Announcing the 2026 Commemorative Air Force Hall of Fame Inductees
Dallas, Texas — [October 3, 2025] — The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is proud to announce the 2026 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 over 65 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 during the annual CAF Conference, ensuring their legacy is preserved and celebrated as an enduring part of the organization’s history.
This year, four outstanding individuals will join the ranks of the CAF Hall of Fame:
Col. Lillian Ayars has been a CAF member for more than 45 years and became the first female Wing Leader in the organization in 1991. Taking charge of the Central Texas Wing during a time of great challenge, she saved and restored a historic World War II hangar in San Marcos, Texas — negotiating a 20-year lease for one dollar a year and spearheading years of repairs. Under her leadership, the Wing launched the beloved “A Gathering of Memories” airshow, which brought together legendary aces, Doolittle Raiders, Flying Tigers, Tuskegee Airmen, WASP, and other honored veterans. Today, thanks to her vision, the restored hangar stands as a museum, library, and community hub.
CAF Colonel Doug Rozendaal has been a devoted member of the Commemorative Air Force since 1989. A Gold Life Member, Doug has served in 11 different units and is the current Unit Leader of the CAF Red Tail Squadron. An accomplished warbird pilot, he has flown numerous CAF aircraft, inspiring audiences nationwide. Doug was instrumental in creating the CAF Rise Above Exhibit, bringing the story of the Tuskegee Airmen to hundreds of thousands across the country. He also served on the CAF General Staff from 2015 to 2021, including two years as Chief of Staff, guiding the organization with integrity and vision.
The induction of Ayars, Flynn, Wells, and Rozendaal will take place Saturday, February 28, 2026, during the 2026 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.
