AFA's 2010 Air & Space Conference and Technology Expo Unites Military Leaders, Industry Experts and Others
ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The 2010 Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition culminated on Wednesday, September 15, 2010, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, after three days of remarkable presentations and panels and engaging exhibits of the latest in aerospace and defense technology.
The Conference and Expo opened on Monday, September 13, with a welcome from Chief of Staff of the Air Force General Norton A. Schwartz, followed by a presentation from Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley. But throughout the annual conference, participants were able to hear military leaders and experts give presentations on air and space power at 45 different conference addresses, workshops and forums, including a Four-Star Forum and Command Chief Master Sergeants Forum. Panelists and speakers included Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James A. Roy; Director of the National Reconnaissance Office General (ret) Bruce A. Carlson; and Pulitzer-prize winning columnist Dr. Charles Krauthammer, as well as many other noted scholars and experts.
The topics and themes of the presentations of this year's conference covered several subject matters, including nuclear enterprise, security, cyber warfare and challenges of the 21st century.
The Technology Exposition boasted 140-plus different exhibits allowing participants to have a "hands-on" look at the cutting edge technology of the future.
"The Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition is a great opportunity for the Air Force community to get together, to network and to professionally grow," said Mike Dunn, President of AFA. "We welcome the opportunity to provide an environment to bring important topics and experts together."
"Our conference provides a unique opportunity to hear directly from some of our defense leaders," said Joe Sutter, Chairman of AFA. "The events, the presentations and our speakers were exceptional this year, and I appreciate the dedication and planning of so many individuals who helped make this a success."
Several awards were distributed throughout the conference, including four Lifetime Achievements and a Bronze Star Medal, given to SSgt Kenneth Walker, 116th ASOS, for his bravery and acts of merit during ground combat in Afghanistan.
AFA's Lifetime Achievement Awards recognize not a single achievement of its recipients, but a lifetime of work in the advancement of aerospace. This year, these special heritage presentations went to members of WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots), a pioneering organization of civilian female pilots employed to fly military aircraft during World War II; General (ret) Lawrence A. Skantze; Mr. Andrew W. Marshall; and Colonel (ret) Walter J. Boyne.
Additionally, three Medal of Honor recipients were in attendance – Col (ret) George E. "Bud" Day, Col (ret) Joe M. Jackson and Col (ret) Leo K. Thorsness.
The Sunday prior, AFA hosted their annual Memorial Service and Wreath Laying Ceremony, which was widely attended as the services and sacrifices of the men and women of the U.S. Air Force were honored.
AFA's National Aerospace Awards were presented in a Monday ceremony, and the Air Force's Twelve Outstanding Airmen of the Year were honored at an evening dinner. Complete listings of the National Aerospace Awards and the Outstanding Airmen are available at www.AFA.org.
National Convention
AFA held their National Convention over the weekend leading up to the Air & Space Conference and Technology Expo, which included 237 registered delegates from around the nation.
In concert with its mission to educate, advocate and support, the AFA approved a Statement of Policy and Top Issues for 2010.
The following were elected or reelected as National Officers:
National Officers:
- Sandy Schlitt (FL) – Chairman of the Board
- Justin Faiferlick (IA) – Vice Chairman of the Board, Field Operations
- George Muellner (CA) – Vice Chairman of the Board, Aerospace Education
- Len Vernamonti (MS) – AFA Treasurer
- Joan Sell (CO) – 2nd term AFA Secretary
National Directors are elected for three-year terms.
- Tim Brock (FL) – Director At-large
- Angela Dupont (MA) – Director At-large
- Marv Tooman (IA) – Central Area Director
Newly Elected Region Presidents:
- Great Lakes – Bill Grider (IN)
- Midwest – Mike Cook (NE)
- Northeast – Eric Taylor (PA)
- Northwest – Rick Sine (WA)
- South Central – Tom Gwaltney (AL)
- Southeast – Dave Klinkicht (NC)
Continuing Region Presidents:
- Central East – Jeffrey Platte (VA)
- Far West – Richard Taubinger (CA)
- Florida – James Connors (FL)
- New England – John Hasson (MA)
- North Central – James Simons (ND)
- Rocky Mountain – Grant Hicinbothem (UT)
- Southwest – John Toohey (NM)
- Texoma – David Dietch (TX)
AFA is a 501(C) (3), nonprofit organization promoting public understanding of aerospace power and the pivotal role it plays in the security of the nation. AFA has more than 200 chapters nationally and internationally representing more than 125,000 members. Visit AFA at http://www.afa.org.
First Command Educational Foundation, 501(c)(3) public charity, promotes education as the foundation to a productive society through scholarships and financial literacy programs dedicated to financial wellness and independence. Learn more at http://www.firstcommand.org
SOURCE Air Force Association
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