US Air Force Charts New Course at AFA’s 2007 Air & Space Conference and Technology Expo

AFA Sets Course for Energetic 2008 at National Convention

Arlington, VA – Coinciding with the 60th Anniversary of the U.S. Air Force this year, the Air & Space Conference and Technology Exhibition with more than 6,000 in attendance, along with the Air Force Association’s National Convention, wrapped up Sept. 26 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, D.C.

A packed schedule of events included 35 presentations by an acclaimed list of speakers, news conferences with senior Air Force leaders, and the coinciding Global Air Chiefs Conference with military leaders from 84 nations in attendance. The Technology Expo included 135 exhibitors showcasing the exciting future of air and space technology.

“The Air Force’s 60th year and the addition of the Global Air Chiefs Conference just added to the momentum of an absolutely outstanding Conference,” said Robert E. ‘Bob’ Largent, Chairman of the Board of AFA.

“Months of planning and effort culminated in a great Air & Space Conference and Technology Expo. A lot of people took pride in helping to make this a premier event,” said Michael Dunn, President and CEO of AFA.

The Air Force’s senior leaders were the lead and closing speakers. Secretary of the Air Force Michael Wynne helped set the tone with his “State of the Force” presentation Monday morning, and General T. Michael Moseley, Chief of Staff, laid out a vision “To Fly, Fight & Win in the 21st Century” as the final presentation.

Other sessions included two members of Congress, a Four Star Forum, a practical Command Chief Master Sergeants Forum, professional development, historical themes, and updates on Cyber, Space, Air Mobility and Special Operations Commands.

On Sunday, widely attended by AFA delegates, there was a pause for the annual AFA Memorial Service and Wreath Laying at the Air Force Memorial.

AFA’s National Aerospace Awards were presented in a Monday ceremony, and the Air Force’s Twelve Outstanding Airmen of the Year were honored at an evening dinner.

Education Emphasis

AFA’s high priority on education was highlighted by the presentation of a $25,000 Dependent Scholarship by AFA and First Command Educational Foundation to Cadet Rachel Kolesnikov-Lindsey. Rachel is the daughter of a single-parent Airman and is an engineering student at MIT.

For the third year in a row, AFA hosted some 350 students from USAF’s Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Ala., at the Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition.

AFA also recognized Jennifer Sinsel of Wichita, Kansas with the Christa McAuliffe Memorial Award as the National Teacher of the Year for her outstanding aerospace, science and mathematics work at the Wichita Collegiate School.

Also showcasing education were the AFROTC Cadet of the Year awarded to Maureen A. Hartney at the University of Florida, and the Civil Air Patrol Aerospace Education Cadet of the Year awarded to Maria T. Mangano of Iowa State University.

National Convention

AFA’s National Convention over the weekend included 274 registered delegates representing 43 states and the District of Columbia. In concert with its mission of ‘educate, advocate and support’, the AFA approved a Statement of Policy and Top Issues for 2008.

Elected or reelected as National Officers were Robert E. “Bob” Largent (Harrison, AR) – 2nd term Chairman of the Board; Joseph E. Sutter (Knoxville, TN) – 2nd term Vice Chairman of the Board, Field Operations; S. Sanford “Sandy” Schlitt (Sarasota, FL) – 1st term Vice Chairman of the Board, Aerospace Education; Judy K. Church (Lenexa, KS) – 2nd term AFA Secretary; and Steven R. Lundgren (Fairbanks, AK) – 2nd term AFA Treasurer.

National Directors elected for three year terms were At-Large – Justin Faiferlick (IA) and Jerry E. White (CO); and for the Central Geographic Area – Edward W. Garland (TX).

Newly Elected Region Presidents were from the Central East – Mason Botts (VA); Florida – Tim Brock (FL); Great Lakes – Ron Thompson (OH); New England – Ron Adams (MA); Northwest – Laird Hansen (WA); North Central -- Ron Mielke (SD); Rocky Mountain – Joan Sell (CO); Southeast – Don Michaels (GA); Southwest – Jim Wheeler (AZ); and Texoma – Terry Cox (OK). Continuing as Region Presidents are from the Midwest – Marv Tooman (IA); Far West – Mike Peters (CA); Northeast – Maxine Rauch (NY); and South Central – Len Vernamonti (MS).

Acknowledgements

Serving at the National Convention on the Credentials Committee were Chairman Raymond Turczynski (FL), Nancy Driscoll (CA) and Patricia J. Snyder (MO); as Inspectors of Election, Chairman Bob Bienvenue (NY), Mike Bolton (GA) and Ed Tooley (NM); and as Parliamentarian, Joan Blankenship (OK).

Contact: Joel Hannahs 703.247.5847 or JHannahs@AFA.org.

The AFA is a 501(C)(3), nonprofit organization promoting public understanding of aerospace power and the pivotal role it plays in the security of the nation. AFA has more than 230 chapters nationwide and overseas. To learn more about AFA visit http://www.afa.org.

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