An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Reservist to receive National Aeronautic Association award

  • Published
WASHINTON --  The National Aeronautic Association will award the 2013 Stinson Trophy to Maj. Gen. Catherine A. Chilton during its awards luncheon in Arlington, Va., March 18.

Chilton is the mobilization assistant to the Military Deputy, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition. She will be the 19th person honored by the association for achievements in aviation, aeronautics, space and related sciences.

Chilton is being honored for ". . . 33 years of enduring aviation contributions throughout the U.S. Air Force," according to an NAA news release. A member of the Air Force Reserve since 1989, Chilton has served as a test engineer, test director, operations officer and mobilization assistant.

According to the association, she has focused on the future of aerospace engineering as well as the future of its engineers. In addition, she has been involved in mentoring programs on military bases, on college campuses, and service academies. She has been a role model to women, engineers, and fellow Airmen throughout her career.

The Stinson Trophy was created in 1997 to honor the accomplishment of Katherine and Marjorie Stinson, sisters who were among the first 11 American women to be certified as airplane pilots through the Aero Club of America (predecessor of the NAA). Their flying school helped numerous U.S. and foreign pilots to earn their Aero Club licenses, the precursor to Federal Aviation Administration pilot certificates.