FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

US Air Force Looks to the Future at AFA’s 2008 Air & Space Conference and Technology Expo

Arlington, VA – The Air & Space Conference and Technology Exhibition with 35 speakers and more than 130 exhibits of the latest in aerospace and defense technology, along with the coinciding Air Force Association’s National Convention, wrapped up Sept. 17 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, D.C.

An acclaimed list of speakers topped a packed schedule of events. The Conference was led off with the State of the Force address by Acting Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, and concluded with a Four Star Forum of leaders of the Air Force Major Commands.

At the Conference’s center was an important speech by Chief of Staff General Norton Schwartz on the theme of “Keeping the Promise.” General Schwartz commended the contributions of our nation’s Airmen, expanded on their vital role in the Global War on terror and other global missions, and said there will be additional steps ahead to keep the nation’s trust.

Other highlights of the three-day event included Assistant Secretary of Defense Michael Vickers and Central Intelligence Agency Director Michael Hayden. There were a variety of panel discussions, forums, professional development workshops, news conferences with senior Air Force leaders and countless networking opportunities. Journalist Peter Baker, Google’s Neil Daswani and best-selling author Dale Brown added to the prestigious line-up of defense and aerospace experts and academics speaking at the Conference.

“I’m especially proud of this year’s outstanding Conference,” said Bob Largent, who is completing his term as Chairman of the Board of AFA. “This was an exceptional line-up of speakers and they provided the right tone in a time of transition for the Air Force.”

“This Conference proved to be a great forum at an important point for the Air Force, and we appreciate everyone who attended and took part,” said Joe Sutter, incoming Chairman of the Board of AFA. “This is a premier event, and it takes months of planning and effort from some dedicated people to make it happen.”

“We know there are tough decisions ahead, but AFA is looking forward to a great year ahead for the Association and the finest Air Force on the planet.” Michael Dunn, President of AFA. “The Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition is a great place for networking and professional development, and that seemed to be especially the case this year.”

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. Complete listings of the National Aerospace Awards and the Outstanding Airmen are available at www.AFA.org.

National Convention

AFA’s National Convention over the weekend included 234 registered delegates representing 44 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 2009.

The following were elected or reelected as National Officers:

• Joseph E. Sutter (Knoxville, TN) – 1st term Chairman of the Board
• James R. “Jim” Lauducci (Alexandria, VA) – 1st term Vice Chairman of the Board, Field Operations
• S. Sanford “Sandy” Schlitt (Sarasota, FL) –2nd term Vice Chairman of the Board, Aerospace Education
• Judy K. Church (Lenexa, KS) – 3rd term AFA Secretary
• Steven R. Lundgren (Fairbanks, AK) – 4th term AFA Treasurer