Overheard at the Bush Center

The Bush Center recently hosted The Mission of Air Force One – part of our popular public programming series, Engage at the Bush Center, presented by NexPoint.
The conversation featured retired Colonel Mark Tillman — President George W. Bush’s pilot and commander of Air Force One; Reginald “Reggie” Dickson, who served nineteen years as a flight attendant to the nation’s highest leaders, including two Vice Presidents and three Presidents; and Chief Master Sergeant Rick Holley, a veteran Communications Systems Officer who served aboard Air Force One during the administrations of Presidents Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and Clinton.
The discussion, moderated by Ari Fleischer, former White House press secretary for President Bush, offered an inside look at the people and protocols that keep the presidency connected, protected, and moving around the world.
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United States Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett joined Shilo Brooks, President and CEO of the Bush Center, to discuss her book, Listening to the Law: Reflections on the Court and Constitution for a special Engage at the Bush Center, presented by NexPoint. During their discussion, she reflected on her journey to the Supreme Court, offering insights into her daily life and the Court’s deliberation process.

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Celebrate America 250 at the Bush Center

As part of the Engage at the Bush Center series, presented by NexPoint, the Bush Center hosted highly acclaimed author and biographer Walter Isaacson in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. In reflecting on his latest book, Isaacson discussed the Declaration of Independence’s most defining line and how it has shaped our ideals and continues to guide our ongoing pursuit of liberty and equality.

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View the Bush Center America 250 events and exhibits

Recently, the Bush Center held the ninth Forum on Leadership focused on the theme The Heart of America.  Forum on Leadership is a landmark gathering which develops, recognizes, and celebrates leadership by bringing together notable voices for in-depth discussions on today’s pressing issues. 

In his welcoming remarks, Shilo Brooks, President and CEO of the George W. Bush Center, explored what is at the center of the heart of America. 

In this conversation, New York Times opinion columnist David French and the Bush Institute’s Anne Wicks discussed freedom of expression and how robust protection for all viewpoints is essential for a free society. 

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Watch the 2026 Forum on Leadership: The Heart of America

Read the Bush Institute series, Democracy is a Verb

Recently, the Bush Center held the ninth Forum on Leadership focused on the theme The Heart of America.  Forum on Leadership is a landmark gathering which develops, recognizes, and celebrates leadership by bringing together notable voices for in-depth discussions on today’s pressing issues. 

Panelists Mark Updegrove, President and CEO of the LBJ Foundation; Michelle Ferrari, Director and Producer at 42nd Parallel Films; and Richie Butler, Senior Pastor at St. Luke Community United Methodist Church; reflect on hard-fought democratic milestones achieved in our history that have made our country and its people more free. 

Also featured is a testimonial from Mark Reilly, President and CEO of The Washington Tattoo and Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program Class of 2025.

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Watch the 2026 Forum on Leadership: The Heart of America

View the Bush Center's America 250 celebrations