Range News, AZ
11-14-07
US Air Force Charts New Course at AFA's 2007 Air & Space Conference and
Technology Expo
ARLINGTON, Va. - The Air Force Association's National Convention and Air &
Space Conference and Technology Exhibition, celebrating the 60th Anniversary
of the U.S. Air Force this year with more than 6,000 in attendance, wrapped up
Sept. 26 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, D.C.
Attending from Cochise County this year was Ross Lampert of Hereford. "I'm
proud to be a part of AFA, and it was a great year to make the trip to
Washington," Lampert said. "I was especially honored to accept the Community
Partner Gold Award for the Cochise Chapter." Ten local business and community
leaders are chapter Community Partners, exceeding AFA's six percent criterion.
A packed schedule of events included 35 presentations by an acclaimed list of
speakers, news conferences with senior Air Force leaders, and the coinciding
Global Air Chiefs Conference with military leaders from 84 nations in attendance.
The Technology Expo included 135 exhibitors showcasing the exciting future of
air and space technology."The Air Force's 60th year and the addition of the
Global Air Chiefs Conference just added to the momentum of an absolutely
outstanding Conference," said Robert E. 'Bob' Largent, Chairman of the Board of
AFA. "Months of planning and effort culminated in a great Air & Space
Conference and Technology Expo. A lot of people took pride in helping to make
this a premier event," said Michael Dunn, President and CEO of AFA.
The Air Force's senior leaders were the lead and closing speakers. Secretary of
the Air Force Michael Wynne helped set the tone with his "State of the Force"
presentation Monday morning, and General T. Michael Moseley, Chief of Staff,
laid out a vision "To Fly, Fight & Win in the 21st Century" as the final
presentation. (Text of all presentations can be found at www.AFA.org)
Other sessions included speeches by two members of Congress, a Four Star
Forum, a Command Chief Master Sergeants Forum, professional development
seminars, historical discussions, and updates on Cyber, Space, Air Mobility and
Special Operations Commands.
On Sunday, there was a pause for the annual AFA Memorial Service and Wreath
Laying at the Air Force Memorial, attended by many AFA delegates.
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.
Education Emphasis
AFA's high priority on education was highlighted by the presentation of a $25,000
[AFA] Dependent Scholarship by AFA and First Command Educational
Foundation to Cadet Rachel Kolesnikov-Lindsey. Rachel is the daughter of a
single-parent Airman and is an engineering student at MIT.
AFA also recognized Jennifer Sinsel of Wichita, Kansas with the Christa
McAuliffe Memorial Award as the National Teacher of the Year for her
outstanding aerospace, science and mathematics work at the Wichita Collegiate
School.
Also showcasing education were the AFROTC Cadet of the Year awarded to
Maureen A. Hartney at the University of Florida, and the Civil Air Patrol
Aerospace Education Cadet of the Year awarded to Maria T. Mangano of
Iowa State University.
National Convention
AFA's National Convention over the weekend included 274 registered delegates
representing 43 states and the District of Columbia. In concert with its mission of
'educate, advocate and support,' the delegates approved a Statement of Policy
and Top Issues for 2008.
Newly Elected Region Presidents were from the Central East - Mason Botts (VA);
Florida - Tim Brock (FL); Great Lakes - Ron Thompson (OH); New England - Ron
Adams (MA); Northwest - Laird Hansen (WA); North Central -- Ron Mielke (SD);
Rocky Mountain - Joan Sell (CO); Southeast - Don Michaels (GA); Southwest Jim Wheeler (Tucson, AZ); and Texoma - Terry Cox (OK). Continuing as Region
Presidents are from the Midwest - Marv Tooman (IA); Far West - Mike Peters
(CA); Northeast - Maxine Rauch (NY); and South Central - Len Vernamonti (MS).
Article submitted by Ross B. Lampert, Lt Col, USAF (Ret.), Vice President,
Cochise Chapter, Arizona Air Force Association, who attended the 2007 Air
Force Association (AFA) National Convention and Air & Space Conference,
representing the Cochise Chapter.