AIRPOWER FOUNDATION
ABOUT US
Airpower Foundation History
Helping our Nation’s Military and Their Families
The AirPower Foundation was established by the nation’s oldest civilian military support organization.
The Foundation is a registered IRS 501(c)3 non-profit with its roots dating back to 1958, when Air Force General Curtis LeMay and businessman/philanthropist Frank Kent created the Fort Worth Airpower Council dedicated to supporting the military community at Carswell Air Force Base.
The mission of the AirPower Foundation has grown since its formation in 1999, and is now providing funding to nationwide programs dedicated to supporting active duty, reserve and National Guard families. AirPower also supports projects to assist wounded, ill or injured service members, children of our fallen military, veterans of previous wars and educational projects to make sure the next generation understands the honor and sacrifice of wearing the cloth of this country.
The AirPower Foundation board of directors is a diverse group of professionals who volunteer their time and are dedicated to the proposition that freedom is not free. It is their noble mission to assist deployed military families, wounded, ill or injured service members, and veterans of past wars. They spend countless hours visiting military installations and families, assessing needs and grant requests. They are instrumental in providing leadership to organize and execute numerous projects every year in support of military families.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Wanda Cox – Chairman
Wanda Cox has been working with the Airpower Foundation for over 14 years as a volunteer and then was contracted to serve as the Foundation’s Executive Administrator. Her extensive background and skills in corporate marketing and negotiations has made her a perfect...
Jim Darwin – Vice chairman
Jim Darwin currently serves as Senior Advisor for Veteran Affairs to the Office of Veterans Services at the Health & Human Services Commission of Texas where he coordinates across state agencies and nonprofits the delivery of state benefits to Texas veterans. He...
Jim Thomason – Treasurer
Jim Thomason is a residential land developer and home builder. His military career consisted of 4 years active duty and 11 years in the US Army Reserves. Jim was a Helicopter Pilot during his military service and spent one year in Vietnam Nam with the 1st Cavalry...
Bret Privitt – Secretary
Mr. Privitt is a Board member of the Airpower Foundation. He is a father of two grown and flown boys and has been married to Tracy for 31 years. Bret is a graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington, served in the US Army as a Huey Crew Chief, and is now an owner...
Gene deBullet Jr. – Corporate Counsel
Mr. de Bullet is a graduate of Paschal High School, Texas Christian University and St. Mary’s School of Law in San Antonio where he was on the Dean’s List. He is in his 43rd year of continuous private practice in Tarrant County, Texas. Including family law issues, he...
Sid Eppes – Former Chairman
Sid Eppes is the Former Chairman of the Airpower Foundation, and the past Chairman of the Fort Worth Airpower Council. He has volunteered for many years supporting our troops and their families. He was honored to be selected as the first Honorary Wing Commander of...
Don Shelton
Dr Don Shelton is the founder and Chairman and CEO of Air Radio Network, Inc. He established the company to provide a unique way of learning and communication for students, parents and families of private schools. The initial program at The Oakridge School in...
John Kinnear
Upon graduation from the University of Arizona in 1958, John Kinnear became active in the medical device manufacturing and worldwide distribution in the field of Respiratory Care. He was a founder of two corporations in that field – serving as Chairman of the Board of...
Roman Palomares
Mr. Roman Palomares is the President of the Palomares Consulting Group (PCG), a management consulting firm that provides technical assistance to local government entities and housing agencies throughout the United States. He is an accomplished Federal Executive and...
General Robin Akin (Ret.)
Robin Babb Akin Brigadier General U.S Army General Officer (Retired) and now a senior executive with over 36 years of management and leadership experience directing the activities of organizations and agencies. Extensive worldwide logistics experience leading...
Mrs. Tamiko Bailey
Mrs. Tamiko Bailey is the President/CEO of Bailey’s Premier Services, a multi-state defense contractor that provides aircraft maintenance and other support services to the United States government and state/local agencies. Tamiko has over 25 years of combined military...
Charlie Cripliver
Charlie Cripliver is currently a Deputy Chief of Staff and District Director with US Representative Kay Granger in the United States Congress. He oversees the operation of the congressional district as well as the State of Texas. Charlie also served as an Executive...
BOARD OF ADVISORS
Keith Mundee
Keith Mundee is a proud husband, father, grandfather, patriot, supporter of our military and first responders, and loves all things Western. Keith has been in the Western Apparel business for the past 26 years. Started his career in western wear with Miller...
Don Weatherby
Graduated from Wichita State University with a BBA, minor in marketing. President of Weatherby 5 Construction, Inc. Currently Chairman of the Air Power Council
Tracy Thomas
Tracy Thomas is the President / CEO of the Chamber of Commerce at Cleburne, TX. She has over 35 years of direct experience helping the United States Army and our Nation’s flag stand for freedom. Tracy worked at Fort Cavazos, TX for 25 years and Texas has become her...
Andrew “Drew” Davis
Andrew “Drew” Davis runs a heavy equipment contracting company that services railroads in the western hemisphere. Drew was an Airborne Infantryman in the Army for 8 years, and is an Aerospace Engineer. During his time in the service, Drew deployed to Afghanistan with...
Capt Robert A. Wood – U.S. Navy (Ret.)
Captain Robert A. Wood is a native of Valdosta, Georgia, and a graduate of Metropolitan State College in Denver, Colorado, California State University at Sacramento, the U.S. Naval War College of Command and Staff, the National Defense University – Industrial College...
Col. Donald “Doc” Ballard – Medal of honor
Navy Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Donald Everett Ballard was trained to keep the Marines he was tasked with protecting alive during the Vietnam War — even at the expense of his own life. Thanks to a lucky explosives malfunction, though, Ballard survived his mission....
Colonel Kenneth Cordier – U.S. Air Force (Ret.)
It is our honor to announce that Colonel Kenneth W. Cordier, USAF (ret.), Former Vietnam Prisoner of War has become a part of the Airpower Foundation Advisory Board team. Kenneth W Cordier has had a distinguished career both in the military and in the private sector....
TD Smyers
TD Smyers is a career leader with over 30 years of toplevel executive experience across all three major economic sectors. He now leverages his experience as a succession coach and advisor – working with executives to lead boldly, especially those new to the top job...
Mike elliot – U.S. Army Golden Knights (Ret.)
“Big Mike” Elliott is a combat veteran who had the honor of serving the United States Army for over twenty-six years. Having served during two combat tours, he developed a passion for people and humanity. He served his final eleven years in the Army as a...
STAFF
Kelly Castonguay – Exec. Administrator
With over 15 years volunteering with the Airpower Foundation, Kelly Castonguay was contracted and became the Executive Administrator in 2020. Having been on several trips with our severely wounded, attending events with our gold star families, and tours on the NAS...
AMBASSADORS
Don Graves – Ambassador
In his 98 years, Don Graves has served his country as a combat Marine in World War II, as a minister to thousands during a career as a pastor, as a singer, and, now, as a motivational speaker talking about religion, war, patriotism and love of country. Graves, who...
Kameron McNutt – Ambassador
Airpower Foundation welcomes Kameron McNutt to Ambassador team! Kameron McNutt is proud to serve as an Ambassador for the Airpower Foundation. Kameron currently serves as the Airpower Foundation’s Content and Social Media Manager, the Co-Chair of the Decorations...
Karalyn Martin – Ambassador
Karalyn (Kara) Martin is a Marine Corps veteran from Texas. She enlisted in the USMC at age 17. Kara was an Aviation Hydraulic Structural Mechanic. She served 5-1/2 years, one forward deployment to Iwakuni, Japan, and one combat deployment - Operation Enduring Freedom...
Patty Herdlicka – Ambassador
Airpower Foundation welcomes Patty Herdlicka to Ambassador team! Long time volunteer and Volunteer Coordinator for the Airpower Foundation. Patty Herdlicka has officially joined the Airpower Foundation Ambassador team. Welcome (officially), Patty! "Volunteering is my...
Rick Irving – Ambassador
Rick Irving is a native of Fort Worth, an Vietnam Era Army Veteran, a Real Estate Broker, a Photojournalist, Visual Storyteller and Podcaster. He retired from Lockheed Martin after a 34 year career in Aerospace. His journey into photography started in 2017, when he...
Carl Glusick – Ambassador
Airpower Foundation welcomes Carl Glusick to the Ambassador Team! Carl Glusick has been supporting the Airpower Foundation since 2011. In that time he has worn many hats in support of Skyball, most recently coordinating security for the event. Carl now serves as the...
AirPower Foundation: Its all about the families.