel."

Mrs. Dixon said she appreciated the work AFPC put into the museum-quality exhibit that showcases, in chronological order, her husband's 36-year Air Force career. A former prisoner of war, General Dixon was a fighter pilot during World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War before ending his career in 1978 as the commander of Tactical Air Command. He also had served as commander of the Air Force Military Personnel Center, predecessor of AFPC.

The Texas Air Museum at Stinson Field in San Antonio and Lackland AFB's Airmen's Heritage Museum augmented the Dixon Heritage Hall exhibit collection by having contributed artifacts, photos, Air Force art, maps and model aircraft of some of the warplanes Dixon had flown. Following the rededication ceremony, Mrs. Dixon officially donated to the Air Force historical property that comprises the bulk of the Dixon collection on display at AFPC.

The National Museum of the Air Force plans to accession into the Air Force historical property inventory the Dixon Collection, once AFPC's Dixon Heritage Hall exhibit is officially designated an historical holdings venue.

The River Rats

The River Rats are an international association of fighter pilots, which many of our residents at Air Force Village are members of. This organization assists the families of wounded warriors who are brought into the area for medical help and rehabilitation. Many of these warriors stay in our local hospitals for extended periods of time and their families relocate to San Antonio to assist in the treatment process. AFV has assisted the River Rats in their efforts to help Brandon Waldon. The Air Force Village Thrift Shop opened its doors to provide furniture, appliances, and household items for Brandon’s family while they are located in San Antonio. Roy White, a member of the River Rats, set up the chance for Brandon to meet Gary Sinise, actor and musician, at a ‘Lt Dan Band’ concert that was held in the San Antonio area.

Brandon Waldon & Gary Sinise

Air Force Village 48th Annual Meeting 2012

Mrs. Dorothy Lucas Celebrates Her 90th Birthday

Mrs. Dorothy Lucas celebrated her 90th birthday on 4 Dec 2012 at AF Village I. Mrs. Lucas was honored in 2009 with the Congressional Gold Medal at a formal ceremony in Washington, D.C. for her service in the Women's Air Force Service Pilots during World War II. Dorothy responded to a call for women with flight experience to serve in pilot roles in the States, to include ferrying aircraft and towing targets for live practice, which would free up more men for service overseas. She borrowed money to gain enough initial flying hours to qualify; then made her way to Avenger Field at Sweetwater Texas, to serve with 1073 other women.

Mrs. Dorothy Lucas

During the war, Dorothy met the love of her life, Alfred T. Lucas. They married and together, she and Lt Col Lucas reared five children: Melanie, Helen, Jana, Tom, and Marnie. Joining her in the photo are (l to r) Melanie, Susan (Tom's wife), Tom, and Helen. Congratulations to Dorothy Lucas!

Mrs. Dorothy Lucas
Dorothy Lucas at the birthday reception at Air Force Village I held in her honor.

AFV Book: "Communities With Spirit"

"New book "Communities with Spirit" highlights stories of San Antonio Veterans."
-WOAI Channel 4 San Antonio News