AFMC Command News

Air Force museum director selected as recipient of National Aeronautic Association award

  • Published
  • By Sarah Swan
  • National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
DAYTON, Ohio --  Retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Charles D. Metcalf, director of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, was selected as a recipient of the National Aeronautic Association Wesley L. McDonald Elder Statesman of Aviation Award.

General Metcalf is one of four recipients of the award this year. Other recipients include Gene Kranz, Robert L. Taylor and Barry Valentine. The four will be honored at the NAA Fall Awards Banquet on 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 America and themselves. Previous winners of this most historic 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, retiring in 1991 in the grade of major general.

The Elder Statesman Selection Committee was chaired by NAA President Jonathan Gaffney and consisted of NAA Chairman Walter Boyne; Tom Connolly, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; Bob Stangarone, Cessna; and Dr. Peggy Chabrian, Women In Aviation.

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 United States.

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