Air Force museum director to receive national award

  • Published
  • By Sarah Swan
  • National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
DAYTON, Ohio (AFNS) --  The director of the National Museum of the Air Force was recently selected as a recipient of the National Aeronautic Association Wesley L. McDonald Elder Statesman of Aviation Award.

Retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Charles D. Metcalf is one of four recipients this year who will be honored at the NAA Fall Awards Banquet Nov. 8 in Arlington, Va.

The Elder Statesman awards were established in 1954 to honor outstanding Americans, who, by their efforts over a period of years, have made contributions of significant value to aeronautics and have reflected credit upon the U.S. and themselves. Previous winners of the award include Eddie Rickenbacker, James Doolittle, Olive Ann Beech, Scott Crossfield and Chuck Yeager.

Since 1996, General Metcalf has managed the world's largest and oldest military aviation museum, portraying the heritage and traditions of the Air Force through specialized exhibits. He provides technical and professional guidance to the U.S. Air Force Heritage Program, which includes 12 field museums and 260 domestic and international heritage sites.

Additionally, he ensures accountability for more than 6,000 historical artifacts and aerospace vehicles on loan to more than 450 civilian museums, cities, municipalities and veterans' organizations throughout the world.

General Metcalf entered the Air Force in 1955 and served for nearly 36 years on active duty in a variety of financial management and planning positions until retiring in 1991.

The National Aeronautic Association is a non-profit, membership organization devoted to fostering America's aerospace leadership and promoting public understanding of the importance of aviation and space flight to the U.S.

For more information about NAA, visit www.naa.aero.