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Contact: Kelley A. Welf
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Legendary Women Airforce Service Pilots and Apollo 14 Astronaut at Lindbergh Foundation 34th Annual Awards

Recognition and Celebration to be held at SUN ’n FUN 2011, Buehler Center

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (March 28, 2011) — The Lindbergh Foundation announced today that it will be hosting some special guests at the 34^th Annual Lindbergh Award Celebration and Dinner on Wednesday evening, March 30^th during the SUN ’n FUN 2011 International Fly-In & Expo.  Joining the nearly 200 guests and sponsors that night will be eleven Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) and an Apollo 14 astronaut and moon-walker, Dr. Edgar Mitchell.

“We are honored to have so many WASP joining us in recognizing our Lindbergh Awardees efforts for the future of aviation.  It’ll be a real treat for those in attendance to meet these special veterans whose pioneering service of the past paved the way for women in aviation and made valuable contributions to our nation’s defense.” Observed Reeve Lindbergh, Honorary Chairman of the Foundation.  Lorraine Frigolet, Director of Development, explained that, “During World War II, this special group of women pilots became the first American women to fly military aircraft.  They ferried aircraft around the country, served as test pilots, transported military personnel, towed targets for artillery training and simulated dive-bomber raids on antiaircraft gunners.”  After being disbanded in December 1944 with little recognition, the WASP were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in March 2010.  “We are honored to have so many WASP, whose pioneering service of the past paved the way for women in aviation and contributed to our nation’s defense, joining us in recognizing our Lindbergh Awardees efforts for the future of aviation.”

Another special guest will be Dr. Edgar Mitchell, Navy Captain who flew on Apollo 14, as crew on NASA’s third manned lunar landing in 1971, and became the sixth man to walk on the moon.  His experiences on that flight have shaped his life and his extraordinary career.  As a scientist, test pilot, naval officer, astronaut, entrepreneur, author and lecturer, he is an inspiration to all.  “Ed Mitchell is truly an example of humanity’s desire to move beyond our earthly boundaries and reach out to new horizons." Offered John Petersen, principal of the Arlington Institute and Officer of the Lindbergh Foundation. “Much like the Lindbergh’s’, Dr. Mitchell’s life has been dedicated to exploration of the human experience at all levels.  We are honored that he will be joining us to celebrate the great achievements of our Lindbergh Awardees.”  Sean Tucker, noted aerobatic pilot and Master of Ceremonies for the Award Celebration program, added, “Dr. Mitchell’s experiences on that flight have shaped his extraordinary life and career.  As a scientist, test pilot, naval officer, astronaut, entrepreneur, author and lecturer, he is an inspiration to all.”

In addition to the WASP and Dr. Mitchell, the Lindbergh Awards Celebration is a gathering place for some of the top leaders in the aviation business as well as notable aviators.  SUN ’n FUN President and Convention Chairman John Burton pointed out that, “With aviation luminaries like John and Martha King, Sean Tucker, Kermit Weeks, and other Board Members representing the Lindbergh Foundation, and an evening full of entertainment and enlightening comments by the Awardees, the Lindbergh Award Celebration is not to be missed.  SUN ’n FUN is proud to be hosting this important event, and to support the long-standing tradition of the Lindbergh Foundation.”

The 2011 Lindbergh Award Celebration and Dinner will include a cocktail reception, auction, and dinner, followed by presentations by Lindbergh Award Winners, Dean Kamen, GE Aviation, and Milbry Polk.  As of the 25^th of March, limited seating for the Celebration was still available, with reservations secured by contacting the Lindbergh Foundation at 763-576-1596 or online at

https://lindbergh.ejoinme.org/MyPages/RegistrationPage/tabid/127846/Default.aspx

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About The Lindbergh Foundation

The Lindbergh Foundation is a public 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, based in Anoka, Minnesota, which focuses on technological breakthroughs to address significant aviation-environmental issues. The Lindbergh Foundation also values individual initiative and accomplishments.  Its programs are devoted to supporting, honoring, and educating individuals, through three major programs:  the annual Lindbergh Award, presented to individuals for significant contributions toward balancing nature and scientific innovation in their work; the Lindbergh Grants program, which provides grants in amounts up to $10,580 (the cost of building the Spirit of St. Louis in 1927) for research or education projects that will make important contributions to the technology/environment balance; and a variety of educational events and publications centered on the balance theme