Air Force Association’s 2004 conference opens Published Sept. 13, 2004 By Tech. Sgt. David A. Jablonski Air Force Print News WASHINGTON -- Touting America’s superior air and space force, the Air Force Association’s 2004 Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition opened here Sept. 13.Under the theme “Professional Development for the Total Force,” the conference features three days of workshops focused on furthering the potential of America’s Airmen. John J. Politi, AFA chairman of the board, highlighted Air Force achievements relative to current world events and the war on terrorism during his opening remarks.“Air and space power has often led the way to success in the joint and combined campaigns, but still we face a relentless enemy and much remains to be accomplished,” Mr. Politi said.“The Air Force Association is extremely proud of our Airmen and industry partners serving across the globe,” Mr. Politi said. “Their dedication, commitment and patriotism are extraordinary, and we hope this event will serve as a valuable method for them to advance their careers now and in the years to come.” Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche centered his opening remarks on the sacrifice of Airmen.“The men and women here today understand the awesome effects of air and space power,” Secretary Roche said. “We also understand the omnipresent danger even in peacetime. You know the security of our country often depends on those who endure unspeakable hardship in silence, whose sacrifices occur without public knowledge.”Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper also welcomed Airmen and spoke of the importance of this year’s theme.“The professional development theme fits well with our force development initiatives that have taken root over the last couple of years,” General Jumper said.But the first hours of the conference were dedicated to recognizing countless Airmen, civilians and family members who contributed to the Air Force’s success in 2004.Secretary Roche and General Jumper specifically recognized two men, presenting the Silver Star to retired Cols. John McKone and Freeman Olmstead. The colonels distinguished themselves during operations July 1, 1960 to Jan. 24, 1961. During that time the two 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing pilots were held captive in solitary confinement in a Moscow prison after a Soviet fighter aircraft had shot down their RB-47 aircraft over international waters. For 208 days the colonels were continuously interrogated and harassed by numerous Soviet secret police interrogation teams. Although gravely weakened physically by the lack of food, denial of sleep and the mental rigors of constant interrogations, the colonels steadfastly refused to give sensitive defense information or to be exploited for propaganda purposes. They resisted all Soviet efforts to obtain the confessions the captors sought as part of a pretrial investigation. After enduring seven months of unmentionable hardship, the colonels were finally released to the United States under the condition that the situation would not be used as a public demonstration of Soviet defeat. A showcase trial in the Soviet Union was never held.Mr. Politi, joined by more Air Force leaders, presented nearly 50 individual and unit awards. The AFA’s complete list of awards and winners is available at: www.afa.org/AboutUs/nawards.asp. The most significant award presentation took place when the association recognized the 2004 Outstanding Airmen of the Year. They are at www.afa.org/AboutUs/12oa.asp. The conference continues through Sept. 15. It will feature forums and workshops, a technology exposition and the Air Force Memorial groundbreaking ceremony Sept. 15 near the Pentagon.The Air Force Association is an independent, nonprofit, civilian organization promoting public understanding of aerospace power and the pivotal role it plays in the security of the nation. It has nearly 133,000 members.