NEWS RELEASE 03-06
March 29, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nashville, TN—Women in Aviation, International, a nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization that provides networking, mentoring and scholarship opportunities for women who are looking for challenging and fulfilling careers in the aviation and aerospace industries, for aviation enthusiasts, and aviation educators, inducted five new members into its Pioneer Hall of Fame on Saturday, March 25, during its 17th Annual International Women in Aviation Conference at the Gaylord Opryland Resort Hotel in Nashville Tennessee.
Inducted into the Pioneer Hall of Fame were:
Fran Bera She was the first woman to fly a helicopter with no tail rotor, an experimental test pilot, and also one of 25 women invited to participate in a testing program for potential women astronauts at the Lovelace Clinic in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Major General Jeanne Holm, USAF (retired) There are many women military aviators who owe General Holm a debt of gratitude for opening doors for them, and for being their advocate. She was the first female two-star general in any U.S. military service.
Galina Gavrilovna Korchuganova (deceased) She founded Aviatrissa in 1992 to provide support and guidance to women in aviation fields in Russia, and was their first president.
Major General Betty Mullis, USAFR (retired) The sea of military uniforms seen at WAI Conferences these days is a direct result of General Mullis’ vision, dedication, and endless efforts to ensure current young women have more opportunities in military aviation than she had. She was the first woman to command an air wing.
Lieutenant Colonel Betty Jane Williams, USAFR (retired) A test pilot and talented videographer in the USAF and in the corporate world, BJ was one of the initial organizers of the post-war Women’s Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) national organization, and she has served in several leadership roles over the years.
More than 3,100 women and men, students, active and reserve military, corporate and individual members of Women in Aviation, International gathered for the three-day event, which culminated in the Awards Ceremony, Pioneer Hall of Fame Ceremony and banquet. Speakers included Astronauts Brian Binnie, Eileen Collins and Hoot Gibson, DoD Director Clarence Johnson, as well as executives from major U.S. airlines and aircraft manufacturers. More than half a million dollars in scholarships were awarded to more than 50 Women in Aviation, International members March 25, as well.
The 2007 Women in Aviation, International Conference will be held February 15-17, 2007, at the Disney Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, Florida. Nominations for the Pioneer Hall of Fame must be submitted before August 2006 for consideration.
For more information about Women in Aviation, International, its Pioneers, members and its mission, go to www.wai.org or:
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Contact:
Connie Lawrence
Women in Aviation International
937-558-7655 Phone
937-839-4645 Fax