FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES 2005 AEROSPACE AWARD RECIPIENTS

Contact: Lynette Cross at (703) 247-5800, x. 4807 or lcross@afa.org

Arlington, VA, June 29, 2005 – The Air Force Association (AFA) has announced the recipients of its annual national aerospace awards. The awards will be officially presented to winners at local events and during ceremonies at the Air & Space Conference, scheduled for September 12-14, 2005, at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, D.C.

“The Air Force Association salutes the dedicated men and women of our U.S. Air Force," Stephen P. (Pat) Condon, AFA Chairman of the Board, said. "We especially appreciate those serving around the world in harm's way and making significant contributions to the global war on terrorism," he added.

The AFA awards program recognizes top civilian, military and industry leaders along with individual specialties, teams, crews and units that have made outstanding contributions to the Air Force and air and space power. “The 2005 AFA national aerospace awards recognize the best of the best, and their contributions would not be possible without the total team effort of active duty, Guard, Reserve, civilians, and contractors," said Condon.

Air Force Association members volunteer in local and state chapters to support Airmen and the Air Force’s role in national defense and help educate the public on air and space power, continuing the tradition airpower legends Generals H. Hap Arnold and Jimmy Doolittle began in 1945.

The award winners are:

H. H. Arnold Award
For most significant contribution by a military member for national defense
Gen Gregory S. Martin
Commander, Air Force Materiel Command
Wright-Patterson AFB, OH

W. Stuart Symington Award
For most significant contribution by a civilian for national defense
The Honorable Duncan Hunter (R-CA)
Chairman, House Armed Services Committee
Washington, DC

John R. Alison Award
For industrial leadership to national defense
Sir Richard Branson
Chairman, Virgin Atlantic Airlines & Virgin Galactic
London, England

David C. Schilling Award
For most outstanding contribution in the field of flight
99th Reconnaissance Squadron
9th Reconnaissance Wing
Beale AFB, CA

Theodore Von Karman Award
For most outstanding contribution in the field of science and engineering
Team of Maj Michael D. Eliason and Maj Eric J. Trychon
Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces
Hickham AFB, HI

Gill Robb Wilson Award
For outstanding contribution in the field of Arts and Letters
Maj Todd A. Ernst
Formerly of 560th Flying Training Squadron
Randolph AFB, TX

Hoyt S. Vandenberg Award
For most outstanding contribution in the field of Aerospace Education
Steven Udvar-Hazy
Chairman & CEO
International Lease Finance Corp.
Los Angeles, CA

Thomas P. Gerrity Award
For outstanding contribution in the field of systems and logistics
Maj Daniel A. Pacheco
Chief, Distribution Policy Branch
Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces
Hickham AFB, HI

A complete list of award winners is available at: http://www.afa.org/AboutUs/nawards.asp.

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The Air Force Association (AFA) 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 230 chapters nationwide and overseas, and more than 130,000 members. Visit us on the Internet at www.afa.org.