A record number of 99s, members of The Ninety-Nines, Inc., International Organization of Women Pilots, attended the annual international meeting in Bozeman, Montana, July 10-14.
Some 60 aircraft from across the United States, nearly 300 members from four countries, and 90 guests overflowed the conference facilities.
The highlight of the multi-day conference was an awards banquet on July 13 honoring six people for their contributions to aviation and The Ninety-Nines.
For her contributions to the organization, 40-year-member Carole Sutton of Chester, Nebraska, received the Award of Achievement for Contributions to The Ninety-Nines. She was recognized for being instrumental in the development and operation of the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum in Atchison, Kansas. During her various terms of office, whether it be as secretary, director or chairman, Carole has given energy and resources to the Birthplace Museum, including writing a grant from the Kansas and Missouri Hampton Inns for $20,000 and a 40-person work crew.
Clay Lacy received the President’s Award from Ninety-Nines President Martha Phillips for his unwavering support of Ninety-Nines functions and causes. Known for not only his air racing career (Reno Air Races and The Great Race from Long, England to Victoria, British Columbia) and test pilot skills, Clay owns and operates Clay Lacy Aviation at Van Nuys Airport, California. The company maintains a fleet of aircraft used for aerial filming in movie productions and photo work for the aircraft industry and military. In 1998, Clay flew a Boeing 747SP around the world, establishing a new Around the World Speed Record and in doing so, raised over $500,000 for children’s charities. An experienced advocate for both pilots and aircraft operators, he is a popular writer and contributor to Professional Pilot.
Graduating nearly 1,100 troubled kids from his Air Time Canada program since 1994, David Black of British Columbia, Canada, received the Award of Merit for his selfless devotion to helping kids develop self-esteem, leadership skills and a sense of responsibility using aviation education. The concept for the program began 23 years ago when a similar program using cameras and photography intrigued him while working as a volunteer tutor in a Youth Detention Center.
The George Palmer Putnam Award recognizes a non-member individual in a supporting role, this year
presented to Bob Jones, a flight instructor in Idaho who has devoted countless hours to The 99s, particularly with mountain flying courses held at the Flying B Resort Ranch on the Salmon River. Bob is a World War II era Army aviator and retired engineer from the National Engineering Laboratory in southeast Idaho.
Ninety-Nine Catherine “Kitty” Houghton pilot, sportswoman, musician, Peace Corps volunteer, and film maker, was posthumously recognized with the Award of Inspiration. As accomplished Kitty Houghton was, she still had energy for a full-time career. Soft-spoken and with little regard for herself, she dedicated her life to helping others around the world. She developed a deep affection for Nepal and its inhabitants, finding a connection with female pilots there. She was instrumental in starting the Nepal and the Ghanaian Sections of The Ninety-Nines. Kitty’s life, actions and attitude were truly inspirational. Kitty’s sisters, Niki Houghton and Linda Krantz and niece Maya Albanese accepted the award from President Phillips.
Member Deborah V. Gallaway of Fairfax Station, Virginia, is this year’s recipient of the Award of Achievement for Contributions to Aviation. Gallaway has a long history with aerospace education, receiving the Frank G. Brewer Trophy in 2004 from the National Aeronautic Association (NAA). Whether it be managing NASA’s Explorer Institute Program, serving as a program director for the United States Centennial of Flight Commission or teaching aviation programs at the Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum in Virginia, Debbie has been deeply involved with aviation education for decades, furthering the mission of The Ninety-Nines.
For more information: Ninety-Nines.org