FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Air Force Association Presents Aerospace Awards

Arlington, VA, October 8, 2003 – The Air Force Association (AFA) recently presented its top National Aerospace Awards for civilian, military and industry leadership during its Annual National Convention in Washington, D.C. The award presentations were part of AFA’s celebration of “Up From Kitty Hawk” – the 100th Anniversary of Powered Flight.”

AFA Chairman of the Board John J. Politi presented the awards, including AFA’s first-ever Lifetime Achievement Awards to five air and space pioneers. “AFA awards highlight the excellent aerospace contributions made by many talented and dedicated Air Force people and AFA members working in support of national defense,” Politi said.

“Airmen and civilians, Guardsmen and Reservists give their best day-in and day-out for the good of our Air Force and the nations. We salute AFA’s 2003 National Award recipients serving on the home front and abroad, often in harms way, as well as our AFA members working in chapter activities throughout the United States and overseas,” Politi added.

Receiving the Association’s Lifetime Achievement Awards at the black-tie event attended by 1,200 guests at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel were: John R. Alison, Maj Gen., USAF retired; John H. Glenn, Senator and Col., USMC retired; Jeanne M. Holm, Maj Gen., USAF retired; Charles E. McGee, Col. USAF retired and Bernard A. Schriever, Gen. USAF retired. The lifetime achievement award recognizes not a single achievement, but a lifetime of work in the advancement of aerospace.

AFA also presented a special aerospace industry salute celebrating the historic achievement and pioneer spirit of Orville and Wilbur Wright. AFA presented an industry videotape of the CEOs of the four largest defense contractors—William H. Swanson, CEO and President, Raytheon; Dr. Ronald D. Sugar, CEO and President Northrop Grumman; Dr. Vance D. Coffman, Chairman and CEO Lockheed Martin; Philip M. Condit, Chairman and CEO, The Boeing Company.

Four top aerospace awards were presented during the dinner that also celebrated the Air Force’s 56th Anniversary.

H.H. Arnold Award
The most outstanding military contributions in the field of national security
Gen. T. Michael Moseley, Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force
For outstanding service to the nation while serving as the Air Component Commander of U.S. Central Command and 9th Air Force, Shaw AFB, S.C. General Moseley was at the forefront of the war on terrorism. He successfully led joint air operations and orchestrated the air war for operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

W. Stuart Symington Award
The most outstanding civilian contribution in the field of national security
Dr. James G. Roche, Secretary of the Air Force
For outstanding service and leadership to national defense, while serving as the Secretary of the Air Force. Secretary Roche ensured the timely implementation of decisions and instructions for the President and Secretary of Defense. He has worked tirelessly to ensure the Air Force can fight the global war on terrorism, continue transformation and meet future operational requirements.

John R. Alison Award
The most outstanding contributions to national defense by an industrial leader
Joint Direct Attack Munition Industry Team, The Boeing Company
For outstanding contributions to the war on terrorism in supplying the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) satellite-guided munitions for smart bombs. As a joint U.S. Air Force and Navy program that turns existing, unguided bombs into precision-guided 21st century weapons.

David C. Schilling Award
The most outstanding contribution in the field of flight
The Men and Women of the United States Air Force
For Outstanding contributions to national defense while providing air dominance in the global war on terrorism The Total Force of active duty, Guard, Reserve and civilians supported a wide spectrum of air and space operations to include Operations Enduring Freedom, Noble Eagle, Iraqi Freedom and numerous worldwide deployments.

The Air Force Association 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 250 chapters nationwide and overseas, and more than 136,000 members.

The complete list of 2003 AFA national award recipients is available online at http://www.afa.org/AboutUS/nawards.asp.

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Contact: Queenie Byars, National Aerospace Awards, The Air Force Association, 1501 Lee Hwy, Arlington, VA 22209, (703) 247-5800, Ext. 4725; email: qbyars@afa.org.

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