local
America’s military aviation legacy took flight in San Antonio
By Pachatta Pope, Sal Salazar, Rick Medina, Tommy Namphong at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio
· July 6, 2026
· 3 min read
For more than 250 years, armed service members have fought to maintain America’s freedom and independence.Efforts to defend the nation’s airspace can be traced back to San Antonio and Fort Sam Houston, which is considered the birthplace of America’s military aviation.Lieutenant Benjamin Foulois l...
Key takeaway Lieutenant Benjamin Foulois laid the foundation, according to historic accounts, which state he brought the first military plane to Fort Sam Houston in 1910.
Why this matters in Terrell Hills News
The legacy of military aviation in San Antonio extends far beyond the city's nickname "Military City USA." The establishment of the first Aero Squadron at Fort Sam Houston and the subsequent expansion of military flight training camps, including Randolph Air Force Base, have had a lasting impact on the local economy and community. Today, Randolph Air Force Base remains a hub of aviation activity, with the 12th Flying Training Wing training the next generation of pilots. The presence of these military installations has also driven innovation and investment in the local aerospace industry, with many private companies and contractors setting up shop in the area to support the military's aviation needs. As the city continues to grow and evolve, it's likely that the aviation industry will remain a key player, with Randolph Air Force Base at the forefront of pilot training and development.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio . Terrell Hills News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 6, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? For more than 250 years, armed service members have fought to maintain America’s freedom and independence.Efforts to defend the nation’s airspace can be traced back to San Antonio and Fort Sam Houston, which is considered the birthplace of America’s military aviation.Lieutenant Benjamin Foulois l...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 6, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio and curated for Terrell Hills News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Pachatta Pope, Sal Salazar, Rick Medina, Tommy Namphong at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio. To learn more about how Terrell Hills News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Terrell Hills News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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