Senator Roger Wicker Honored with AFA’s W. Stuart Symington Award  

The Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) presented the W. Stuart Symington Award to U.S. Senator Roger Wicker for the most outstanding contribution to national defense by a civilian. 

The award was jointly presented at Senator Wicker’s office by AFA President & CEO Lt. Gen. Burt Field, USAF (Ret.), AFA Chair of the Board Kathleen Ferguson, and AFA Vice President of Legislative Affairs William Castle. 

Senator Wicker, who served in the U.S. Air Force as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer and retired as a lieutenant colonel from the Air Force Reserve, stands as one of the foremost champions for robust national security. Recognized for his leadership, experience, and insight, he has served as both Ranking Member and Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. In these roles, he has been steadfast in promoting greater investment in the Armed Forces to meet the rising threats and challenges of an ever-changing global landscape. 

“It is my honor to receive a commendation so meaningful as the W. Stuart Symington Award. I am humbled to be named alongside some of my heroes. Air power changed the battlefields of the 20th century, and space has become one of the 21st century’s most consequential fronts,” said Wicker. “We must ensure that the U.S. Air and Space Forces remain a bulwark against both conventional and nuclear threats. My Senate Armed Services Committee colleagues and I are committed to supporting America’s Airmen and Guardians—particularly by equipping them with the equipment necessary for today’s mission. I am grateful that the Air & Space Force Association shares that mission and has consistently advocated for these service members and their families.” 

Throughout his career, Wicker has engaged leaders across the Executive Branch, Congress, and the American public with compelling strategies to achieve national security objectives effectively and efficiently. His focus on modernizing service capabilities and ensuring the Armed Forces remain prepared for future challenges reflects his enduring belief in maintaining peace through strength. 

“Sen. Wicker’s steadfast commitment to modernize our Air Force and Space Force and to increase our military readiness are just two examples of what makes him an extraordinary leader in the Senate,” Field said. “His current work to reform our defense acquisition system will be vital in ensuring the taxpayer receives real value for their money while providing our service members with war-winning equipment and support. AFA and our 130,000 Members are grateful for his leadership of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee. Simply put, we are more secure as a nation because of him.” 

AFA is proud to add to Senator Wicker’s distinguished record of service and leadership in awarding him the W. Stuart Symington Award. 

About AFA  

The Air & Space Forces Association is an independent, non-profit 501(c)3 association dedicated to advocating for investment and support for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force, and for supporting Airmen, Guardians, and their Families. Founded in 1946, AFA is the single largest entity of its kind focused on air and space power. With more than 120,000 members and 200 chapters spread around the world, our mission is to promote dominant U.S. Air and Space Forces as the foundation of a strong National Defense; to honor and support Airmen, Guardians, and their Families; and to remember and respect the enduring heritage of the Air and Space Forces.