FERRELL SELECTED FOR TEXAS WOMEN’S HALL OF FAME PASSING OF MSG (RET) JAMES T. “BUCKY” DENSFORD NGAT IS SADDEN TO ANNOUNCE THE RECENT PASSING OF MSG (RET) JAMES T. “BUCKY” DENSFORD. He was NGAT Life Member #85 and was awarded the NGAT Minuteman Award in 1969. Bucky ran the photo lab at Ellington AFB in Houston, Texas for more than 20 years. He served as the NGAT official photographer for many years. He has several photos on display in the Texas Military Forces Museum at Camp Mabry, including the famous picture of President George H.W. Bush pinning lieutenant’s bars on future President George W. Bush.
MG (RET) DAWN FERRELL was selected for induction in the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame in recognition of her exemplary leadership and significant contributions to our state and nation in both military service and higher education. Ferrell retired from the Texas Air National Guard on Jan 31, 2021. The Governor’s Commission for Women established the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame in 1984 to honor the State’s most accomplished women. Inductees include first ladies, teachers, astronauts, and athletes. The Texas Women’s Hall of Fame biennial awards ceremony recognizes the achievements of women. When Ferrell retired she was serving as the Assistant Adjutant General — Air and the Commander of the Texas Air National Guard. In her position she served as the main advisor to the Adjutant General of Texas for all Texas Air National Guard matters. She was also responsible for creating, developing and coordinating all programs, policies and plans for three wings and over 3,300 Air National Guard personnel throughout Texas. Ferrell deployed for relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita. She also deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan on a joint assignment from August 2013 through May 2014.
Bucky put together and published a historic book telling the story of the 111th Squadron from June 29, 1923 to June 29, 1973. Although he billed himself as editor-in-chief, in reality he was the driving force to gather the necessary historical facts, photographs and other documentation, and put these into a book. Copies of that book, “From Jennys to Jets” are prized possessions of those who have them. It is an excellent record of the history of military aviation as well as a documentary on the history of the 111th Fighter Squadron, Texas Air National Guard. Our thought and prayers go out to all of MSG (Ret) James T. “Bucky” Densford friends and family. H
Her long list of major decorations includes the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with two bronze oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal and the Texas Lone Star Distinguished Service Medal. Ferrell earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Midwestern State University Texas and went on to earn a doctorate from the University of North Texas in Denton. Before she went full-time with the Texas Air National Guard, she played a key role at Vernon College in Wichita Falls. She was the director of institutional research and planning and the accreditation liaison. Ferrell was also an adjunct instructor for Vernon College and Wayland Baptist University teaching political science courses. H
NEED INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR VA BENEFITS? INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT YOUR VA BENEFITS? Check out the 2021 Federal Benefits Handbook for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors, which provides an overview of all VA benefits and services. It’s a one-stop online resource for eligibility requirements and directly links to representatives you can contact about your benefits and services.
MR. BUSH PINNED A LIEUTENANT BAR on his son George W. Bush when he was made an officer in the Texas Air National Guard in 1968. Photo by MSG James T, “Bucky” Densford.
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The handbook aligns with benefits information and services for VA’s three administrations: Veterans Health Administration; Veterans Benefits Administration; and Veterans Cemetery Administration. Also, a section of the handbook discusses non-healthcare services, such as homelessness, survivor assistance, women and minority Veterans, and many other programs. Visit www.va.gov/getstarted/ for more information. The website provides two newly updated booklets on information about VA benefits and services, as well as how to apply for them. H
