News

2012 Thomas D. White National Defense Award goes to RAND Corporation official

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Veronica Ward
  • Academy Public Affairs
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  A senior global research institute official is the latest recipient of a long-standing U.S. Air Force Academy Award.
Natalie Crawford, a high-level RAND Corporation executive, received the 2012 Thomas D. White National Defense Award in a ceremony on the Terrazzo here Nov. 1.

Established in 1962, the award is given annually to a U.S. citizen who has significantly contributed to national security through their support for science, technology, international affairs and other fields.

Earlier recipients of the award include the Air Force's first chief of staff, Gen. Carl Spaatz; former National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice; and actor Bob Hope.

Crawford was selected for the award by the Academy's Thomas D. White Award Selection Committee, coordinated by Sue Christensen of the Academy's Plan and Programs office, in 2012.

Nominations for the award were submitted by the Academy's Board of Visitors, senior staff and from the Academy's numerous foundation presidents, Christensen said.

Crawford was selected for the award by former Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Mike Gould. "Ms. Crawford has selflessly worked behind the scenes for nearly 50 years to improve Air Force aircraft, weapons and space systems capabilities and has supported Air Force Scientific programs," Christensen said.

Crawford has been with the RAND Corporation for more than 40 years.

During that time, she served as vice president and director of the corporation's "Project Air Force" for nine years, Christensen said.

Crawford's name can be seen on a plaque in Arnold Hall containing the names of other Thomas D. White National Defense Award winners.