Few people are more closely connected to Blue Skies of Texas Life Plan Community in San Antonio than our President and Chief Executive Officer, General Darrell D. Jones (Ret). After a 34-year Air Force career—including time commanding the nearby Lackland Air Force Base—General Jones was “ordered” by a former boss to apply for the job after General Utterback retired in 2018. The rest, as they say, is history.

As you’d expect, General Jones is one of the most enthusiastic voices telling folks about the vibrant, maintenance-free lifestyle our award-winning senior living community is famous for. These days, however, he’s been doing more than just talking. He’s also enjoying life as a member of our Commander’s Circle depositor program. We caught up with General Jones and asked him to tell us all about his big decision, and why you should think about joining as well.

A Senior Living Depositor Program that Helps You Control Your Destiny

In a nutshell, the Commander’s Circle lets you reserve a spot on our waiting list by paying a 10% deposit for the largest residence you’re interested in. If you decide not to join our community, you receive a full refund, minus administrative fees.

“It reminds me of the housing lists we had in the Air Force,” General Jones laughs, “but it really does increase your chance of getting the senior living home style you want.”

So, how long are the waiting lists at our San Antonio senior living community? General Jones says that can be a tough question to answer. “In The Towers, for example, the larger apartment residences tend to have longer waiting lists than the smaller ones,” he explains. “The same goes for our homes and cottages. There are about seven floor plans within The Gardens alone, and they all have different waiting list times.”

“That’s why your best bet is to join the Commander’s Circle between eight and ten years before you actually want to move here,” he continues. “Then, when the time arrives, you’ll be in the driver’s seat when it comes to securing your first choice of residence.”

“Members-Only” Perks Are Also Part of the Package

The benefits of a Commander’s Club membership begin even before you officially land in our San Antonio Life Plan Community. For starters, you’ll have exclusive opportunities—like festive dinners and seasonal celebrations—to get a taste of what life is like here. Bonus: You’ll meet some of the fascinating people who may one day become your friends and neighbors!

You’ll also receive invitations to selected Blue Skies resident happenings like concerts, lectures, and happy hours. Tip: While you’re here, be sure to ask about our more than 70 resident-run clubs. From running and gardening to amateur radio, there’s a club for virtually any passion.

Enjoy Peace-of-Mind, Knowing Your Future Is Secure

Once you join the Blue Skies family, you won’t have to worry about a disruptive off-site move if your health needs change. You’ll have priority access to health care and all levels of living right here on campus—with some of the best staff-to-resident ratios in the state.

General Jones says his time at the helm of Blue Skies has shown him why choosing a Life Plan Community is such a wise decision. “I took over as a CEO in January of 2018, and right away I saw how the staff here goes above and beyond to make sure every resident’s needs are met,” he says.

It didn’t take General Jones and his wife long to decide that joining our Commander’s Circle would be one of the greatest gifts they could give themselves and their two sons. “We want our kids to care about us, not for us,” General Jones stresses. “We consider it to be an investment in our future.”

“Plus, I love telling staff members how I’m going to be one of their most demanding residents,” he adds with a smile.

Secure Your Place Now in Our Award-Winning Senior Living Community

There’s a saying that growing older isn’t for the faint of heart. But at Blue Skies of Texas, folks embrace the newest chapter of their lives with zest, inspiring each other to learn, grow, and achieve while we take care of all the details. No wonder we were named the #1 Continuing Care Retirement Community in Texas—and #7 in America.

To learn more about the advantages of our Commander’s Circle senior living depositor program, or to schedule your tour, call us at 866-553-5389.