GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas — Goodfellow Air Force Base hosted a ceremony Friday, Sept. 10, to celebrate the legacy of the late Col. Charles E. Powell. The base's event center is now named “The Powell Event Center” in his memory.
Powell died July 2, 2020.
He served in the U.S. Air Force for 30 years and became commander of the 17th Training Wing at Goodfellow from 1980, until he retired in 1984.
The base was nearly closed and it wasn't until Powell took charge with his leadership efforts and the base was removed from the closure list.
Technical training instructor Phillip Whitley shares how Powell made an impact on the military community.
“Col. Powell is legitimately the reason why Goodfellow Air Force base is still standing till this day. He fought the base against closure in the 1980s. The impact that he has had just left me with an impression that you can leave a legacy behind.”
Powell was an active member of various academy boards, local and state government commissions and worked alongside various nonprofits to help service members.
Family, close friends and colleagues were present during the ceremony including Powell’s granddaughter, Caitlin Cannady
Cannady said of her grandparents, Powell and his late wife, JoAnne, “They were leaders, seeing how they connected with their community and served played a huge impact on my life and what I’ve chosen to do in my job.”