The 49th Dixie Crow Technical Symposium, held March 22-26, 2025, in Warner Robins, Ga., delivered a substantial economic boost to the local community, generating $3.3 million in economic impact for Houston County and the surrounding area.
The annual event, hosted by AOC’s Dixie Crow Chapter, drew 1,603 registered attendees from defense industry, academia, and government sectors, cementing its position as a major technical forum and economic driver for the region. The event featured 57 vendors in the exhibit hall, showcasing cutting-edge technology and participating in STEM educational initiatives.
Significant Educational Investment
The symposium served as more than just a technical gathering – it functioned as a major fundraiser supporting educational causes throughout the community. The Dixie Crow Chapter awarded a total of $66,900 in scholarships and contributions to STEM initiatives for 2025, continuing the organization’s long-standing commitment to education.
Since 1979, the chapter has awarded an impressive $1.487 million in scholarships to students pursuing engineering and hard science degrees with potential applications in electronic warfare and electromagnetic spectrum operations. The organization also provided $10,700 to 11 local schools through its annual Crows N.E.S.T. STEM initiative.
Community Recognition and Support
The symposium’s importance to the community was officially recognized when Warner Robins Mayor LaRhonda Patrick proclaimed Tuesday, March 25, 2025, as “Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations Day.” The City of Warner Robins also sponsored the welcome reception, demonstrating strong municipal support for the event.
Notable speakers included Maj. Gen. Frank Bradfield III as the keynote speaker and Chancellor Sonny Perdue of the Georgia University System as the banquet speaker. The event also featured AOC President Tony Lisuzzo, who participated throughout the symposium activities.
The Dixie Crow Chapter also continues to support local institutions including the Museum of Aviation Foundation and the National STEM Academy, having contributed more than $250,000 to date for various educational and museum exhibits.
Museum Upgrades
The Dixie Crow Chapter officially cut the ribbon for the Robins Air Force Base Museum of Aviation’s addition of the AN/ALE-55 Fiber Optic Towed Decoy and AN/ALQ-131 Jammer Pod to the F-16 Murals in the EW Exhibit Breezeway. A plaque reads:
“Two F-16 Fighting Falcons streak through the sky on a daring mission to strike a high-value target. Suddenly, their Radar Warning Receivers alert them to danger – Surface-to-Air Missiles are tracking their every move. As the pilots’ Electronic Warfare systems detect the jets entering the missile’s lethal range, they deploy the AN/ALE-55 Fiber Optic Towed Decoy. Trailing behind the aircraft on a tether, this ingenious device lures enemy missiles away by presenting a more tempting target than the F-16s themselves. With advanced Electronic Warfare technology, the pilots gain critical situational awareness of threats – seen or unseen – ensuring they stay one step ahead in the fight.”
Save the Date for 2026
The 50th Dixie Crow Symposium is scheduled for March 22-25, 2026, promising to build on this year’s successful economic and educational impact.
