On Sept. 23, the National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) presented Wings of Hope its 2022 Milton Caniff Spirit of Flight Award, which recognizes and rewards aerospace organizations that exemplify the positive utilization of aviation for charitable purposes or for service to all.
“What sets Wings of Hope apart from other nominations is not only that they fulfill the criteria of the award, but also exceed it by sharing education grounded in their mission,” said NAHF President and CEO Amy Spowart.
Spowart was referring to the organization’s SOAR into STEM program, which brings students into the Wings of Hope hangar for a hands-on, project-based curriculum to inspire them to pursue STEM and aviation career paths.
The award was presented to Wings of Hope President and CEO Bret Heinrich as part of NAHF’s 58th Annual Enshrinement events in Dayton, Ohio.
“To be nominated for recognition in the National Aviation Hall of Fame was especially meaningful to us, because we were nominated by Patty Wagstaff,” Heinrich said. “Patty is herself a member of the Hall of Fame, a legend in aviation and a member of the Wings of Hope Honorary Council.”