The Air Force Association (AFA) and Aerospace Education Foundation (AEF) continue to recognize outstanding civilian employers of traditional Air National Guard members by awarding the George W. Bush Awards. Twelve award recipients each receive a $500 award, made possible through the contribution of AEF trustee, William W. Spruance. The award criteria include the Guard members’ contribution to the total force mission deployed and at home station, plus leadership qualities. The civilian employer’s role in facilitating and supporting the member’s level of volunteerism for overall military participation is also evaluated. The awards are presented to one officer, and one enlisted member and their qualified employers ($500 to each) for presentation at each of the following three events:

The National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) Air Separate Session, held in September (4 recipients)

AFA Air & Space Conference held in September, Washington, D.C. (4 recipients)

Air National Guard (ANG) Senior Leadership Conference held in December (4 recipients)

Using an AF Form 1206, each state/territory may nominate one officer and one enlisted member for each event category and their respective employer. Air National Guard units should send nomination packages to the ANG/DPFOC, Attention: MSgt Mitias, 1411 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 22202-3231 to arrive not later than June 1, 2004. To be eligible, the employer must be non-governmental (Federal, state, county or city) and either a small business employer (any level or a medium to large business. If you have questions on this award program, please send email to qbyars@afa.org.