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Medics inducted into Airlift Tanker Hall of Fame

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NASHVILLE --  At the Annual Airlift Tanker Association in Nashville, TN 27 Oct 07, retired Gen. Ron Fogleman, proudly announced the group below as the first group ever inducted into the Airlift/Tanker Association Hall of Fame.

"We have chosen to feature a few instrumental personnel to represent the Legacy of AE across the decades," he said.

The AE mission is a "no fail mission" for our nation.

This mission continues tonight from Iraq and Afghanistan and points throughout the globe. AE truly moves America's most precious cargo.

The AE mission depends on a Total Force of active, Reserve, and Air National Guard. The group selected to represent the AE mission as Legacy Team Members were:
- Retired Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Paul K. Carlton Jr.
- Retired Col. Regina Aune
- Retired Col. Bud Traynor
- Retired Col. Bob Brannon,
- Col. (Dr.) Jay Johanniggman (AFRC)
- Capt. Reba Tobiason (nee Whittle, posthumously)
- Chief Master Sgt. Rodney Christa (AFRC)
- Retired Master Sgt. Mark McElroy.

The Aeromedical Evacuation Legacy Team is a dynamic, diverse group of airlift and medical professionals who have clearly demonstrated superior and sustained performance resulting in a legacy of achievement.

The AE team fundamentally changed the status quo in a significant way thus enhancing the air mobility mission, culture, and history. ATA sincerely thank you for advancing the AE mission and transforming this airlift core competency to make Air Mobility the world leader in patient movement.

The last portion of the convention featured an awards banquet attended by over 4,000 with AE as the centerpiece award.

At the end of the ceremony, the ATA unveiled a bronze sculpture depicting the AE legacy by world renown artist Jerry McKenna. The composition is based on a seriously injured troop being loaded at Baghdad Intl Airport on a C-130, with a C-17 on the horizon. The back of the 20-inch high, 2-inch thick coin shows the Red Cross, with a center globe and AE with the three stars representing Total Force.

This sculpture will be installed later this year at the outdoor AMC Walk of Fame at Scott AFB, Ill.