AIA News 2012
AIA Will Present 2012 Wings of Liberty Award to Representative Buck McKeon
September 19, 2012
The Aerospace Industries Association will present Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-Calif.) with the prestigious Wings of Liberty Award September 19, in recognition of his longtime support of the aerospace and defense industry.
Rep. McKeon is Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, which oversees national security policy, military resources and ongoing military operations. He also serves as a senior member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee.
“Congressman McKeon knows the value of the aerospace and defense industry and its contribution to our national security and economy,” said David Hess, chairman of the AIA Board of Governors. “Providing our troops the best equipment in the world is what industry does best and Buck understands the importance of that mission,” Hess is president of Pratt & Whitney, United Technologies Corporation.
“It will be an honor to present Congressman McKeon with the aerospace industry’s highest award,” added AIA President and CEO Marion C. Blakey. “His leadership on efforts to overturn sequestration and keep our industry second to none is critical to our country’s future.”
The Wings of Liberty award is presented annually to a member of Congress who has made significant contributions to help bolster aerospace and national defense. The award, which embodies the spirit of America and the drive to achieve any dream, will be made at a reception on Capitol Hill, one of several events celebrating National Aerospace Week. Past honorees include Senator Patty Murray, Rep. Norm Dicks, Senator Daniel Inouye, former Transportation Secretary and U.S. Rep. Norman Mineta and Rep. Donald Manzullo.
