Air Force Association Elects Chairman of the Board

Arlington, VA, October 1, 2002—The Air Force Association recently elected John J. Politi as Chairman of the Board during the AFA National Convention in Washington, D.C. Politi, who was elected by the delegates to the convention, takes office today.

Politi formerly served as an AFA National President, National Director, the National Vice President for the Midwest Region, Missouri State President, and Chairman of the Audit Committee, Membership Committee, and Ad Hoc Financial Committee.

Among his many AFA awards, Politi has received the AFA Presidential Citation, the Exceptional Service Award and the Medal of Merit.

Politi joined the Air Force in March 1966 at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota. A veteran of 26 years, the majority of Politi's career was spent in strategic nuclear weapons systems. He commanded an Air Division and two wings, and served on both the Joint Staff and the Air Staff. Politi retired as a colonel in 1992. A well-decorated officer, Politi has received, among others, the Legion of Merit and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal awards.

Currently, Politi is the Chief Executive Officer of the Excellence in Missouri Foundation, a non-profit, private sector education organization. He is a graduate of the University of Colorado with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science, and South Dakota State University with a Master of Science degree in economics.

He is married to the former Terri Hatch and has five children, Pam, Eileen, Jay, Stephanie, and Chip.

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 200 chapters nationwide and overseas, and more than 140,000 members.