Air, Space & Cyber Conference Kicks Off

Arlington, Va, – AFA is excited to kick-off our 2021 Air, Space & Cyber Conference with our theme of “Air and Space Leadership for Our Nation – Today and Tomorrow”. The conference is jam-packed with 38 sessions over 3 days and more than 150 exhibitors in our exhibit hall. We are thrilled to be back in person once again and look forward to seeing our Airmen, Guardians, industry supporters, AFA members, and media at the Gaylord National Resort.

To kick off the conference we have two special videos to share with you. 

Combat Leadership and Courage

Col Thomas Kirk, USAF (Ret.) and Col Gene Smith, USAF (Ret.) spent a combined 3,931 days in captivity as prisoners of war during the Vietnam War before ultimately being released during Operation Homecoming in March of 1973. Kirk and Smith offer insights for the Airmen and Guardians fighting today on how to lead in combat through the courage they foraged during their harrowing time as prisoners of war.

Winning – Our Air Force Heritage and Future 

Col James Harvey, USAF (Ret.) recounts to Col Cesar “Rico” Rodriguez, USAF (Ret.) his 1949 Top Gun Trophy Win at Nellis Air Force Base with the 332nd Fighter Group. Harvey discusses the obstacles he and his fellow Tuskegee Airmen overcame to be recognized decades later for winning the prestigious trophy.