Third Annual Outstanding Aviator Award To Be Presented March 28th

The Wings Club will honor the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders with the third annual Outstanding Aviator Award. The Outstanding Aviator Award was created by the Wings Club in partnership with IAWA (the International Aviation Women's Association). The mission of the award is to recognize airmen and airwomen whose actions have made major contributions to aviation and/or security and serve as leadership role models.

Doolitle Raider Launch

The presentation of this year’s Award will take place at The Wings Club’s Annual Meeting, to be held on the evening of Wednesday, March 28, 2012, at The Yale Club in New York City. Ken Gazzola, past president and Chairman of the Historical and Educational Committee, and IAWA board members will present the award to Doolittle Raider, Major Thomas C. Griffin, who will be in attendance.
 
The Doolittle Raid, on April 18, 1942, was the first air raid by the US to strike the Japanese Home Islands during World War II. The mission was led by Lt. Col. James H. “Jimmy” Doolittle who led sixteen Army B-25 medium bombers off the deck of the Navy Carrier Hornet and bombed five major cities in the Japanese home island, including the capital city of Tokyo. Although there were a number of enemy planes in the air, none of the American bombers were damaged or shot down. The raid resulted in a tremendous boost in American morale. Each of the Doolittle’s Raiders received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his epic mission.
 
Recognizing significant achievements that contribute to the advancement of aeronautical and aviation matters, The Wings Club recognizes and honors people throughout the year with the Distinguished Achievement Award, Distinguished Scholar Awards and the Outstanding Aviator Award. The Club also hosts Aviation Leader Series Luncheons that feature keynote speeches by industry leaders.

IAWA is an international organization for women who hold senior positions in the aviation and aerospace industry including airline, airport, finance, insurance, law, manufacturing, operations, suppliers and government. As the industry adjusts to worldwide economic and political change, women are assuming greater and more visible roles.  Through annual global conferences, regional receptions, IAWA publications and newsletters, and programs, IAWA provides a forum to share views on matters of importance to the industry, as well as to women generally.
 
Previous recipients of this award were the Tuskegee Airmen and the Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASP).

FMI: www.wingsclub.org