Commentary courtesy of the Texas Military Forces

AUSTIN, Texas (May 17, 2014) - Retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Charles “Rex” Driggers of Mount Pleasant, Texas, a former commander of the Texas Air National Guard, was inducted into the Texas Military Forces’ Hall of Honor during a ceremony held at Camp Mabry, in Austin, May 17, 2014.

Located inside the TXMF Museum, at Camp Mabry, the Hall of Honor was created as a permanent tribute to recognize TXMF members who have made lasting contributions of an outstanding nature to the organization. Induction into the Hall of Honor is the highest form of recognition that may be bestowed upon an individual and is widely recognized as a crowning achievement of a distinguished career.

Driggers, who served his state and nation with honor and distinction for 37 years, beginning in 1955, was one of four honored during the induction ceremony.
He made an extraordinary contribution to the transformation of the TXMF by initiating and commanding the introduction of the C-130 Hercules tactical aircraft at the 136th Airlift Wing, Texas Air National Guard, in Fort Worth.

Driggers changed the outlook and focus of the Texas Air National Guard when he instituted combat training and encouraged closer cooperation with the active duty Air Force. He led Texas ANG aircrews and support personnel from the 136th to participate in Red Flag combat training exercises.

This training outlook improved coordination between the active duty and guard air forces, and was a foundation that was built upon during aerial operations during the Gulf War. This was instrumental in achieving mission success.  

During his time as Texas ANG Commander, Driggers elevated the role and contributions of the Air Guard into TXMF statewide operations. He oversaw the development and construction of Air Guard’s state headquarters building, at Camp Mabry. This led to greater cooperation and missions involving Texas ANG units and the TXMF leadership team.

 “This is a great day for the Texas National Guard,” said Air Force Maj. Gen. John F.  Nichols, the Adjutant General of Texas, recognizing the honorees. “You give service the definition of what it means to be free.”