Class of
2022

Mark A. Welsh, III

Former U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff

General Mark A. Welsh III (Ret) was the 20th Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force. Born in San Antonio, Texas, Welsh graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1976 and led a distinguished 40-year career in the military.

Welsh flew more than 3,300 hours in the F-16, A-10, T-37 and TG-7A. As a combat pilot he was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses for missions flown in Desert Storm. General Welsh served as Commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe and as the Associate Director for Military Affairs of the Central Intelligence Agency. He also served as the Commandant of the United States Air Force Academy. Named Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force in 2012, Welsh became the senior uniformed Air Force officer responsible for the organization, training and equipping of 660,000 active-duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian forces serving in the United States and overseas.

General Welsh retired from the Air Force in 2016 and went on to serve as Dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University.

“Leadership is a gift. It’s given by those who follow, but only if you’re worthy of it.” –Mark A. Welsh, III

Heritage Hangar Closure – Thursday, September 18 at 1pm.

The Waltrip Hangar and all other exhibits remain open. The Heritage Hangar will reopen Friday during regular museum hours.

Upcoming Closure Notice

 

The Lone Star Flight Museum will be closed on

Thursday, December 25, 2025, for Christmas.

We’ll reopen with normal hours on

Friday, December 26, 2025, from 10AM – 5PM.

Upcoming Closure Notice

 

The Lone Star Flight Museum will be closed on

Thursday, November 27, 2025, for Thanksgiving.

We’ll reopen with normal hours on

Friday, November 28, 2025, from 10AM – 5PM.

Upcoming Closure Notice

 

The Lone Star Flight Museum will be closed on

Thursday & Friday, November 13-14, 2025, for our Jet Setters Ball.

We’ll reopen with normal hours on

Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 10AM – 5PM.

Upcoming Closure Notice

 

The Lone Star Flight Museum will be closed from

Friday, October 17 to Sunday, October 19, 2025, for Wings Over Houston!

We’ll reopen with normal hours on

Tuesday, October 21, 2025, from 10AM – 5PM.

Upcoming Closure Notice

 

The Lone Star Flight Museum will be closed

Saturday, October 4, 2025, for the 7th Annual Hangar Bash!

Join the Fun! Buy Tickets Now!

We’ll resume normal business hours on

Sun., Oct. 5 – Noon – 5PM.

Upcoming Closure Notice

 

Lone Star Flight Museum will be closed on

Friday and Saturday, September 12-13, 2025, for a private event.

We’ll reopen with normal hours on 

Sunday, September 14, 2025, from 12PM – 5PM.