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ANNOUNCING THE 2027 COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
Dallas, TX (July 24, 2026) — The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is proud to announce the 2027 inductees into the CAF Hall of Fame. Established in 2010, the Hall of Fame honors members whose extraordinary contributions have significantly contributed to the organization's success and global reach. While the CAF has thrived for nearly 70 years thanks to the dedication of tens of thousands of volunteers, the Hall of Fame honors those individuals—both living and deceased—who have had an especially significant impact. Each year, up to two living and two deceased members are inducted at the annual CAF Conference, ensuring their legacies are preserved and celebrated of the organization’s history.
This year, four outstanding individuals will join the ranks of the CAF Hall of Fame:
2027 CAF Hall of Fame
William "Bill" Roach
William "Bill" Roach has dedicated more than 35 years to advancing the CAF mission. Bill served as Chairman and now Executive Director of the CAF Wings Over Houston Airshow, Bill helped advance the event into one of the nation's premier airshows. His leadership, strategic vision, and ability to build lasting partnerships have guided Wings Over Houston through decades of growth and unprecedented challenges while expanding the CAF's visibility and impact nationwide. He was once the Houston Squadron Leader and has also represented the CAF on the national stage through his service on the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) Board of Directors and as Chair of its Ethics Committee. William is a CAF gold life member and through his professionalism, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the mission, Bill Roach has helped ensure the organization remains a respected leader in aviation preservation.
John Agather
For nearly 5 decades, John Agather, has been a dedicated life member of the CAF. He has used his leadership, business expertise, and a lifelong passion for aviation to strengthen the organization. John is a founding chairman of the American Airpower Heritage Museum, vice chair of the American Airpower Heritage Foundation, and a longtime leader in the CAF's strategic planning and Nominating Committee efforts. He also served as project manager for the successful B-29 re-engine program, helping ensure the legendary aircraft will continue flying for generations to come. John has also had an extremely successful career outside of the CAF. He’s an accomplished entrepreneur, pilot, and community leader who has served as chairman of the Reno Air Racing Association, the San Antonio Airport Advisory Committee, and the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. John continues to have a major impact on the organization and its future.
Larry Lumpkin
Former member of the CAF General Staff and current American Airpower Heritage Foundation board member, Larry Lumpkin, has devoted nearly 30 years to preserving military aviation history. Larry is a CAF Life member and has served in 10 CAF Units, including as Unit Leader of the Great Plains Wing, while becoming the longtime caretaker and sponsor pilot of the iconic P-51 Mustang Gunfighter. Larry, a U.S. Air Force veteran and retired United Airlines captain, has inspired countless audiences through airshow performances, warbird rides, and educational outreach. He has also served as a, T-6 and Fighter Instructor/Check Pilot, and sponsor pilot for the C-47 That's All, Brother, while earning CAF Command, Aerobatic, and Senior Pilot ratings. Through decades of dedicated service, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the CAF mission, Larry continues to preserve America's aviation heritage and inspire future generations.
Dan Fordice (posthumous)
Former CAF Platinum Life Member Dan Fordice dedicated more than 20 years to advancing the Commemorative Air Force’s mission through leadership, service, and an unwavering passion for preserving military aviation history. Dan made his impact across the organization serving on the CAF General Staff from 2024 to 2026 and in other leadership positions at the Big Easy Wing and Mississippi Wing. Beyond the CAF, Dan founded the Warrior Bonfire Program to support post-9/11 Purple Heart veterans and was recognized with the American Spirit Medallion from The National WWII Museum for his dedication to preserving our nation's heritage. His tragic passing in 2026 was a tremendous loss to the aviation community, his legacy will continue to educate, inspire and honor the future of the CAF.
The induction of Fordice, Agather, Lumpkin, and Roach will take place Saturday, February 27, 2027, during the 2027 CAF Conference, where their names will be formally added to the Hall of Fame, ensuring their legacies are celebrated as an enduring part of the Commemorative Air Force’s history.
Friends and family of the inductees are encouraged to share photos, videos, and stories with the CAF media team by emailing media@cafhq.org
About the CAF Hall of Fame
For over 66 years, the CAF has grown through the efforts of tens of thousands of members. A few members have made monumental contributions to the success and worldwide impact that the CAF enjoys. The CAF Hall of Fame was established in 2010 to honor those members. Hall of Fame inductees must have dedicated themselves selflessly, significantly contributing to the CAF’s mission, growth, and strength. To be inducted into the CAF Call of Fame Must have held a CAF membership for 15 years and be a currently active member or active at their death. Past Inductees are listed online, click here to view them.
