For Immediate Release
September 21, 2012

Recap: AFA’s 2012 National Convention and Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition

Arlington, VA – The 2012 Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition and National Convention brought together senior military leadership, industry experts, airmen and civilians from around the world to discuss issues and challenges of the US Air Force and national security.

This annual event culminated on Wednesday, September 19, 2012, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, after three days of conference addresses, workshops, and panels and an exhibit floor of more than 100,000 square feet displaying the cutting-edge technology of the future.

The Conference was opened up with a welcome from Chief of Staff of the Air Force General Mark Welsh, followed by a presentation from Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley. 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 here.

Throughout the Conference, participants were able to hear military leaders and national defense and policy experts give presentations on air and space power at 65 different conference forums, including a Four-Star Forum of leaders of the Air Force major commands. Other highlights included forums led by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey; Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki; and Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter.

Special heritage presentations emphasized AFA's dedication to preserving and honoring Air Force history. This year’s AFA Lifetime Achievement Awards recognized fighter pilots of World War II; Korean War airmen; POWs of the Vietnam War; aircrews of the Berlin Airlift, and General James P. McCarthy, for a lifetime of work in the advancement of aerospace.

“Each year, we are honored to provide this great forum for open dialogue among the aerospace and Air Force communities,” said Craig McKinley, President of AFA. “As our country is still struggling to obtain fiscal austerity, our Air Force, its sister services and the defense industry especially will be expected to do more with less. We hope that with the array of topics covered over the conference’s 65 sessions, we were able to capture all that they do and help the public understand the great challenges that they are facing as well as the advances they have made.”

“This conference embraces our AFA mission, providing an opportunity to demonstrate our educational outreach efforts, our strides in airpower advocacy, and our firm support for our airmen,” said Sandy Schlitt, AFA Chairman of the Board. “Our country will have to make some very difficult decisions in the future, so we need to be educating ourselves on the challenges and searching for the best solutions – which is why this Conference exists.”

National Convention

AFA held their 64th Annual National Convention over the weekend prior to the Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition which included 211 authorized delegates from 38 state delegations. In concert with its mission to educate, advocate and support, the AFA delegates approved a Statement of Policy and Top Issues for 2012, a document that represent’s AFA’s position on important matters pertaining to those who have served in the total Air Force, as well as key modernization and national security issues.

The following National Officers were elected or reelected for one year terms:

• George K. Muellner (Huntington Beach, CA) – first term Chairman of the Board

• Scott P. Van Cleef (Fincastle, VA) – first term Vice Chairman of the Board, Field Operations

• Jerry E. White (Colorado Springs, CO) – first term Vice Chairman of the Board, Aerospace Education

• Edward W. “Ed” Garland (San Antonio, TX) – second term National Secretary

• Leonard R. “Len” Vernamonti (Clinton, MS) – third term National Treasurer

The Air Force Association is a non-profit, independent, professional military and aerospace education association. Our mission is to promote a dominant United States Air Force and a strong national defense, and to honor Airmen and our Air Force Heritage. To accomplish this, we:

• EDUCATE the public on the critical need for unmatched aerospace power and a technically superior workforce to ensure U.S. national security.
• ADVOCATE for aerospace power and STEM education.
• SUPPORT the Total Air Force family and promote aerospace education.

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