Don Avery '78
When Don Avery graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1978 and became a T-33 instructor pilot, he thought he would fly forever. However, an unexpected cancer diagnosis and his successful treatment led to a rewarding new career. While on medical leave, he began graduate school at night. Avery eventually left the Air Force to work full-time toward a master's degree in healthcare administration, graduating from the University of Florida in 1986. Over the years he has held many executive positions in healthcare and currently serves as the president and CEO of a highly rated190-bed regional hospital in Dublin, Georgia. He has also served in various capacities on several boards, including as chair of the Georgia Hospital Association board, chair of the Georgia Association of Healthcare board, a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives board of governors and on other state and local boards.
"I have been truly blessed," Avery says. "My education and training gave me a great foundation, but it has been my faith and wonderful family that have sustained me, particularly in dealing with the bumps in life."
Avery and his wife, Fara, have one daughter, who married an Army officer, and two grandchildren.
He has stayed connected to the Academy through participation with the Association of Graduates (AOG), including leading his Class of 1978 45th reunion gift committee, serving as president of the Central Georgia AOG chapter and supporting the Air Force Academy Athletic Corporation and Air Force Academy Foundation. He is also a season ticket holder and attends several Falcon football games each year.
"I am particularly proud of how our classmates stepped forward with their generous support for the Madera Cyber Innovation Center," Avery added. "This is going to be a key resource for preparing our cadets to face the challenges of this complex world."
The Averys' philanthropy includes generous gifts for several recent building projects at USAFA, faith-based mission programs, and scholarships in health care education. When they updated their wills, they included a bequest to the Academy. The Foundation is pleased to recognize them as Polaris and Sabre Society members.
"Without the foundational principles the Academy instilled in me, my life may have been very different. Returning some of the blessings we have received is important to Fara and me, as I hope it is to all in our graduate community."
His love of flying? Still there — since 2012, he has logged nearly 2,000 hours in his Cessna 182 Skylane!
For more information on arranging a charitable bequest to the Academy and qualifying for Polaris Society recognition, contact Dale Zschoche P'10. Dale can be reached by phone at 719-238-7510 or by email at [email protected].