Excellence in Aviation Award banquet set for June 13

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  • By Flight Test Historical Foundation
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The Flight Test Historical Foundation will hold the 5th annual Excellence in Aviation Awards banquet June 13.

This year's honorees are the California Air National Guard's 163rd Reconnaissance Wing from March Air Reserve Base. The wing operates the remotely piloted MQ-1 Predator aircraft built by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. For the first time in the nation's history, with the approval of the DOD, a federal combat asset was transferred to the state Governor's control to be deployed to help CAL FIRE personnel battle wildfires raging around Yosemite National Park in 2013. 

This recognition will take place in the Grand Ballroom of the Proud Bird Restaurant, 11022 Aviation Boulevard, Los Angeles, California.

Aviation legends Bob Hoover, Doug Pearson and Bob Cardenas have confirmed attendance. 

California Congressman Steve Knight (House Armed Service Committee) will be presenting the William J. "Pete" Knight Excellence in Aerospace Scholarship, in honor of his father William J. "Pete" Knight and on behalf of the Flight Test Historical Foundation, to a deserving college student majoring in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education. 

Others being honored from the Air National Guard's 163rd Wing are Col. Dana Hessheimer, Col. Douglas Weskamp, and Col. Keith Ward, along with representatives of CAL FIRE.

This formal event will feature the "Blue Eagles" Air Force Honor Guard, and "Rat Pack Ricky" will provide dinner and dance music with a "Sinatra" theme. 

Some of the invitees include national and state officials, and Riverside and Los Angeles County city mayors, managers, and councilmembers. The evening will also include representation from the United States Air Force, California Air and Army National Guard, and CAL FIRE firefighters.

The Flight Test Historical Foundation hosts its annual Excellence in Aviation Awards Banquet to honor those who played a significant role in the country's aviation and space exploration achievements and research and offers those attending a rare opportunity of meeting America's finest aerospace heroes and pioneers.

Former honorees of Excellence in Aviation award are: Buzz Aldrin, Felix Baumgartner, Robert A. "Bob" Hoover, Brig Gen Robert L. Cardenas, Maj. Gen. Joe Engle, Robert Gilliland, David Hartman, Col. Joe Kittinger, Clay Lacy, Jens K. Neelsen, Frank Robinson (founder, Robinson Helicopter), Delford M. Smith (founder, Evergreen Aviation), David Tallichet (W.W. II pilot, Founder, Specialty Restaurants), Art Thompson (founder, Sage Cheshire Aerospace), and Dr. James O. Young (former chief historian, Air Force Test Center, Edwards, AFB.

The event starts at 6 p.m. The cost for the event and four-course dinner, followed by award presentations and dancing, is $100 and can be purchased at www.EdwardsMuseum.org, or by calling 661-258-1658.  

Funds raised at this event will go toward restoration of the Air Force Flight Test Museum's aircraft and towards relocating the Air Force Flight Test Museum from its current location inside the base to outside the west gate to make it accessible to the general public. 

Because of the events of 9/11, access to the base has been severely restricted and currently the general public does not have access to the museum. Proceeds will also support funding of scholarships to deserving college students who enter STEM careers after graduation.

For those unable to attend but who would still like to sponsor dinner tickets for the members of our military, National Guard, or the Firemen's Association, please contact Gail Mitchell at 661-510-1192 or FTHFgoe@gmail.com. Individual seats or tables can also be purchased directly on line at http://bit.ly/EIA-2015.

"It is the mission of Flight Test Historical Foundation to preserve the rich local history of flight test through the support of the museum at Edwards Air Force Base and Blackbird Airpark in Palmdale. Our STEM program encourages and inspires the next generation of scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians to pursue the innovations and advances that make our nation great." said Lisa Gray, chair of the Flight Test Historical Foundation board of directors.