AFAF receives Academy's Distinguished Service Award Published Sept. 9, 2015 By Ray Bowden U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Two U.S. Air Force Academy Foundation officials accepted the Academy's Distinguished Service Award from the institution's superintendent here Sept. 4. Foundation Chairman Bill Hybl accepted the award on behalf of the foundation from Academy Superintendent, Lt. Gen. Michelle Johnson, at a morning reception at the Falcon Club, and Foundation President Dave Palenchar accepted the award during the Parents' Weekend Parade at Stillman Parade Field. Specifically, the Academy nominated the AFAF for the award for its outstanding service and support to the educational institution, which includes garnering financial support for the Dean's Summer Research Program for cadets in Prague and Hong Kong, and construction of Falcon Stadium, Eisenhower Golf Course, Farish Memorial Recreation Area and the Barry Goldwater Visitor Center, according to award documents. "The AFAF was established in 1954 by citizens of the Colorado Springs community specifically to demonstrate our state's support of the Air Force Academy by ensuring necessary funds would be available for its success," Hybl said. "More than 60 years later we are proud to see the Academy thrive, and to support it through capitol programs and the current George Mason Scholarship Program. On behalf of our 120 members, we are honored to receive the Distinguished Service Award and look forward to (our) continued support of the Academy." The Academy established the Distinguished Service Award in 1999. "Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for our Academy, our cadets and our alumni," Johnson said. "The AFAF's dedication to the Academy's mission and generosity has left a lasting impact on this institution and on all who have, and will, pass through it." Visit www.usafa.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123422578 to read about the recipient of the 2014 Distinguished Service Award.