Event raises $50,000 for educational initiatives 

WICHITA, KAN. (Feb. 6, 2024) – This weekend, the Wichita Aero Club (WAC) honored United States Senator Jerry Moran as the recipient of the 2023 Wichita Aero Club Trophy. 

Sen. Moran has been serving Kansans in the United States Senate since 2011. Sen. Moran serves on the powerful Senate Committee on Appropriations and the influential Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. Serving on these two committees has positioned Sen. Moran to be the leader in aviation and an advocate for this critical industry through a multifaceted lens. He has hosted leaders in Kansas to see firsthand the critical work being done to advance our nation’s aviation, space, science and defense capabilities. Sen. Moran has helped craft legislation to support NASA’s Artemis programs, train the next generation of aerospace engineers and scientists, and invest in research and development to make certain Kansas remains the Air Capital of the World.

Introducing Senator Moran at the event was Dr. John Tomblin, Wichita State Senior Vice President for Industry and Defense Programs, NIAR Executive Director, and 2022 WAC Trophy Recipient. 

“Not only has he provided tireless support for Wichita State University and NIAR, but on a grander scale, his commitment to the strength of our nation’s aerospace industry has led to monumental growth and development for Wichita, Kansas, and the nation.

If you look back in history, behind every monumental aviation and space accomplishment and milestone is a passionate advocate in Washington, D.C., and I know I’m not alone in my belief that Senator Moran’s efforts will mark his place in history. Every one of you sitting here tonight can say you were there to witness it firsthand. 

Senator Moran is a visionary. He has the incredible ability to maximize current opportunities while continuing to create new ones for the future. Most recently, he helped Wichita secure a direct flight to Washington D.C. He continues to identify and successfully pursue opportunities to diversify the aerospace industry and strengthen our already robust supply chain. He recognizes how investments in workforce development fuel future growth. He understands our community’s capacity to globally compete in the next frontier of space.

Senator Moran is a champion for aerospace, for Wichita, and for all of Kansas.” 

– An excerpt from Dr. Tomblin’s event remarks

Click here to read remarks from Sen. Moran’s original nomination and biography, along with information about the WAC Trophy and a list of prior recipients. 

More than 300 people attended the event at the B-29 Doc Hangar, Education and Visitors Center, which was emceed by Nicole Alexander, WAC President, and Ashley Bowen Cook, WAC Board Chair and Greteman Group President. The presentation of colors was provided by McConnell Air Force Base Honor Guard. Molly McMillin, Editor-In-Chief of The Weekly of Business Aviation and WAC board member, provided special remarks to honor two long-time Wichita-based aviation journalists – Jerry Siebenmark and Daniel McCoy, who both passed away in 2023. Lynn Nichols, chairman and CEO of Yingling Aviation and 2017 WAC Trophy recipient, joined Sen. Moran and Dr. Tomblin for a fireside chat about aviation, aerospace and defense topics and the role the Air Capital of the World plays for our country and world.    

WAC Trophy Gala raises funds for educational initiatives 

The Aero Club has distributed more than $100,000 to support educational endeavors at all levels based on the funds raised through this event and other WAC initiatives. This includes awarding college-level and technical college-level scholarships and numerous grants ranging from elementary school projects to adult educational pursuits.

This year’s Gala raised approximately $50,000 through attendance and the generous support of these sponsors: Airbus Americas, Bombardier, General Aviation Manufacturers Association, National Business Aviation Association, Cessna and Beechcraft by Textron Aviation, Spirit AeroSystems, National Institute for Aviation Research, Hornet Cutting Systems and Lee Aerospace. The venue host sponsor was B-29 Doc Hangar, Education & Visitors Center. 

Hosting NAHF to recognize Sen. Moran with the Inaugural Congressional Leadership Award

Also, during the event, WAC hosted the National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) for the opportunity to present Sen. Moran with its inaugural Congressional Leadership Award. According to NAHF, the award pays homage to exceptional American leaders whose dedicated public service has bolstered the nation’s strength and significantly propelled advancements in aviation and aerospace. The award was presented by NAHF President and CEO Aimee Maruyama and NAHF Board Chair Jim Cooling. 

PHOTO ATTACHMENTS: 

Photo credit: Darin LaCrone | VMG LLC 

1. WAC Trophy Presentation (L to R): Dr. John Tomblin, NIAR Executive Director and 2022 WAC Trophy recipient; Ashley Bowen Cook, WAC Board Chair; U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, 2023 WAC Trophy recipient; Nicole Alexander, WAC President; Lynn Nichols, Yingling Aviation chairman and CEO and 2017 WAC Trophy recipient. 

1. WAC Trophy Recipients Over the Years (L to R): Dr. John Tomblin, Al Higdon, Paul Bowen, Sen. Jerry Moran, Ron Ryan, Jeff Turner, and Lynn Nichols.

1. National Aviation Hall of Fame Congressional Leadership Award Presentation (L to R): Aimee Maruyama, President and CEO, National Aviation Hall of Fame; Ed Bolen, President and CEO, National Business Aviation Association; U.S. Senator Jerry Moran; Pete Bunce, President and CEO; General Aviation Manufacturers Association; Jim Cooling, Board Chair, National Aviation Hall of Fame.  

About the Wichita Aero Club

The Wichita Aero Club was established in 2008 to foster and promote interest in aviation, to provide a forum that focuses on the industry’s issues and achievements, and to bring together those with a passion for flight in an environment that expands and enhances professional relationships and furthers cooperation and understanding. Learn more at wichitaaero.club.