Shining the Light on Wisconsin's Aviation Leaders
By Rose Dorcey
Referred to as "Mr. Aviation" by many of his colleagues, Tom
Thomas received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his many
contributions to aviation in the State of Wisconsin last week. The
Wisconsin Airport Management Association (WAMA) presented the award
to Thomas at the 50th Annual Wisconsin Aviation Conference.
Thomas is a former Wisconsin Air National Guard Pilot and
Aviation Education and Management Chief for the Wisconsin Bureau of
Aeronautics.
"He has really done it all," said Pete Drahn, Executive Director
of WAMA. "Before Tom retired from the Wisconsin Bureau of
Aeronautics after thirty-plus years, he was a true ambassador for
aviation, and the most known, most recognized face in the bureau.
He will continue to be an ambassador. Tom will always go the extra
ten miles to help anyone."
Surrounded by dozens of family members and hundreds of those he
worked with through the years, Thomas said he was truly honored by
the award. "I took aviation promotion to heart," said Thomas. "I
worked with many fine people in the aviation community, and my
family was always supportive."
The WAMA Lifetime Service Award is awarded to persons who have
devoted themselves to promoting and serving Wisconsin aviation for
at least ten years. WAMA presented several awards at the event,
held May 9-11 at the Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva (WI).
Distinguished Service Awards
- Raymond Perry, Chairman, Waukesha Airport Commission and
CFI.
- Marilyn Butler, Mead & Hunt Engineering, Madison (WI).
- James Hansford, Manager, Central Wisconsin Airport, Mosinee
(WI).
Awarded to persons who have made outstanding contributions to
aviation.
Aviation Person of the Year Award
- Marty Lenss, Director of Operations and Public Safety, Dane
County Regional Airport, Madison (WI).
Awarded to persons who have distinguished themselves in
Wisconsin aviation during the past calendar year
Airport Engineering Award
- Aaron Stewart, Omnni Associates, Appleton (WI).
Awarded to persons who have made significant professional
contributions in the airport engineering or architecture fields in
Wisconsin.
Blue Light Award
- Dave Weiman, Midwest Flyer Magazine
Awarded to persons in the media who have distinguished
themselves by their excellent reporting on Wisconsin aviation.
Presidential Award for Outstanding WAMA
Leadership
WAMA $750 Scholarship Award
Wisconsin Aviation Business of the Year
- Tom & Renee Watry, Aero Insurance
Presented by the Wisconsin Aviation Trades Association
(WATA).