The Airpower Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to
provide support that meets the unique needs of our active-duty military, reserves, Guard, veterans, and their families.
Established in 1999, the Airpower Foundation has a proven track record of integrity, transparency, and dedication to taking care of our military communities. We execute our mission through main pillars of support which include:
We proudly support the morale and welfare programs of our local Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base. From family days, carnivals, banquets, and award ceremonies to homecoming and deployment initiatives, we are honored to stand alongside our service members and their families.
Our commitment extends to providing direct assistance where it’s needed most—such as organizing vehicle giveaways for service members in crisis and partnering with the Family Readiness Group to sustain a robust on-base food pantry. This vital resource offers fresh meat, dairy, produce, dry goods, hygiene essentials, and cleaning supplies to ensure no military family goes without. By standing in the gap when services fall short, we affirm our dedication to those who serve—supporting them with dignity, care, and gratitude.
We proudly support our nation’s Veterans by providing vital resources for healing, connection, and empowerment. From peer gatherings, counseling services, and therapeutic retreats aimed at combating Post-Traumatic Stress to service animals and mobility devices for our severely wounded, we are committed to honoring their sacrifice with action.
We invest in the future of our Armed Forces by offering scholarships to military officers and funding flight hours for aspiring military aviators. We honor the ultimate sacrifice made by our heroes through unwavering support of Gold Star Families. These families—mothers, fathers, spouses, children, siblings, and more—carry an immeasurable burden, and we lift them up through healing retreats and custom oil portraits of their Fallen loved ones, ensuring their legacy is never forgotten.
Education and outreach are central to our mission. We believe in inspiring future generations to understand and support our military communities. Through school visits by Medal of Honor Recipients, we bring powerful lessons of courage, service, and sacrifice directly to students. Our Rodeo Royalty Ambassador Program cultivates leadership in young women while introducing them to service and nonprofit impact, broadening the reach of our mission.
At the core of our work is one unwavering principle: if the need falls within the scope of our mission, we never say “no.” We stand in the gap where other services may fall short, ensuring our military—past, present, and future—receive the honor, respect, and support they have earned.
Our Leadership
Executive Director Melissa Dabi
Executive Marketing Director Kameron McNutt
Executive Administrator Piera Pickett
Board of Directors:
Officers Wanda Cox, Chairman, Charlie Cripliver, Vice Chairman, Tracy Thomas, Secretary, Jim Thomason, Treasurer Directors Dr. Don Shelton, Roman Palomares, Jim Darwin, Keith Mundee, Thomas Mathew, Mike Caldwell Emeritus Sid Eppes
Advisors Donald “Doc” Ballard Medal of Honor Recipient, Mike Elliott, Don Weatherby, Bob Wood, Tamiko Bailey, TD Smyers, Carl Glusick, Chris Wharton, Chris Coryell, Patty Herdlicka, Blaine Jackson, Ian Shelley, LTC Bruce Stacy
Over 400 volunteers and ambassadors stand ready to serve the mission.
Get Connected
Website: www.airpowerfoundation.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AirpowerFoundation
Instagram: @airpower_foundation
LinkedIn: Airpower Foundation
Youtube:@airpowerfoundation5170
TikTok: @airpowerfoundation
Watch:
How we serve our mission: https://youtu.be/I_NIduugOZA
How we support the NAS JRB base: https://youtu.be/WQ1hdYBve18
Recognition:
2024 City of Fort Worth’s Distinguished Service to Veterans Award