Throwback Thursday: Honoring Brigadier General Dan Cherry, this year’s Southern Kentucky Hospitality Association lifetime achievement award winner

Every year, the Southern Kentucky Hospitality Association celebrates the best of the area’s hotel, attraction, restaurant, venue, and overall hospitality staff. The group hosts a January awards event, giving nearly 20 winners recognition for their work behind the scenes to make southern Kentucky a better place to live. The Dallas Jones Lifetime Achievement Award is given to someone who’s made a heavy impact on the tourism industry in our area, usually through the development or growth of major attractions or events.

The Executive Director of Aviation Heritage Park, Bob Bubnis, helped contribute to this week’s segment that honors this year’s lifetime achievement award winner, Ret. Brigadier General Dan Cherry. Bubnis says working with Dan Cherry is like attending a master class in leadership. When he sets his sights on a mission and locks in on an objective, he has a rare ability to bring together the right people—those who share his vision, his drive, and his commitment to excellence. Anyone who’s had Dan stop by their office with a new idea knows two things: the to-do list is about to grow—and the work ahead will be worth it.

Dan Cherry’s leadership was forged in the U.S. Air Force. During his distinguished military career, he logged more than 4,000 flight hours and flew over 295 combat missions. On April 16, 1972, Dan engaged a Mig-21 in aerial combat in the skies above Vietnam—and emerged victorious. In a story that reflects his character, he later became friends with the pilot he shot down, turning a moment of war into one of healing and reconciliation. That historic mission was flown in the very F-4 Phantom now displayed at Bowling Green’s Aviation Heritage Park—another reason visitors from across the country make their way here. The book My Enemy, My Friend, tells much more about this story. In 1977 and 1978, Dan was selected as commander and leader of the Thunderbirds, followed by multiple command assignments, before retiring in 1988 with the rank of Brigadier General.

Retirement didn’t slow him down. In the early 1990s, he led the Great American Air Affair, bringing spectacular air shows—including the Thunderbirds—to Bowling Green. The events raised $100,000 for charity and delivered a significant boost to the local economy. He helped launch Operation P.R.I.D.E., improving gateway entrances across Bowling Green and Warren County, and played a key role in saving the L&N Depot—now the Historic RailPark & Train Museum that celebrated its 100th anniversary last year.

Dan also served as secretary of Kentucky’s Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, tackling complex challenges to make communities safer, while continuing to raise tens of thousands of dollars for local charities through initiatives like Rotary Flags for Kids.

Dan’s vision led to the creation of the Aviation Heritage Park and Museum—a 12,000-square-foot space that tells countless stories of south central Kentucky aviators, surrounded by nine aircraft, all available to view at no cost.

A couple weeks ago, at the Southern Kentucky Hospitality Association’s annual star awards, Dan Cherry was honored with the Dallas Jones Lifetime Achievement Award—a recognition reserved for those whose leadership, service, and vision have left a lasting imprint on our community. Once a Thunderbird many viewed as a real-life superhero—and still, years later, an inspiration—Dan Cherry has carried many titles: “Fast Eddie,” “Boss Cherry,” founding father, and Brigadier General. But above all, he is a champion for others—and a lifetime achievement, well earned.