Back-to-school season is always busy, but for the Dowd family, the past 12 months have been a full-on whirlwind. It’s been a year filled with big changes, proud moments, and plenty of reasons to be grateful.
During her tenure with the agency, Jenn has been working remotely— from wherever the Air Force sends her husband, Will. Until recently, that meant life at Fairchild AFB in Spokane, WA. While stationed there, Will served as the commander of the 97th Air Refueling Squadron, leading more than 100 pilots, boom operators, and support personnel. His role meant overseeing both day-to-day training and high-stakes mission sets, including a six-month deployment to the Middle East.
When Will deployed last August, Tom and Jill didn’t hesitate to temporarily relocate to Spokane to help support Jenn and their granddaughters. Jenn will tell you their presence was “the greatest blessing” during those six months—proof that family truly makes all the difference during challenging seasons.
Then, in early 2024—while still overseas—Will learned that his next assignment would take him to Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. In March, Will and the squadron returned home safely, and in a picture-perfect twist, he landed back at Fairchild on his and Jenn’s anniversary. Needless to say, it was an anniversary gift they’ll never forget.
By early July, Will had completed his command tour with flying colors—literally and figuratively. Under his leadership, the 97th ARS earned the Air Force’s prestigious Spaatz Award for the best air refueling squadron in the entire service for 2024. To say the family is proud is an understatement.
After wrapping up their time in Washington, Will, Jenn, and the girls made their way back to Texas at the end of July. They’re now settling into their new home just north of San Antonio, excited for this next chapter—and grateful to be closer to family again.
