Commemorative Air Force
Jim Dawson is an experienced professional with a diverse background spanning various roles and industries. Currently serving as Flight Crew at Commemorative Air Force since May 2016 and as a Musician at Waxahachie Bible Church since April 2018, Jim also contributes as a Volunteer-Group Facilitator for Musician's Fellowship International, promoting global musician connection since May 2017. In addition, Jim pursues freelance writing and offers consultancy in IT and asset management, with semi-retirement status and openness to remote or traveling projects. As President of Paraclete Services LLC since April 2007 and a member of the McAfee Product Advisory Council, Jim maintains a leadership presence in the industry. Previous experience includes significant roles at Atos and Xerox Business Services, where Jim managed large teams and complex client services. Jim's educational background includes multiple certifications in computer science and network security.
Commemorative Air Force
Collecting flying warbirds for half a century, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is the largest flying museum in the world. The CAF is a nonprofit aviation association dedicated to Honoring American Military Aviation through flight, exhibition and remembrance by maintaining a flying museum of classic military aircraft. The CAF has more than 12,000 members and its fleet of 162 historic aircraft is distributed to 73 units located in 24 states for care and operation. These units, comprised of CAF members and volunteers, restore and operate the planes which are viewed by more than 10 million spectators annually. More than just a collection of flyable warbirds, the Commemorative Air Force’s fleet of historic aircraft, known as the “Ghost Squadron,” recreate, remind and reinforce the lessons learned from the defining moments in American military aviation history. The demands of aerial combat drove the great technological advances in aviation that occurred during and after World War II. Many different types of aircraft were developed, often designed for very specific missions. Members engage with the mission to protect these rare flying monuments to freedom. They keep them in flying condition, repair, rebuild and pilot these unique assets. Future generations will benefit from the CAF’s preservation efforts, educational programs, museum exhibits and airshows.