The southwest corner of Abilene is home to the Dyess Air Force Base where loyal American citizens dedicate their time and effort to serving our nation. The base contains the 7^th Bomb wing, which operates B-1B Bombers and is completed by the only B-1B combat crew training squadron. The facility is also equipped with two combat squadrons, a weapons school, and a B-1B test and evaluation squadron. Their mission is to “provide world class Airmen and air power for the warfighter.”Dyess AFB has also become an important part of the Abilene community. On July 3, the base hosted its 4^th annual fireworks/military appreciation show, complete with games and live music. Starting August 9, the Dyess Chapel will feature a free Vacation Bible School focusing on the story of Joseph. It’s refreshing to see a site give so much back to the community that it protects. (more…)

If you’re visiting Abilene and need fun ways to fill up your days, the Abilene Round Up Pass will show you a great time for a great price. The pass grants access to six of Abilene’s best attractions for one low price. Check out the great opportunities the pass can open to you:

1. 12^th Armored Division Memorial Museum: this Memorial Museum is an educational and inspiring collection of World War II memorabilia. The displays provide a visual and an interpretation of the events that shaped our countries history.
2. Abilene Zoo: the Zoo is Abilene’s most visited attraction, and for a reason. Home to over 500 animals in over 160 species that include (but are NOT limited to) jaguars, black rhinos, bison, maned wolves, giraffes, black bears, lions, white tigers, and monkeys, the zoo provides a full day of fun for the whole family.
3. Buffalo Gap Historic Village: a long time ago, Indians dominated the land of Texas we Americans now call home. The Historic Village offers a rich collection of artifacts once owned by these Indians as well as frontier firearms we used to conquer them. Learn about the history of Abilene in the 1870s-1920s, see the two room school house where the children from back in the day got their education, and watch entertaining films to help you understand the towns accomplishments. (more…)