2003 AFA convention opens

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. David A. Jablonski
  • Air Force Print News
WASHINGTON --  The 2003 Air Force Association convention began Sept. 15 including a gathering of more than 90 global air chiefs from around the world.

Honor guardsmen posted flags from each nation represented at the convention, visually reinforcing the global nature of the annual gathering. The Global Air Chiefs Conference is being held concurrently with the AFA convention. The theme of this year’s convention is “Up From Kitty Hawk, 100 Years of Powered Flight.”

The theme drives home the relevance of accomplishments of the Wright Brothers, who “foresaw the important military applications of flight,” said John J. Politi, AFA chairman of the board.

The Air Force chief of staff, Gen. John P. Jumper, welcomed the attendees on behalf of the U.S. Air Force.

He commended the AFA for the support it provides to the total Air Force family.

“You are always looking after the needs of our airmen and our quality of life and our best interests,” he said. “Thank you so much for all you do for us.”

Jumper also acknowledged the diversity of the attendees.

“I could not be more pleased to share the floor with more than 90 air chiefs from around the world,” Jumper said. “They give us so much to celebrate. We do indeed have much to celebrate, not only the 100th anniversary of flight, but also the camaraderie of airmen … who represent the spirit of invention and the spirit of exploration begun by the pioneers of air and space. Other things to celebrate are the birthday of the Air Force, and the fall of the oppressive regime in Iraq where air and space power played a significant role.”

As part of the day 1 festivities, Politi presented the following awards:

-- Joan Orr Air Force Spouse of the Year Award -- Tammy Lynn Bocook from Warner-Robbins Air Force Base, Ga.

-- Theodore von Karman Award -- 823rd Red Horse Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Fla.

-- Gill Robb Wilson Award -- Victoria Clark, former assistant secretary of defense for public affairs.

-- Gen. Curtis E. LeMay Outstanding Bomber Aircrew Award -- Crew of Chill 41 of the 40th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron.

-- Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Thomas N. Barnes Outstanding Crew Chief of the Year Award -- Staff Sgt. Russell O. Bledsoe from Dyess AFB, Texas.

A banquet recognizing the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year was scheduled for later in the evening.