Arlington, VA – The Air Force Association today announced a total of $15,000 in scholarship funds awarded for the 2008 AFA-FCEF Air Force Excellence Scholarship for 2008. This year’s five recipients will each receive a $3,000 scholarship.

This scholarship was created and administered by the Air Force Association in partnership with First Command Educational Foundation, which provided the funding for the award.

“The Air Force Association is very proud to recognize the accomplishments and dedication of this year’s scholarship recipients,” said Sandy Schlitt, AFA Vice Chairman of the Board, Aerospace Education. “Their excellence stands out even among highly trained and dedicated peers.”

“These five have done a great job, and their commitment is commendable,” said Mike Dunn, President of AFA. “This award in particular is a great opportunity for AFA to honor excellence, and we’re very proud of these five selections. We are also grateful to First Command Educational Foundation for providing the very generous funding for these scholarships.”

“AFA was on target with their selections,” said Vickie Mauldin, FCEF’s Executive Director. “The accomplishments of these recipients clearly demonstrate proven performance and a passion for excellence. Each individual will undoubtedly continue to accomplish much for their communities and our nation. FCEF is honored to help them pursue their dreams.”

The recipients of the 2008 AFA-FCEF Air Force Excellence Scholarships are as follows:

• Major Timothy Kern: As a member of the Ohio Air National Guard, Major Kerns' serves as OIC, Project Engineering, 220th Engineering Installation Squadron. In his civilian career, Major Kerns' serves as a member of the Ohio University administration as well as being an active member of the Athens, Ohio Area Chamber of Commerce. He has served as a member of the Ohio Air Force Association Executive Committee and as a member of the resolutions committee for the Ohio National Guard Association. He is currently pursuing a Masters degree in International Economics at Ohio University in Athen, Ohio.
• Ms. Judith LaValley: A graduate the US Air Force Academy, Ms. LeValley began her Air Force career flying KC-135 tankers in support of the first Gulf War. Shortly after her return from the Gulf War, Ms. LaValley returned to the Air Force Academy as the first female staff member of the parachuting program. Her final assignment on active duty was as a reconnaissance pilot in the RC-135. Ms. LeValley, who is now an Air Force spouse, is currently pursuing a Masters degree in International Security Studies from the University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
• Mr. Brad Byington: As a Special Agent of the Air Force Office of Special Operations, Mr. Byington conducts investigations into suspected acts of espionage, terrorism, acts of larceny; multiply types of fraud, drug use and distribution, corruption of the contracting process and other illegal activity that undermines the mission of the USAF. Mr. Byington is currently completing his undergraduate degree in Sociology from the University of Saint Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota.
• Mr. Jeffrey Spraker: A member of the Class of 2008, Mr. Spraker graduated Salutatorian with a 3.98 GPA from Radford High School in Honolulu, Hawaii. Mr. Spraker served his high school as Student Council Vice President, as a member of the National Honor Society and National Math Honor Society. Mr. Spraker plans to obtain his undergraduate degree in Aerospace Engineering from the California Institute of Technology.
• Ms. Diane Smith: Ms. Smith is currently serving our country as an Afghan Regional Security Integration Command Analyst, in support of the global war on terrorism. Ms. Smith previously served as an intelligence analyst at Balad AB, Iraq. Ms. Smith was named as the US Air Forces in Europe Intelligence Airman of the Year in 2006 and the 325th OSS Airman of the Year, Tyndall AFB, Florida in 2007. Ms. Smith is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies from the University of West Florida.

Contact: Ann Sagle at 703.247.5800 ext 4869 or ASagle@AFA.org.

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 200 chapters nationally and internationally representing more than 125,000 members. Visit AFA at http://www.afa.org.

First Command Educational Foundation, 501(c)(3) public charity, promotes education as the foundation to a productive society through scholarships and financial literacy programs dedicated to financial wellness and independence. Learn more at http://www.firstcommand.org.

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