136. San Antonio’s Aerospace Past Is Powering Its Future

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we revisit a pivotal chapter in San Antonio’s history: the closure of Kelly Air Force Base and its transformation into Port San Antonio, as the city prepares for the upcoming San Antonio Aviation and Aerospace Hall of Fame luncheon. Host Bob Rivard is joined by Christopher Mammen, executive director of the Dee Howard Foundation; Tullos Wells, long-time community leader and member of the Kelly closure transition committee; and Kathryn Bolish, program manager at the WEX Foundation and one of this year’s Hall of Fame honorees.

Together, they examine the local impact of the Kelly closure nearly thirty years later, the community’s response to the loss of one of San Antonio’s largest employers, and the decades-long effort to rebuild and reimagine the area as a center for aerospace, education, and emerging technologies.

They discuss:

• The role Kelly Air Force Base played in building San Antonio’s middle class and shaping the city’s identity
• The work of the Dee Howard Foundation in honoring San Antonio’s aerospace legacy and preparing local students for the industry’s future
• How the WEX Foundation is introducing San Antonio youth to space science and STEM careers, with a focus on real-world, hands-on learning
• The evolution of Port San Antonio as a major economic and technological hub, and what’s next for the region’s aerospace sector

This episode takes an in-depth look at how San Antonio continues to adapt and lead, drawing on its history to shape new opportunities in aviation, education, and innovation. Learn more about the impact of the WEX Foundation and the Dee Howard Foundation. 

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RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:

▶️ #125. The Man Behind Brooks: How Leo Gomez Reimagined the Southside – Explore how Brooks transformed from a closed military base into a thriving community hub. Host Bob Rivard talks with Leo Gomez about the bold vision, partnerships, and investments fueling economic and urban development on San Antonio’s Southeast Side—an inspiring companion to this episode’s focus on Port San Antonio and revitalization after base closure.

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