ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
The Thomas W. Anthony Chapter of the Air Force Association based on Andrews Air Force Base was selected as a recipient of the 2008 Aerospace Education Achievement Award.
"In order to qualify for this award each chapter needed to participate in at least one outreach program, select a Chapter Teacher of the Year and also participate in one aerospace education program such as teacher grants, scholarship support, and local chapter education programs," said Anne Sagel, manager of the Field Education Program with the AFA.
"I feel very delighted about the award. We have state and regional awards, but this is the first time our Chapter has received national recognition," said Chuck Suraci president of the Thomas W. Anthony AFA chapter.
The Air Force Association is a non-profit organization whose mission is to educate the public about the critical role of aerospace power in the defense of our nation, advocate aerospace power and a strong national defense, and support the United States Air Force and the Air Force Family.
The Thomas W. Anthony chapter provides support for many base activities, exists to promote aerospace power, educates the community about the aerospace power, and serves as a voice for many different military as well as civilian organizations about issues concerning the Air Force and the AFA.
The chapter's contributions at Andrews include providing briefings at the Non-Commission Officer Development Program and Airmen Leadership School.
Additional contributions the chapter has made included a monetary donation to the Joint Service Open House breakfast, providing an aerospace education exhibit for the Andrews AFB Joint Service Open House, and offering scholarships to top Airmen leaders from the Airmen Leadership school, said Mr. Suraci.
The chapter is one of 24 chapters selected from 288 chapters nationwide by the AFA National Awards committee to receive the award for their excellence in their aerospace education pursuits, said Ms. Sagle.
Members of the chapter are slated to attend the AFA National Convention held September 15 through 18 in Washington D.C., where they will receive an Aerospace Education ribbon to be worn on their convention badge.
"This was a team effort," said Mr. Suraci. "We have a dedicated volunteer staff that works five days a week."
Mr. Suraci expressed his feelings about the award, in that it is an Andrews honor, not just the AFA chapter's. "This is your chapter. This is for Andrews. I want to thank you all for giving us this wonderful opportunity, and especially for giving us a place to operate. My hat's off to you: the men and women of Andrews."