AIA Will Present 2011 Wings of Liberty Award to Senator Patty Murray
Arlington, Va. - The Aerospace Industries Association will present Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) with the prestigious Wings of Liberty Award September 13, in recognition of her longtime support of the aerospace and defense industry.
Senator Murray is a founding co-chair of the Senate Aerospace Caucus, where she continues to call attention to the important issues facing the nation's transportation infrastructure and the U.S. aerospace industry. She chairs the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies.
"Senator Murray knows the value of the aerospace and defense industry and how its nearly $331 billion in sales contribute to our nation's economy," said Jim Albaugh, chairman of the AIA Board of Governors. "A great supporter of our troops, Senator Murray understands the importance of ensuring that they have the best equipment in the world." Albaugh is president and CEO of Commercial Airplanes at the Boeing Company.
"It will be an honor to present Senator Murray with the aerospace industry's highest award," added AIA President and CEO Marion C. Blakey. "Her knowledge, experience and dedication to her constituents and the aerospace industry deserve great respect and recognition."
Murray serves the people of Washington State on the Senate's Appropriations, Veteran's Affairs, Budget and HELP Committees.
The Wings of Liberty award is presented annually to a member of Congress who has made significant contributions to help bolster aerospace and national defense. The award, which embodies the spirit of America and the drive to achieve any dream, will be made at a reception on Capitol Hill, one of several events celebrating National Aerospace Week. Past honorees include Rep. Norm Dicks, Senator Daniel Inouye, former Transportation Secretary and U.S. Rep. Norman Mineta, Rep. Donald Manzullo, Sen. John Warner and Sen. Jay Rockefeller.
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Founded in 1919 shortly after the birth of flight, the Aerospace Industries Association is the most authoritative and influential trade association representing the nation's leading manufacturers and suppliers of civil, military and business aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aircraft systems, space systems, aircraft engines, homeland and cybersecurity systems, materiel and related components, equipment services and information technology.
