6/25/2007 – PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. — Air Force Space Command played a key role in the success of the Order of the Daedalians 2007 National Convention, themed the “Integration of Air and Space Power,” in Colorado Springs, June 14 to 16.

More than 350 people attended the three-day event, which was filled with activities to include an airpower symposium, tours of the Space Innovation and Development Center and the 50th Space Wing at Schriever AFB, Colo., as well as a trip to Peterson’s flightline to get a first-hand look at the F-22A Raptor and the Predator Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.

General Kevin P. Chilton, AFSPC commander and Daedalian member, was the keynote speaker at the convention’s luncheon, June 16. He emphasized AFSPC’s rich history of providing combat effects and how space professionals all over the globe are active in air and space integration from planning to execution.

Panel members for Saturday morning’s airpower symposium were: panel moderator, retired Lt. Gen. Wally Moorhead; Lt. Gen. Douglas Fraser, commander, Alaskan Command, Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command Region, 11th Air Force, and former AFSPC Director of Operations and Space Warfare Center commander; Brig. Gen. Tod Wolters, 325th Fighter Wing commander; Col. Christopher Chambliss, commander, 432nd Unmanned Air Systems Wing; Col. John Hyten, AFSPC Director, Strategic Plans, Programs, Analysis, Assessment and former 50th SW commander; and Maj. Troy Endicott, AFSPC Commander’s Action Group.

And noted by both retired Lt. Gen. Richard Brown, Daedalians National president, and retired Maj. Gen. Bud Breckner, Daedalians convention chairman, AFSPC did an absolutely outstanding job capturing the theme of integration of air and space power. “Without a doubt, it was the best symposium and conference we’ve ever had.”

The convention culminated with an awards banquet, which according to retired Col. Robert Karre, Daedalus Flyer author, “crowns the Order’s efforts for the year to encourage patriotism, recognize and promote safety of flight and overall excellence in aviators and highlight advancement in air and space power.”

Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz, AFSPC vice commander, represented the Air Force in presenting three of the nine awards – the Daedalian Weapons System Award to the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle Team; the Air Force Exceptional Pilot Award to Capt. Matthew Robins; and the Major General Benjamin D. Foulois Memorial Award to Lt. Gen. Michael Wooley for Air Force Special Operations Command. (See additional story on award presentation)

“It was a great honor to host the Daedalians and show off how we integrate air and space combat power today,” said Maj. Gen. Richard Webber, AFSPC conference lead and Installations and Mission Support director. “My favorite part was watching the interaction between warriors from the past and our young space warriors of today.”

The Order of the Daedalians is America’s premier fraternal organization of U.S. military pilots promoting leadership in air and space power. The organization traces its roots back to Billy Mitchell and the first pilots to fly in combat during World War I.

For more information about the Daedalians, visit www.daedalians.org.