Wichita Aero Club Honors Dr. John Tomblin at Annual Trophy Gala

Wichita Aero Club HONORS DR. JOHN TOMBLIN AT ANNUAL TROPHY GALA

Event raises approximately $10,000 for educational initiatives

WICHITA, KAN. (Jan. 23, 2023) – This weekend, the Wichita Aero Club (WAC) honored Dr. John Tomblin as the recipient of the 2022 Wichita Aero Club Trophy. Dr. Tomblin is Senior Vice President, Industry and Defense Programs; Executive Director, National Institute for Aviation Research; and Sam Bloomfield Distinguished Professor of Aerospace Engineering for Wichita State University.

Introducing Dr. Tomblin at the event were Dr. Rick Muma, Wichita State University President, and John O’Leary, Airbus Americas Vice President of Engineering/Programs. U.S. Senator Jerry Moran also provided a recorded message to congratulate Dr. Tomblin.

“Instead of extravagance, John’s hard work and professional reputation for success has funded valuable research that promotes digital transformation, supports our aviation and manufacturing industries, and provides unparalleled applied learning opportunities for our students. For all the research dollars John has brought to Wichita State, John is a formidable and passionate researcher himself. I don’t think I’m being at all dramatic when I state that John Tomblin has changed the face of Wichita State and exponentially increased the impact that we have on our community, our state, and our entire country.” 

– An excerpt from Dr. Muma’s event remarks

“John enables people to do things that make a difference for the community, the industry, the University, and for each other. The passion of John’s organization is inspired by John’s leadership. John is high-energy, he is smart, ambitious, aggressive, and determined, and he demonstrates unwavering resolve. However, he is also incredibly humble, very self-aware, kind, giving and interested in you. John has that unique balance of willpower and determination and deep caring for people. It is this balance that empowers the organization.”

 – An excerpt from O’Leary’s event remarks

Click here to read remarks from Dr. Tomblin’s original nomination and his biography, along with information about the WAC Trophy and a listing of prior recipients.

More than 250 people turned out for the event at the B-29 Doc Hangar, Education and Visitors Center, which was emceed by Nicole Alexander, Club President, and Ashley Bowen Cook, WAC Board Chair, Trophy Committee Chair and Greteman Group Vice President.

WAC Trophy Gala raises funds for educational initiatives

In 2008, more than 13,000 jobs had been lost due to the downturn. The original plan for a fundraising event was replaced with raising nearly $32,000 for the United Way Laid Off Workers Fund. In 2010, WAC awarded its first trophy.  

Based on the funds raised through this event and other WAC initiatives, the Club has distributed more than $100,000 in support of educational endeavors at all levels. This includes awarding college-level and technical college-level scholarships, and numerous grants ranging from elementary school projects to adult educational pursuits.

This year’s Gala raised approximately $10,000 through attendance and the generous support of these sponsors: Airbus Americas, National Institute for Aviation Research, Spirit AeroSystems, Textron Aviation, VSE Aviation, Lee Aerospace, Greater Wichita Partnership, and Mid-Continent Aviation Services. The venue host sponsor was B-29 Doc Hangar, Education & Visitors Center.

Hosting NAA to recognize Tony Mazzolini with the Statesman Award

Also, during the event, WAC hosted the National Aeronautic Association for the opportunity to present Mr. Tony Mazzolini with the Wesley L. McDonald Distinguished Statesman of Aviation Award. Mazzolini was awarded for demonstrating leadership and perseverance in securing and restoring an iconic B-29 aircraft (Doc) as a tribute to the patriots whose commitment and sacrifice contributed to the preservation of freedom and peace during World War II and beyond. Mazzolini joins other Distinguished Statesmen and Stateswomen of Aviation with ties to Wichita including Dwane Wallace, Clay Lacy, Olive Ann Beech, Jack Pelton and Dave Franson.