AFA Celebrates the Air Force's 70th Birthday

Over the course of 2017, AFA has been honoring various individuals on social media using #70for70 who have made significant contributions to our Air Force over the past 70 years. So far, AFA has recognized over 50 individuals and the social media campaign will culminate at the Air, Space & Cyber Conference in celebration of the Air Force’s birthday.

A special thanks to Harris Corp. for their generous sponsorship of this social media campaign.

Among the several individuals honored this month, AFA recognizes Senator Orrin Hatch and Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis. Senator Hatch, is a previous recipient of AFA’s W. Stuart Symington Award, which is presented to civilians who have made significant contributions to national defense. Secretary Mattis will deliver a keynote speech at our upcoming Air, Space & Cyber Conference on September 20, 2017.

The last fighter pilot to fly in a World War II and Spirit of ’45 Spokesman, Capt Jerry Yellin, is recognized for his tremendous service and commitment to duty over the past seven decades. Capt Yellin flew the P-40, P-47 and P-51 throughout WWII.

Tonya McGough is honored for putting her heart into everything she does to make sure our hidden heroes are never forgotten. AFA is proud to support Tonya and the Air Force Wounded Warrior program, which provides life changing resiliency training, team building activities and much needed “me time” for the caregivers of our wounded Airmen.

The National Champions of AFA’s StellarXplorers third annual space competition, team Sky Dragons from San Pedro High School in San Pedro, California are honored for their innovation in STEM fields. Learn more about StellarXplorers and register to compete in StellarXplorers IV, here. 

SrA Marc Granville is an active AFA member and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Maryland, where he is a member of Arnold Air Society and completing ROTC training toward commissioning into the Air Force as an officer. 

Lastly, AFA wishes General Hawk Carlisle, former Commander of Air Combat Command, a very happy retirement and thanks him for his years of dedicated service to ensuring airpower dominance.

Follow AFA on social media @AirForceAssoc to view upcoming #70for70 recipients or view those who have been previously honored, here.