The Aviation Heritage awards were lively, fun and I’m sure exciting for the recipients of the prestigious awards, especially the inaugural recipient of the newly named Neil A. Armstrong National Aviation Heritage Invitational Trophy which was presented to Duncan Cameron of Lebanon TN for his, and Tom Westfall’s wonderful restoration of a 1944 OY-1 Consolidated Vultee Stinson.

It was a privilege and honor to speak with the many Aviation Legends and Enshrinees whose individual passion for aviation has changed history and created many wonderful things and events we enjoy. Such as the preservation of Vintage Aircraft; the Reno Races; the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum and Smithsonian Air & Space Magazine; the never-before-flown aircraft tested for design performance which ensured they could be flown safely by thousands of service men and women; the easy means by which we choose a flight, board and land at our destination in comfort; the airmen who flew dangerous missions to safeguard the lives our bombers, troops on the front lines, our country and engaged in air to air dog fights; those who have flown around the world without stopping, or refueling; those who make airplanes float in air, perform unimaginable maneuvers with grace, and thrill a crowd…

Here are just a few of the VIP’s in attendance who have changed the course of our aviation history and are, well, important, inspirational and legends – all of whom honored the man who first walked on the moon.

Kimberley West, WarBirdBabe