The Emperors’ New Awards

The National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) Board of Trustees has named the distinguished recipients of the inaugural National Aviation Hall of Fame Congressional Leadership Award.

Chairman of the Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure, Congressman Sam Graves, and Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, Ranking Member Senate Commerce Committee -Aviation Subcommittee, Senator Jerry Moran, will be honored for their outstanding contributions to American Aviation and Aerospace.

Established by the NAHF Board of Trustees, the Congressional Leadership Award pays homage to exceptional American leaders whose dedicated public service has bolstered the nation's strength and significantly propelled advancements in aviation and aerospace. This novel award series seeks to recognize individuals of remarkable character and integrity whose service and initiatives have significantly impacted the United States' continued global leadership in aeronautics.

NAHF Chair Jim Cooling enthusiastically stated, "We couldn't envision more deserving recipients for this inaugural honor. Congressman Graves and Senator Moran's unwavering commitment to advancing general aviation, enhancing aviation safety, fostering education, and promoting accessibility has left an indelible mark on the industry and our nation. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to them for their leadership and are honored to present them with this prestigious award."

The awards will be formally presented during The President's Reception, scheduled for 21 September 2023, as part of the National Aviation Hall of Fame's 59th  Enshrinement Dinner and Ceremony. The President's Reception will also feature the presentation of the A. Scott Crossfield Aerospace Teacher of the Year Award, The Milton Caniff Spirit of Flight Award, and the Armstrong Aerospace Award.

Taking place on 22 September 2023, the Enshrinement Dinner and Ceremony, led by emcee CNN's Pete Muntean, will feature the formal induction of the NAHF Enshrinee Class of 2023. This remarkable class includes pioneers (the late) Velta Benn and (the late) Cornelius Coffey, visionaries Angela Gittens and (the late) Ed Stimpson, and aerospace heroes Fred Haise and Kathryn Sullivan.

Over the course of two days in Washington D.C., aviation enthusiasts, government and industry leaders, and esteemed returning Enshrinees, such as Major General Charles Bolden, Colonel Eileen Collins, Captain Robert Crippen, Captain Robert "Hoot" Gibson, Clay Lacy, Sean Doherty Tucker, and others, will convene to celebrate aviation's legacy and future.

Founded in 1962, the National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) is at once a museum, an annual awards ceremony, and a learning and research center. Based in Dayton, Ohio—a city broadly known as the Birthplace of Aviation on account of its connection to Orville and Wilbur Wright, both of whom were born and buried therein—the NAHF was chartered nationally by an act of the U.S. 88th Congress and signed into existence by President Lyndon B. Johnson.

By commemorating the tenacity, vision, persistence, skill, and courage of key aeronautical figures, the NAHF seeks in perpetuity to sustain its stated mission of: “Honoring aerospace legends to inspire future leaders.”

Parties interested in securing additional information pertaining to or reservations for the 59th NAHF Annual Enshrinement Dinner & Ceremony are invited to visit the National Aviation Hall of Fame website.

FMI: www.nationalaviation.org