Air Force Association 411 President Dr. C.E. Hassel, Warsaw, attended the Air Force Association’s Air and Space conference Sept. 11 to Wednesday in Washington, D.C. Hassel, recently elected as president of the Indiana State AFA, served as chair of the Indiana Delegation to the convention, according to information Hassel provided. The keynote speaker was Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter. Secretary of the Air Force Debra Lee James also was present at the convention. During the AFA Field Awards dinner, the most distinguished award given each year is the National Teacher of the Year Award, according to information provided. Indiana’s candidate for this award for 2015 was Tippecanoe Valley Middle School sixth-grade science teacher Jane Hunn. She was edged out for the award by Mark Westlake, instructor of the Saint Thomas Academy Experimental Vehicle Team of engineering projects formed in 1997. During the convention, delegates attended the Air Force Memorial Service and the laying of the wreath. Also at the Memorial, Hassel indicated, were University Air Force Reserve officer training cadets representing the Arnold Air Society and Silver Wings. Hassel also met with Purdue University’s outstanding cadet, Rachel Bogue. Delegates spent an afternoon at Lockheed Martin Corporate offices, builder of the F35H. The director of legislative affairs, Don Schlipp, and Maj. Gen. Richard Johnston explained to the delegates the F25 Lightening II.
