Salutes Recognize Air Force Space Command's 30th Anniversary

The Space Foundation saluted Air Force Space Command’s 30^th anniversary with two gala events in two cities. The Colorado Springs event included a reception, dinner, awards presentations and the introduction of many notable figures from the Command’s history. A smaller, more intimate event took place in Washington, D.C., and featured a “Fireside Chat” with former senior military leaders as well as a reception and dinner.

Attendees at both events received a commemorative Air Force Space Command (AFSPC) 30th Anniversary poster, created for AFSPC by artist Richard Green, who also created two of the spectacular National Space Symposium posters. The AFSPC posters were printed by the Space Foundation with funding from Platinum Corporate Member Northrop Grumman.

Colorado Springs Salute Features Chilton

A crowd of almost 600 celebrated AFSPC on Sept. 14 at The Space Foundation Presents a 30th Anniversary Salute to Air Force Space Command at The Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colo.

The event included a reception, dinner, awards presentations and remarks by former Air Force Space Command (AFSPC) Commander Gen. Kevin P. Chilton, USAF, Ret. (pictured, right), who was introduced by current AFSPC Commander Gen. William L. Shelton, USAF. Space Foundation Chief Executive Officer Elliot Pulham served as master of ceremonies (pictured, above, left).

In addition to Shelton's and Chilton's remarks, highlights of the Colorado Springs Salute included a rousing "It's Your Birthday" opening video, a "timeline" video highlighting Air Force Space Command’s 30-year history, introduction of a large number of past commanders, vice commanders, chief master sergeants, industry leaders and elected officials and entertainment by the U.S. Air Force Academy band, Blue Steel.

Awards Major Part of Colorado Event

A major portion of the Colorado Springs Program was devoted to several prestigious awards, including:

• Presentation of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) Rocky Mountain Chapter's General James V. Hartinger Award to Gen. Bruce Carlson, USAF, Ret., former director of the National Reconnaissance Office (pictured, above, center bottom, with Gen. hartinger's widow, Mickey Hartinger)
• Presentation of the Air Force Association (AFA) Lance P. Sijan Chapter's General Jerome F. O'Malley Distinguished Space Leadership Award to Maj. Gen. James K. "Kevin" McLaughlin, USAF, director, space operations, deputy chief of staff for operations, plans and requirements, Headquarters U.S. (pictured, above, center top)
• Induction of Dr. Hans Mark, former secretary of the Air Force, (pictured, above, left) and Col. John Paul Stapp, USAF, M.D. Ph.D., (1910-1999), who, as a career Air Force officer and flight surgeon, was a pioneer in research on the impact of "G" forces on the human body, as winners of the Air Force Space and Missile Pioneers Award (Col. Stapp’s award was accepted by his brother, Wilford Stapp, pictured, above, right)
• Introduction of the members of Air Force Space Command's Frontier Focus program

The evening ended with cutting of a ceremonial cake by Major Gen. Tim Padden, USAF, Ret., the third commander of AFSPC and the most-senior past commander attending the event, and Airman Samuel Macklin from the 721st Security Forces Squadron (pictured, left).

The Space Foundation Presents a 30th Anniversary Salute to Air Force Space Command culminated a full week of AFSPC events celebrating the milestone anniversary.

See a complete photo gallery of the Colorado Springs event here.

Washington, D.C., Salute Features Fireside Chat

The Army and Navy Club in Washington, D.C., was the setting on Sept. 18 for about 140 guests who attended The Space Foundation Presents a Washington, D.C., Salute to the 30th Anniversary of Air Force Space Command.

The evening began with a cocktail reception and entertainment from the Air Force Jazz Band Combo. The crowd was treated to a “Fireside Chat” with:

• The Honorable Dr. Hans Mark, former secretary of the Air Force (pictured, right with microphone)
• The Honorable Edward "Pete" Aldridge, Jr., USAF, Ret., former under secretary of defense for acquisition, technology, and logistics and former secretary of the Air Force (pictured, right, left)
• Moderator Lt. Gen. Michael A. Hamel, USAF, Ret. (pictured, right, middle)

Event Included Videos, Ceremonial Cake

Additional highlights of the D.C. Salute included:

• Introduction of distinguished guests that included past commanders, vice commanders and industry leaders
• Presentation of an opening "It's Your Birthday" video
• Presentation of a "timeline" video highlighting Air Force Space Command’s 30-year history
• Remarks from current AFSPC Commander Gen. William L. Shelton, USAF
• Ceremonial cutting of the cake by Shelton (pictured, right)

See a complete photo gallery of the Washington, D.C., event here.