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For Immediate Release
September 24, 2009
AFA’s 2009 Air & Space Conference and Technology Expo Puts Focus on Future
Arlington, VA – The 2009 Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition focused on the future of the Air Force with 36 remarkable presentations and panels – a record number of participating speakers – and more than 130 exhibits of the latest in aerospace and defense technology in an expanded Exposition venue. The Air Force Association’s National Convention, a coinciding event the prior weekend, wrapped up with the election of National Officers.
This year’s acclaimed list of Convention speakers was headlined by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, who made news by returning authority over the tanker decision to the U.S. Air Force. The Conference was led off with the State of the Force address by Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, and centered on a presentation by Chief of Staff of the Air Force Norton Schwartz.
Highlights of the three days included the Four Star Forum of leaders of the Air Force Major Commands, and presentations by former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Richard Myers, Pulitzer Prize-winner Charles Krauthammer and Vinton Cerf of Google.
Special heritage presentations this year added a historic emphasis: the Tuskegee Airmen, the Doolittle Raiders, and Dr. James Schlesinger – recipients of AFA’s Lifetime Achievement Award – along with prior recipient General John R. Alison.
“The speakers were exceptional this year. These are important times for our nation and our military, and we are proud to highlight many of the key issues of the day,” said Joe Sutter, Chairman of the Board of AFA. “I was pleased with the transition to the new venue, and I appreciate the dedication and planning of so many people that made it a success.
“We appreciate the opportunity to provide a forum for our Air Force and defense leaders. It’s great to bring so many important topics and experts together in one Conference,” said Mike Dunn, President of AFA. “The Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition is a welcome chance for networking and professional development, and a unique opportunity to hear directly from some knowledgeable and entertaining speakers.”
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 207 registered delegates representing 39 states and the District of Columbia.
In concert with its mission to educate, advocate and support, the AFA approved a Statement of Policy and Top Issues for 2010.
The following were elected or reelected as National Officers:
National Officers
- Joseph E. Sutter (Knoxville, TN) – 2nd term Chairman of the Board
- James R. “Jim” Lauducci (Alexandria, VA) – 2nd term Vice Chairman of the Board, Field Operations
- S. Sanford “Sandy” Schlitt (Sarasota, FL) –3rd term Vice Chairman of the Board, Aerospace Education
- Joan Sell (Colorado Springs, CO) – 1st term AFA Secretary
- Steven R. Lundgren (Fairbanks, AK) – 5th term AFA Treasurer
National Directors elected for three year terms
- At-Large -- Larry Lawson (Atlanta, GA)
- At-Large -- William R. Looney, III (Garden Ridge, TX)
- West Geographic Area -- Wayne R. Kauffman (Agoura, CA)
Newly Elected Region Presidents
Central East – Jeffrey Platte (VA)
Far West – Richard Taubinger (CA)
Florida – James Connors (FL)
Great Lakes – John McCance (OH)
New England – John Hasson (MA)
North Central – James Simons (ND)
Rocky Mountain – Grant Hicinbothem (UT)
Southwest – John Toohey (NM)
Texoma – David Dietch (TX)
Continuing Region Presidents
Midwest – Frank Gustine (Il)
Northeast – Bob Nunamann (NJ)
Northwest – Fred Rosenfelder (WA)
South Central – Mark Dierlam (AL)
Southeast – Don Michaels (GA)
Acknowledgements
- Credentials Committee
- Bonnie Callahan, Chair (FL)
- Mary J. Mayer (OR)
- Fran C. Shaw (FL)
- Inspectors of Election
- Ron Mielke, Chair (SD)
- John McCance (OH)
- Ron Adams (MA)
- Parliamentarian
- Joan Blankenship (OK)
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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