Memories remain

A building that for decades served as the hub of Air Force life for Team Little Rock Airmen and their families was razed this week.
The Thomas Community Activity Center on Arnold Drive had a long history at Little Rock Air Force Base. The center was built in 1955 as the Airman’s Club and was eventually named in memory of Col. Joseph A. Thomas, the base’s first commander who was killed in a C-45 plane crash in Kentucky. The TCAC was the centerpiece of Air Force life for six decades and hosted many ceremonies and events such as retirements, change of commands, holiday parties, all calls, toys drives, briefings, Christmas tree lighting ceremony, music lessons, blood drives and many other happenings. The Walters Community Support Center will now be the host to many of these events and ceremonies. Suzie Schwartz, wife of retired Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz, reflected on her memories at the Thomas Community Activities Center. “There were so many times that the parking lot was just absolutely full,” said Schwartz. “I remember sitting for hours selling yearly passes for the pool right next door.” Though the building is now gone, the memories made within those walls will remain concrete.