FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES 2005 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENTS

Contact: Lynette Cross at (703) 247-5800, x. 4807 or lcross@afa.org

Arlington, VA, August 15, 2005 – Senator Daniel Inouye, Dr. William J. Perry, former Secretary of Defense, and Patty Wagstaff, aviation pioneer, have been selected to receive the Air Force Association's Lifetime Achievement Award for 2005. The awards are scheduled for presentation on September 13, 2005 at the 58th Air Force Anniversary Dinner in Washington, D.C.

Senator Inouye is a World War II combat veteran and recipient of the Medal of Honor—the nation's highest award for military valor. As a legislator, he is the third most senior member of the U.S. Senate. As Co-Chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, Senator Inouye has addressed important issues including aviation and maritime transportation.

In March, 1943, while a freshman in pre-medical studies at the University of Hawaii, Senator Inouye enlisted in the U.S. Army's 442nd Regimental Combat Team. In the fall of 1944, his unit spent two of the bloodiest weeks of the war rescuing a Texas Battalion surrounded by German forces in the Frend Vosges Mountains. Senator Inouye's many awards include the Distinguished Service Cross, the Bronze Star and Purple Heart with cluster.

Dr. William J. Perry, an expert in U.S. foreign policy, national security and arms control, is the Michael and Barbara Berberian Professor at Stanford University. He was the 19th Secretary of Defense, serving from February 1994 to January 1997. He previously served as Deputy Secretary of Defense and as Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering and is on the board of directors of several emerging high-tech companies. He is the chairman of Technology Partners.

From 1946 to 1947, Dr. Perry was enlisted in the Army Corps of Engineers and served in the Army of Occupation of Japan. His awards include the presidential Medal of Freedom and the Department of Defense Distinguished Service Medal.

Patty Wagstaff is known for flying one of the most thrilling, low level aerobatic routines in the world. Her breathtaking performances give spectators a front-row view of the precision and complexity of modern and unlimited aerobatics style that sets the standard for performers the world over. She is a flight and instrument instructor and is rated and qualified to fly numerous airplanes from World War II warbirds to modern jets.

Ms. Wagstaff oversees Patty Wagstaff Air Shows in St. Augustine, Florida. A U.S. National Aerobatic Champion, Ms. Wagstaff is one of the most awarded female pilots.

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The Air Force Association (AFA) is an independent, nonprofit, civilian 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, and more than 130,000 members. Visit us on the Internet at www.afa.org.