U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Named 2023 Wichita Aero Club Trophy Recipient
U.S. SENATOR JERRY MORAN NAMED 2023 WICHITA AERO CLUB TROPHY RECIPIENT
Trophy Gala to take place in February 2024
WICHITA, KAN. (Nov. 8, 2023) – Today at a special reception, the Wichita Aero Club (WAC) announced United States Senator Jerry Moran as the recipient of the 2023 Wichita Aero Club Trophy. The Wichita Aero Club Trophy was created to recognize both contemporaneous accomplishment or a lifetime of achievement. WAC will celebrate Sen. Moran at its annual gala on February 3, 2024.
“Senator Moran has been a leading advocate for our region’s aviation supply chain not only nationally, but on a global scale – making him an excellent selection for the Wichita Aero Club Trophy,” said Ashley Bowen Cook, WAC Board Chair, Trophy Committee Chair and Greteman Group President.
The nomination included the following remarks:
Senator Moran has transformed our regional aerospace community through his tireless championing of Wichita’s assets on global stages. His efforts help us leverage our tradition and prepare us to lead the world in the future of aerospace.
Senator Moran works tirelessly on behalf of the Wichita region’s aviation industry. He has increased opportunities for our local suppliers by hosting industry leaders such as Blue Origin, United Launch Alliance, SpaceX, and Lockheed Martin Space. He continues to support our community’s successful attempts to secure large federal grants and has brought key members of the Federal Cabinet to Wichita, including the Secretary of Commerce, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the NASA Administrator, the Secretary of the Air Force, and many more.
Senator Moran is a champion for aerospace, for Wichita, and for all of Kansas. His tireless efforts will impact generations, helping Wichita to remain now and forever, the Air Capital of the World.
About the WAC Trophy
The Wichita Aero Club Trophy is awarded annually to a living person, group, or organization with a strong relationship to the greater Wichita area on the basis of exemplary achievements in the field of aviation or aerospace accomplished during the past year or, as appropriate, over an extended period or career. The Trophy Selection Committee includes members of the WAC Board of Directors and prominent members of the aviation community.
Prior WAC Trophy Recipients
2022: Dr. John Tomblin, WSU Senior VP for Industry and Defense Programs; NIAR Executive Director
2021: Ron Ryan, Pilot, Airline Founder and Philanthropist
2020: No award due to COVID-19
2019: Clay Lacy, Legendary Pilot and Founder of Clay Lacy Aviation
2018: Jack Pelton, Experimental Aircraft Association CEO
2017: Lynn Nichols & Yingling Aviation
2016: Paul Bowen, Aviation Photographer
2015: Doc’s Friends Restoration Team
2014: Al Higdon, Co-Founder of Sullivan Higdon & Sink Advertising
2013: Russell W. Meyer, Jr. Chairman Emeritus, Cessna Aircraft Company
2012: John O’Leary & Airbus Americas Engineering
2011: Jeff Turner, Spirit AeroSystems CEO
2010: Velma Wallace
About Senator Moran
Senator Moran was first elected to the United States Senate in 2010. He serves as lead Republican on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, which allows him to lead the funding decisions that impact men and women working at agencies like the Department of Justice, the FBI, NASA, the United States Trade Representative and the Department of Commerce, to name a few. Sen. Moran is a strong supporter of NASA’s aeronautics programs, while also advocating for priorities that advance the effectiveness of our nation’s scientists and medical researchers, and the competitiveness of our country and the economy.
Sen. Moran is also a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and serves as Ranking Member of the Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations and Innovation. Through his committee assignments, Senator Moran advocates on behalf of Kansans regarding many issues vital to the state’s economy, including the aviation industry. Since joining the U.S. Senate, Senator Moran has also been a leading advocate for issues related to entrepreneurship, job creation and innovation. He is committed to putting policies in place that foster a pro-growth environment where businesses can succeed without government-imposed barriers.
Senator Moran serves as a member of several caucuses that enhance his ability to represent Kansans' interests in the United States Senate, including co-chair of the Senate Army Caucus, the Senate Travel and Tourism Caucus, the Senate Aerospace Caucus and the Senate Defense Community Caucus.
Click here to access his full biography and official photo.