National Aviation Hall of Fame hosts the 47th Annual Enshrinement Dinner & Ceremony

This Saturday evening the National Aviation Hall of Fame hosts the 47th Annual Enshrinement Dinner & Ceremony in Dayton, Ohio. Attached is a Fact Sheet with key details of this year's edition of what is widely known as "America's Oscar Night of Aviation."

There are multiple, compelling human interest stories and national news angles related to this year's celebration, which happens to coincide with the Dayton Air Show. Among a few are:

The induction of Southwest Airlines' founder and retired Chairman, Herb Kelleher, attracting scores of guests from a variety of aerospace companies such as Boeing, Rolls-Royce, GE Aviation and of course Southwest, including many employees.

The unique aspect of the 2008 enshrinee and aerobatic pilot, Sean D. Tucker, also performing in the Dayton Air Show the very weekend of his induction.

WWII triple ace and former test pilot, Bud Anderson, being additionally honored with the display of a P-51 Mustang restored in his markings at the air show.

RADM Bill Goodwin, Commander of Navy's Atlantic Fleet Air Force, presenting the enshrinement to the grandson of the late ADM William Moffett, the "father of naval aviation."

Gregg Maryniak, Director of The X PRIZE Foundaton, accepting the NAHF 2008 Milton Caniff "Spirit of Flight Award" on behalf of his organization and it's founder, Dr. Peter Diamandis.

Enshrinement related events officially start this evening and run through Sunday. If interested in more detailed info, interviews, media access to the ceremony, etc, please contact me directly. Thanks for your interest in this historic, milestone occasion in "The Birthplace of Aviation."

Regards,
Ron Kaplan
Executive Director
C: (937) 212-8847

Fast Facts

47th Annual National Aviation Hall of Fame Enshrinement Dinner & Ceremony

“America’s Oscar Night of Aviation”

When: Saturday, July 19, 2008
Where: Dayton Convention Center
Cost: $150 per person
Attire: Black tie (dark suit optional)
Time: 6 PM Reception
7 PM Dinner & Ceremony
Deadline: Reservations closed July 7, 2008

Class of 2008 Enshrinees and their presenters:

Clarence E. “Bud” Anderson – WWII triple-ace and USAF test pilot
Presenting: James Anderson, son
Accepting: Clarence E. “Bud” Anderson

Herbert D. Kelleher – Founder & retired Chairman, Southwest Airlines
Presenting: Oliver Crawford, Former President & Chairman, Air Force Association
Accepting: Herbert D. Kelleher

William A. Moffett – “Father of Naval Aviation”
Presenting: Rear Admiral John W. “Bill” Goodwin, USN, Commander, Naval Air Force. Atlantic Fleet
Accepting: William A. “Bill” Moffett, III

Sean D. Tucker – Aerobatic champion, air show performer and flight instructor
Presenting: Col. Joe Kittinger, USAF (Ret) – Fighter, test and air show pilot; 1997 NAHF Enshrinee
Accepting: Sean D. Tucker

Master of Ceremonies: Maj. Gen. Joe H. Engle, USAF (Ret) – former fighter and test pilot, Apollo backup and Shuttle astronaut, and a 2001 NAHF Enshrinee

Sampling of additional enshrinees and distinguished guests (expected among 750 - as of 7/17/08):
Enshrinees Walter Boyne, Fitz Fulton, Bob Hoover, Paul Poberezny, Cliff Robertson; Nominees Peggy Chabrian, John & Martha King, S. Harry Robertson, Emily Howell Warner; Amanda Wright-Lane, Great Grand Niece of Orville & Wilbur; Gen. Duncan McNabb, USAF Vice Chief of Staff; Gen. Bruce Carlson, USAF, Commander AFMC; Col. Bradley Spacey, Commander, 88th ABW/WPAFB: Ohio Lt. Gov. & Director of Development, Lee Fisher; Acting Administrator FAA, Bobby Sturgell; Jim Hagedorn, CEO Scotts Miracle-Gro; Scott Carson, CEO Boeing Commercial Airplanes; Jack Roush, Chairman, Roush Enterprises; Randy Fry, President, Fry Electronics; Rodney Lewis, President & CEO Lewis Energy; Gary Kelly, Colleen Barrett, Laura Wright –CEO, President and CFO of Southwest Airlines, respectively.

2008 Milton Caniff “Spirit of Flight” Award recipient (presented Friday, July 18):

The X PRIZE Foundation
Presenting: Douglas King, President & CEO, Saint Louis Science Center Accepting: Gregg Maryniak, Director & Executive Vice President, X PRIZE Foundation