F. Clifton “Clif” Berry, Jr., a long-time journalist, author and public relations professional in the aerospace and defense field, has been selected to receive the 2014 Lauren D. Lyman Award for outstanding achievement in aerospace communications.
“We’re delighted to recognize Clif Berry with this year’s Lyman Award,” said Aerospace Industries Association President and CEO Marion C. Blakey. “His long service, unique insights and strong voice on our industry epitomize the qualities that Deac Lyman brought to his craft.”
Berry served in the U.S. Army for more than 20 years before retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1975, including public affairs duties at the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs). He went on to posts as editor at a wide variety of trade publications, including Armed Forces Journal, AIR FORCE Magazine, Air Power History and National Defense magazine. He has also written a lengthy list of non-fiction books on aerospace and defense topics. He served for more than two decades on the board of directors of Summit Aviation at Middletown, Delaware, and was a master parachutist and private pilot with land and seaplane ratings.
When asked about lessons learned, Berry said, “Do the research, ask questions, listen, learn and write.”
Berry received the award at AIA’s 50th Annual Year-End Review and Forecast luncheon Wednesday, Dec. 17.
The award is named after Lauren “Deac” Lyman, a Pulitzer-prize winning aviation reporter with the New York Times who later had a distinguished career as a public relations executive with United Aircraft, a predecessor to United Technologies Corporation. First awarded in 1972, the prize goes to a journalist or public relations professional in aviation who exhibits Lyman’s high standard of excellence. UTC is the longtime sponsor of the award.