Arlington, VA, September 15, 2000-The Air Force Association
presented its prestigious Member of the Year Award to Mary Anne
Thompson. The award was presented at AFA's National Convention
and Aerospace Technology Exposition, held in Washington, D.C.,
September 11-13, 2000.
Thompson joined AFA in 1981. Throughout the years she has
served as National Vice President for the Central East Region,
Virginia State President, State Vice President for Programs,
State Secretary, Chapter President, National Board of Directors,
AEF Board of Trustees, and numerous committee appointments.
Thompson is currently an AFA National Director, a member of the
Aerospace Education Foundation's Board of Trustees and a
life member of the association.
Her awards include AFA chapter, state, region, and
national awards including the Ira Eaker Fellowship
Award, AFA Medal of Merit, the Exceptional Service Award
and the AFA Presidential Citation.
Thompson's work with AFA/AEF began in 1957. Beginning
with her work with Angel Flight, Thompson wrote the
original National Standard Operating Procedure and
designed the Angel Flight pin still used today. She also
developed the Nations first university-level Aerospace
Education Instructional Materials Center at the
University of Nebraska. She is the author of several
aerospace publications for the Civil Air Patrol (CAP),
FAA, NASA and the National Air & Space Museum. Thompson
has also taught at all grade levels - kindergarten
through college - while incorporating aviation and space
concepts into the curriculum. At present, she is the
President of the National Coalition of Aviation Education.
According to John Craig II, AFA Central East Region
President, "her AFA/AEF educational outreach to
political leaders and community leaders, is incredibly
effective." Glen Thompson, President, Leigh Wade Chapter
says she's "a role model in meritorious service and
outstanding leadership in support of the AFA and AEF;
she is the AFA/AEF ambassador."
Born in Montclair, New Jersey, Ms. Thompson is a
graduate of Montclair High School. She holds a Bachelor
of Science degree from Pennsylvania State University in
Commercial Consumer Services, an M.ED in Elementary
Education from the University of Nebraska, and an
Education Specialist post Masters Degree from Troy State
University. She is presently employed with TRW, Inc. and
is the mother of two children.
CONTACT: Melissa Braxton, AFA Assistant for
News and Information
(703) 247-5843,
mbraxton@afa.org
LOCAL CONTACT: Mary Anne Thompson, (703)
242-8725
The Air Force Association is an independent,
non-profit, civilian aerospace organization whose
objective is to promote greater understanding of the
role aerospace power plays in national defense. AFA is a
grass-roots organization with a membership of 150,000.
The Air Force Association was incorporated in the
District of Columbia on February 4, 1946.
