History of The Fairfax

About the Book

With over 500 residents, The Fairfax is a thriving community that offers retired military officers and their spouses gracious living arrangements. But in 1982, it was just an idea in the minds of a small band of men and women who envisioned a need for such a community. History of The Fairfax details the story of how this multi-million dollar facility came to fruition—through conception, construction, and conscription—all in just ten years.

Lieutenant General Frank Camm had already enjoyed a distinguished career in the United States Army when he was appointed Chairman of a group that would develop an Army Officer Retirement Residence. In Part I, he relies heavily on the minutes of some 200 Foundation meetings to share the trials and errors, disappointments, and successes endemic to such an enterprise. In Part II, Colonel John Schlight, a retired Air Force navigator and former Air Force Academy history professor, details how The Fairfax grew into maturity and how its residents learned to govern themselves and transform The Fairfax into a fun-filled community.

History of The Fairfax shares a captivating behind-the-scenes glimpse into how one idea created a community with traditions and an atmosphere ideal for military retirees.

About the Author

Lieutenant General Frank Camm had a distinguished career in the United States Army and, in 2005, received the Distinguished Graduate Award from West Point. He moved into The Fairfax in 2007 with his wife of over sixty years who helped him write his section of the book. Arlene and Frank have two children. Colonel John Schlight holds a PhD from Princeton University and is a retired Air Force Navigator who flew in the French Indochina War and the Korean Police Action and later returned for a tour of duty in the Vietnamese War. He moved into The Fairfax in 2007 with his wife, Ellen.