The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) announced today the recipients of the 2024 Wesley L. McDonald Distinguished Statesmen and Stateswomen of Aviation Award, a diverse group whose backgrounds include air racing, air traffic control and Army Special Operations missions.
One of the highest honors given in U.S. aerospace, the Distinguished Statesmen and Stateswomen Award has been presented annually since 1954 by the NAA to Americans who have made significant contributions to aviation for at least two decades “while exhibiting patriotism, integrity, and moral courage worthy of emulation.”
The NAA’s 2024 Distinguished Statesmen and Stateswomen are:
● Gen. Ronald Fogleman, U.S. Air Force (Retired) – Decorated Vietnam combat pilot, military leader, 15th USAF Chief of Staff, and active aerospace advisor;
● Capt. Robert “Hoot” Gibson, U.S. Navy (Retired) – Aeronautical engineer, Naval Top Gun, Shuttle Commander, Reno Air Race Champion, and active test pilot;
● Patricia “Trish” Gilbert – Air traffic controller, executive labor leader, active aviation advisor, and Presidential and FAA appointee;
● Greg Principato – Gubernatorial and Presidential appointee, aviation association executive, general aviation advocate, and global aviation leader;
● Maj. Bobbi Wells, U.S. Army (Retired) – Military leader, aviation safety pioneer, commercial airline executive, FAA appointee, and employee-relations leader;
● Col. James “Jim” Viola, U.S. Army (Retired) – Military leader, combat aviator, Army Special Operations leader, FAA director, aviation safety specialist, and association executive.
“The 2024 Distinguished States-People are extraordinary leaders whose impact and legacy serve to energize the women and men serving in aeronautics today, as well as inspiring those who have yet to enter our industry,” said Amy Spowart, NAA President and CEO. “Like the remarkable people who have paved the way before them, their stories show us that aviation remains one of the most dynamic and exciting career fields that a young person can choose.” Selected each year by the NAA’s Board and corporate members, the Distinguished Statesmen and Stateswomen will be recognized at the NAA Fall Award Dinner on Nov. 6 in Washington, D.C., at the Hilton D.C. National Mall, The Wharf. Sponsorship information and tickets are available for the dinner on the NAA website.
