Gala Reception Held At The Embassy Of The People's Republic Of China, Washington D.C.

A gala held at the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Washington, D.C. honored American and Chinese veterans of the heroic Flying Tigers led by General Claire Lee Chennault. Flying Tigers Historical Organization (FTHO) Chairman Major General James Whitehead, Larry Jobe, President of FTHO and Nell Calloway Director of CAAM presented special commemorative awards to Anna Chennault, the wife of General Chennault, and Catherine Stevens, the wife of former U.S. Senator Ted Stevens, a former  Flying Tiger pilot. In addition, several Flying Tiger veterans received service awards, including Frank Losonsky, Paul Crawford and Jerry Yellin.

Both the FTHO and CAMM are strong supporters of closer ties between the USA and China and especially promoting awareness among both Chinese and Americans regarding the Flying Tigers's heroic story. Also present from FTHO was Vice President K.C. Ma, and Director Michael F. Bianco plus U.S. Senator David Vitter and U.S. Representative Joe Wilson, son of a Flying Tiger veteran.

Major General Whitehead said, "The Flying Tiger Historical Organization in partnership with the Chennault Aviation & Military Museum are grateful for the reception being held in our honor at the Embassy of the People's Republic of China. It is through events such as this that we will continue to build on a past special relationship between the Chinese and American people for a better understanding in the future."

Donors to FTHO & CAMM were Northrop Grumman, Chinese internet giant Sohu.com, Hezhan Group and from a Chinese-New Zealand artist an original oil painting from his "Universe" series.

American actress Kerry Berry Brogan flew in on leave-of-absence from the filming of her current film "Old Boy" to show her support for the event. Brogan was appointed  as the Flying Tigers Goodwill Ambassador in July 2012. Fluent in Mandarin, Brogan is presently based in Beijing and has appeared in more than 60 Chinese films and television series. Off-screen, she is well known for her work in promoting better Sino-American cultural understanding. She is the youngest recipient of the Goddess Artemis Award (Euro-American Women's Council) and the Sino-American Friendship Award (U.S.-China Foundation).

(Image from file)

FMI: www.flyingtigerusa.org, www.ChennaultMuseum.org