Airlift/Tanker Association Hall of Fame Award: Identifies and recognizes an outstanding Airlift/Tanker individual or group whose sustained legacy of achievement distinguished themselves in outstanding performance to the Air Mobility mission.

History and Purpose: The Airlift/Tanker Association Hall of Fame (HOF) was established in October 1988 to honor those individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of Air Mobility. Upon selection and induction into the A/TA Hall of Fame, a bronze bust of the inductee is placed in the Mobility Memorial Park at Scott Air Force Base, IL.

Frequency: When individual(s) or a group is selected, the induction and award ceremony will occur during the next annual A/TA Convention. Note: The nominating chapter, industry leader, advisory board member, or A/TA member submitting the selected individual(s) will be recognized at the annual convention and will be given priority seating at the HOF Banquet. Normally, one inductee is selected into the HOF each year. Under special circumstances, two individuals may be inducted into the Hall of Fame during one calendar year when approved by the selection board.

Administrative Criteria:

• Nominees cannot be on active service with any branch of the government

  Retired military personnel are eligible after a period of five years from their official date of retirement

  Civilian personnel are eligible

  Selection may be posthumous

Achievement Related Criteria:

• A minimum of 4 years service directly promoting the air mobility mission

  One or more noteworthy accomplishments

  A significant contribution to the advancement of air mobility

  Demonstrated superior and sustained performance resulting in a legacy of achievement which fundamentally changed the status quo in a significant way thus enhancing the air mobility mission, culture, and history

Nomination Package:

• Cover Letter: Nominating letter from the A/TA Chapter, Industry, A/TA Board of Advisors, or Airlift/Tanker Association member noting highlights of the individual or group achievements

  Narrative: A description of the achievement-related criteria

  Biography: Details of the individual or group’s career

Nomination Procedures: Chapters, Industry, A/TA Board of Advisors and A/TA members at large may submit nomination packages for consideration into the Hall of Fame. Previous nominees are eligible and will be reevaluated each year. The A/TA President is responsible for maintaining the repository of nominees. The A/TA President has the responsibility to convene and chair a HOF Award Nomination Committee meeting prior to the A/TA Winter Board Meeting. The awards nomination committee will be responsible for identifying and recommending nominees for induction into the A/TA Hall of Fame. The awards nomination committee can consist of current A/TA Board Members, A/TA Board of Advisors, A/TA Historian, AMC Historian, the past A/TA Chairman and/or President, or other A/TA members. The awards nomination committee will evaluate the proposed nominees to ensure the nominees meet the administrative and achievement related criteria and rank order and forward the eligible packages to the A/TA Awards Selection Board.

The A/TA Awards Selection Board will be chaired by the A/TA Chairman and will consist of the elected A/TA Board of Officers. The Board of Officers will select the Airlift Hall of Fame inductee during a session at the A/TA Winter Board Meeting.

Nomination/Selection Milestones

• NLT Nov 30
  • A letter/email from the A/TA Secretary to all Airlift/Tanker Association Chapter Presidents and Board of Advisors soliciting nominees for the Airlift/Tanker Hall of Fame

  Nov-Feb 15

  • HOF nominations submitted to the A/TA President, Mark A. Smith, (1419 Arboretum Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27517) from Chapters, Industry, A/TA Board of Advisors and A/TA members at large.

  NLT Mar 1

  • A/TA President copies and forwards HOF nomination packages to the awards nomination committee and the A/TA Secretary.

  Mar 1 - 31

  • Awards nomination committee evaluates nominees and recommends the eligible packages to the awards selection board (A/TA Board of Officers).

  Mar 1 - 31

  • Awards selection board chaired by the A/TA Chairman meet at a session during the A/TA winter board meeting to select the Airlift/Tanker Hall of Fame inductee(s).

  Apr 1-15

  • A/TA Chairman or President notifies selectee and/or family members. A/TA President requests photographs and other biographical information to forward to the sculptor, awards artist, and A/TQ Editor to prepare the bust(s), plaque(s), Convention Exhibit, and Convention A/TQ magazine.

  Apr-Sept

  • Awards are coordinated and prepared

  Oct/Nov

  • Awards are sent to A/TA convention site for presentation