Originally published in 1999
Silver Spring Md-The National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) has selected the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) to receive its year 2000 “Milton Caniff Spirit of Flight Award.”
The National Association of State Aviation Officials represents, on a national level, the state government aviation officials who serve the public interest in all 50 states, and Guam and Puerto Rico. NASAO which includes the Texas Department of Transportation Aviation Division, is a partner with the federal government in the development and maintenance of the safest and most efficient airport and airway system in the world.
According to Mike Jackson, executive director of NAHF, which was chartered by Congress in 1964, “Our trustees selected NASAO for its outstanding achievements and contributions to aviation. Certainly, the progress made during the first half of this century came through the efforts of courageous and innovative individuals who found support in their states, long before the federal government undertook major research and regulatory programs.”
“We are proud to join the ranks of the distinguished recipients of this high honor including the Tuskegee Airmen, Doolittle Tokyo Raiders, Flying Tigers (AVG), the Mercury Astronauts and many others,” said NASAO President & CEO Henry Ogrodzinski. He continued, ” … for 69 years, the men and women of state government aviation agencies have promoted, developed, and protected our national aviation system. We are thrilled to accept this recognition of their accomplishments.”
The award will be presented to NASAO during the 39th Annual National Aviation Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony on July 15, 2000. The award was established in 1981 and in 1988, the NAHF Spirit of Flight Award was renamed in honor of aviator and artist Milton Caniff. In addition to creating the “Steve Canyon” and “Terry and the Pirates” comic strips, Caniff drew portraits of every NAHF enshrinee until his death in 1988.
