Serving Midwest Aviation Since 1960
Serving Midwest Aviation Since 1960
Celebrating aviation in Minnesota
Students from the University Rocket Club Front row: Scott Gleason, Stephanie Wegner, Courtney Swanson, Jacqueline Sotraidis, Sasha Warbritton. Back row: Joseph Halbek, Alex Pratt, Matthew Bruffy, Zach Fox, Jesse DeFiebre, David Barwin, Chad Serba, Katie Heinemann.
St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman receives a book about Speed Holman, authored and presented by Noel Allard as Dale Klapmeier looks on.
Attendees included businesses, students, aviation enthusiasts, and those interested in supporting AirSpace Minnesota. Pictured above are: Gary Black, Regional Sales Director, Great Plains for Cirrus Aircraft, Alison Wynne, Aviation Specialist at Hays Companies, and Derek Wynne, Director of Sales & Marketing, Twin Cities Aviation.
Photo of the last space shuttle in a slide presentation by Robert Cabana.
Seated: Cadet/Col Andrew Lo, Cadet/Sr Amn Jared Herrera, Cadet/Capt Dylan Worley, Col Deon Ford. Standing: Cadet/AB Andres Martinez, Cadet/Sr Amn Cassandra Hernandez
Robert Cabana,Director, Kennedy Space Center gives a presentation to a receptive audience at the Air Space Minnesota Robert Gilruth Tribute in April.
AirSpace Minnesota's Robert Gilruth Tribute Celebration at TFC Bank Stadium on April 23 featured guest speaker Robert Cabana, Director of the Kennedy Space Center.
While the celebration honored Gilruth, the father of America's human space flight program, and many others who contributed to the region's innovation aviation legacy, the gathering also focused on supporting a new generation of learners.
"There is no lack of enthusiasm for space exploration," said Cabana.
St. Paul Mayor, Chris Coleman, encouraged businesses and individuals to become involved in the organizational structure and opportunities available through AirSpace Minnesota's planned Aviation Learning Center.
"We need a culture that tells young people that they are the next generation of innovators, said Coleman, "and that we believe in their ability to change the future."
Author and Founder of the Minnesota Aviation Historical Society, Noel Allard presented Mayor Coleman with a copy of his book on Speed Holman, another contributor to the legacy of aviation in Minnesota.
Cirrus Aircraft CEO and Founding Chair of Airspace Minnesota, Dale Klapmeier noted how today's video games emulate the very real 3-D affect of flying, suggesting that introducing Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) via aviation may spark a dream in a student who may otherwise not realize his or her own potential in those areas.
"Let's use aviation to spark that desire in kids to say, 'I want to study,'" said Klapmeier.
The earnestness of Klapmeier's desire is evident in his donation of a Cirrus SR22 to the Learning Center.
Attendees lingered after the presentation to ask questions of the presenters and for the opportunity of a photo op.
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