AFRL to receive Aviation Trail's Trailblazer Award

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DAYTON, Ohio --  The Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base will be presented the 2010 Trailblazer Award by Aviation Trail, Inc. April 23 at the Presidential Banquet Center in Kettering, Ohio.

Aviation Trail's Board of Trustees recognized AFRL for "the world-class quality of the laboratory's aerospace research for the U.S. Air Force; its economic impact on the area, especially with mission consolidation directed by the 2005 Base Closure and Realignment Commission (BRAC); and its many community outreach programs in Southwestern Ohio," according to a press release.

Trailblazer is given annually to recognize an organization or individual who has contributed to the aviation heritage of the greater Miami Valley. This is the 27th presentation of the award, timed to closely coincide with Wilbur Wright's birthday (April 16, 1867).

Mr. Joe Sciabica, AFRL's executive director, will accept the award on behalf of the command. The April 23 award ceremony and banquet is open to the public. Tickets are $40 per person . The social begins at 6:00 p.m. with dinner following at 6:45. Reservations must be received by April 19 at Aviation Trial, Inc., P.O. Box 633, Wright Brothers Branch, Dayton, OH 45409.

Maj. Gen. Ellen Pawlikowski command's AFRL, and is charged with overseeing advanced research and development of air, space and cyberspace capabilities for the U.S. Air Force. AFRL employs 10,800 military and civilian researcher and support personnel.

In fiscal year 2009, AFRL obligated $3.25 billion for research and development efforts across all technical directorates. This included over $209 million for research and development efforts where the principle place of performance was in the Dayton area. The laboratory has close cooperative research relationships with colleges and universities in the Miami Valley and across the country.

Aviation Trail president Marvin Christian noted the laboratory has been a trailblazer for STEM educational programs focused on igniting young people's interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. 

Some of the programs supported by AFRL include Starbase, a DOD program designed to ignite interest in math, science and technology for 5th graders in high-risk schools, and the Wright Scholar program which offers promising high school students summer employment working with AFRL researchers. Aviation Trail also recognized lab personnel for support to the Ohio state and national FIRST LEGO League youth robotics competitions, judging at numerous science fairs, and for community outreach and technical displays at air shows and other public events.

Lab personnel officials said AFRL has cooperative education programs with student researchers from 19 states and 50 universities.

Aviation Trail, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization established in 1981 to preserve and promote the unique aviation heritage of the Dayton area. It is a component of the National Aviation Heritage Area, designated by Congress.