Dyess US Air Force Base – Abilene, Texas

Dyess US Air Force Base – Abilene, Texas

A worn and dusty outpost in arid west Texas

If you roll into Abilene, Texas for the first time as an adult, it is natural to think, “Who in the world thought it was a good idea to settle human beings here?”  But apparently someone did. And as is common with so many US Air Force base locations, the selection for the site seems to be based on three common criteria; a general appearance of desolation, a local economy that could use the infusion of federal dollars, and a minimal chance that the misfortune of a jet crash would mar the local topography.  

So, Dyess Air Force Base is so situated.  Consolation for the pilots and the airpersons who support them, some pretty cool aircraft fly in and out of the dusty red clay plateau on which Dyess sits.  Flight ops appear to be fairly gentile, not going past 2200 at night, though it is hard to see who would be disturbed if night ops were conducted.

 I have tried a number of military justice cases out here over the years.  The commonality seems to be some sort of odd sex factor. I think I have enough empirical data to call for an EPA study to determine if the mineral tainted water supply, or the dust from the red clay, or perhaps JP fuel seepage has a disturbing effect on human behavior.  

 When you arrive, perhaps due to the relative lack of desirability as a vacation spot, you will find that on base lodging is always available.  To those who think, especially those of us who have served in the Marine Corps, that Air Force accommodations are relatively luxurious, the Dyess Air Force Base TLF will disabuse you of that notion.  Functional, perhaps in the 1970s, Dyess lodging vies with Navy lodging in the categories of neglect, wear and tear, and oddly placed anachronistic electric outlets.

 More accommodating is the layout of the base, which has commissary, exchange, chapel. pool, gym, bar, bowling alley, and comm squadron within a short walking distance of each other.  Warning to all young airpersons, no facility is open past 2100, and the only thing outside the main gate are two poorly stocked chain convenience stores. Abilene, as a night spot, is pretty much limited to a burger joint hangout for the outlier coeds at Abilene Christian University, which may also explain the aforementioned typical military justice case.  

 Here at the Law Office of Patrick J McLain, PLLC, we fight for military members worldwide, including Dyess Air Force Base.  We do administrative actions, courts-martial, appellate and review boards, and all aspects of military law.  Call us to find out how we can serve, and fight for, you.  214-416-9100