An excellent place to start your journey through Air Force history is the Dyess Memorial Center located one half mile from the main gate. The center features displays, videos, interactive computer programs and handouts.

Visitors may notice the memorial park adjacent to the building. The plaques and commemorative bricks on permanent display recognize the heroic and everyday actions of military members and local citizens.

The center is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 4:30 p.m. It's closed weekends and holidays. Visitors are invited to walk the grounds and view the commemorative plaques and bricks.

In September 1997, Dyess opened the center and memorial park dedicated to the base by Abilene. Citizens, civic organizations and businesses in the Big Country donated about $800,000 to construct the facility. It stands as an open door to West Texas and the world, so people may see the contributions Dyess has made to the freedoms we all enjoy.

sacrifices of United States military members throughout the years. Each has earned its spot in the annals of Air Force history and a special place in the hearts of the men and women who served with them.

Dyess invites all base visitors to take a stroll down memory lane and share the stories passed from generation to generation. Thousands have enjoyed viewing these aircraft for several years. Guests are asked to remember they are guardians of our past, making them priceless and irreplaceable. These airpower warriors have preserved our freedom during war and peacetime; let's all do our part to preserve their value so others may witness the wonder of the U.S. Air Force. (All display aircraft are on loan from the U.S. Air Force Museum, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio).

The Linear Air Park is a 1.2-mile long outdoor exhibit showcasing Air Force airpower. The 31 aircraft on display today saw action in World War II, Korean Conflict, Vietnam Conflict or Operation Desert Storm. The most recent additions to the Linear Air Park are the "Star of Abilene," the Air Force's first operational B-1 bomber and a C-130 which both appear at the base's front gate. Visitors are also encouraged to stop and see the memorial wall during their walk among the aircraft. The wall displays historical and heroic actions by U.S. Air Force units and people.

All display aircraft, except the F-4D, are located along Arnold Boulevard, the main thoroughfare leading into Dyess. The F-4D can be found in front of Dyess Elementary School just south of the base. There are several parking areas throughout the air park. There are no indoor displays. Each aircraft is assigned a sponsor from base squadrons. The sponsors volunteer countless hours restoring and maintaining the aircraft.

Color schemes and markings depict the squadron and era in which the aircraft flew.

The air park originated from the Texas Museum of Military History, which was founded in 1981. It was officially dedicated June 12, 1991. Call the 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs Office at 696-2863 to schedule a tour.

Air park brochures are available at the main gate visitor's center, or visit the air park through the Dyess home page on the worldwide web at http://www.dyess.af.mil.