Arlington, VA, October 2, 2002 - The Air Force
Association presented national aerospace awards to top
civilian, military and industry leaders during
ceremonies at the 2002 National Convention and Aerospace
Technology Exposition held recently at the Marriott
Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC.
H. H. Arnold Award
The most outstanding military contributions in the field
of National Security
Gen. Richard B. Myers, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of
Staff
For outstanding service and leadership to the nation
while serving as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
and principal military adviser to the Secretary of
Defense and the President. General Myers has
successfully communicated to the commanders of the
combatant commands, coalition forces, Congress and the
American people the military requirements to fight the
war on international terrorism. He has met the challenge
with exceptional leadership, insight and resolve.
Additionally, General Myers is a well-informed advocate
for air and space capabilities, championing jointness
and transformation in training, education, doctrine and
organization to prepare the Services for the future.
W. Stuart Symington Award
The most outstanding civilian contributions in the field
of National Security
U.S. Rep. James V. Hansen
For outstanding contribution to national defense,
advocating aerospace power and promoting the Air Force
as America’s principal air and space power force.
Throughout his tenure as co-chair of the House Depot
Caucus and member of the House Armed Services Committee,
Congressman Hansen played a key role in assuring the
funding for future and current weapon system production
and depot maintenance requirements. A strong supporter
of the Air Force Memorial, he worked to identify and
establish a permanent site for the Memorial. His
outstanding reputation of support for the continued
development of our Air and Space capabilities earned him
respect from service members throughout the United
States Air Force as well as the other Armed Forces.
John R. Alison Award
The most outstanding contributions to National Defense
by an industrial leader (Co-recipients)
Jerry Morgensen, President and CEO, Hensel Phelps,
Greeley, CO., and
Sydney Gillibrand, Chairman, AMEC plc, London
For guiding their employee work force in renovating and
rebuilding the Pentagon after the September 11 terrorist
attacks. Faced with the daunting task of rebuilding
damaged sections of the Pentagon, the dedicated staffs
and work crews of AMEC and Hensel Phelps, major design
and construction management companies, immediately went
to work. Committed to helping meet the Department of
Defense’s one-year goal of getting Pentagon personnel
back in their offices, the companies worked
hand-in-hand. AMEC focused on rebuilding the exterior
shell while Hensel Phelps focused on rebuilding the
interior and renovating the damaged Pentagon. Together
these award-winning companies represent outstanding
industrial leadership supporting national defense.
David C. Schilling Award
The most outstanding contributions in the field of
Flight
27th Fighter Squadron, Langley AFB, VA
For outstanding contributions to national defense while
deployed to Saudi Arabia in support of Operation
SOUTHERN WATCH where they participated in multiple
defensive counter air and high-value airborne asset
protection missions. Only two days after returning to
the U.S., the September 11 terrorist attacks occurred.
The men and women of the 27th Fighter Squadron, within
two hours, were airborne, providing protection for the
National Command Authority and the rest of the Nation’s
civilian and military leadership. During the initial 12
hours, pilots intercepted, identified, refused entry,
and escorted dozens of civilian and military aircraft
ensuring the safety of U.S. airspace. The squadron
provided continuous Combat Air Patrols over the national
capital region, and Three Mile Island, as well as
frequent escort of Air Force One and Marine One.
Theodore von Karman Award
The most outstanding contributions in the field of
Science and Engineering
Air Force Intelligence Surveillance and
Reconnaissance UAV Team
For performing outstanding service to the nation while
revolutionizing modern aerial warfare. The long-range
deployments of Global Hawk to Australia, and in support
of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, demonstrate the Aerospace
Expeditionary Force concept and the integration of ISR
and operations in the Global Strike Task Force. Through
diligent team effort, Global Hawk continues to establish
world records and higher standards for both UAVs and ISR
platforms. The use of Predator with laser designators
and Hellfire missiles marks a revolution in the ability
of airborne ISR to support time critical targeting of
mobile targets. This innovation provides commanders with
not only an “eye in the sky,” but also new roles for
UAVs such as forward air control and ground attack.
Gill Robb Wilson Award
The most outstanding contributions in the field of Arts
and Letters
Tom Brokaw, NBC Nightly News
For his third book, “ An Album of Memories” which
chronicles stories of the greatest Generation, and his
“Home of the Brave” news features. Both the book and the
news feature pay tribute to the men and women who came
of age during WWII and particularly those who served in
the armed forces. Tom Brokaw documents the actual
experiences of those who risked their lives and endured
great hardships for what they strongly believed was a
good cause. The values of patriotism, self-sacrifice and
courage under fire are evident throughout the writings.
The Air Force Association salutes his outstanding
contributions to the field of arts and letters.
Hoyt S. Vandenberg Award
The most outstanding contributions in the field of
Aerospace Education
Civil Air Patrol Aerospace Education Program, Maxwell
AFB, AL
For a dynamic program that provides aerospace education
to 60,000 CAP cadet and senior members assigned to more
than 1,700 CAP units. The program also provides
aerospace education materials to thousands of teachers
across the nation reaching approximately 300,000
students. The Civil Air Patrol builds partnerships
between aerospace leaders, government, educators and the
American public. CAP also prepares cadets for entry into
the Air Force and for accelerated promotions through the
Air Force endorsed “E-3” recruiting program. The Air
Force Association salutes CAP’s far-reaching Aerospace
Education Program.
Thomas P. Gerrity Award
The most outstanding contributions in the field of
Logistics Management
Col Duane A. Jones, Shaw AFB, SC
For strong leadership and commitment to excellence while
assigned as United States Central Command Air Forces
Director of Logistics. He successfully orchestrated the
logistics of three very large missions: Operation
ENDURING FREEDOM, Operation SOUTHERN WATCH, and EXERCISE
BRIGHT STAR 01-02. He also manages a 3.5 billion dollar
war reserve materiel program. Within one week of the
September 11 terrorist attacks, Colonel Jones deployed
and established the Combined Forces Air Component
Commander’s Logistics Readiness Center and forged it
into a powerful force multiplier. He orchestrated the
movement and build-up of over 6, 100 pallets of Harvest
Falcon assets at eight locations. The Director of
Logistics assumed executive agent responsibilities for
the Joint Movement Center and monitored and validated
94,000 passengers, 114,900 short tons of cargo, and
6,983 aircraft missions. Under his leadership in support
of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM, the unit spearheaded the
largest engineering construction effort since the
Vietnam conflict.
Each year the Air Force Association honors the
outstanding achievements of men and women throughout the
United States Air Force, government, academia and the
aerospace industry. The Association presents the awards
at local AFA chapter and regional forums and during the
AFA National Convention in Washington, DC. A complete
list of AFA 2002 national aerospace and specialty awards
is available at
http://www.afa.org/AboutUs/nawards.asp.
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
140,000 members.
####
Contact: Queenie Byars, National Aerospace Awards
Program Manager, The Air Force Association, 1501 Lee
Hwy, Arlington, VA 22209, 703.247.5800, ext 4825, email:
qbyars@afa.org.
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