USHGA Presents Awards

Joe Gregor and Matthew Graham are recipients


(excerpted from USHGA press release)

ORLANDO-Amidst all their work during the long weekend of meetings, the USHGA Board of Directors made sure to recognize the valuable work of others in the organization.

Several outstanding individuals and groups were singled out as recipients of USHGA's Annual Awards.

Joe Gregor, of the Capital Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, was honored with an USHGA Exceptional Service Citation. This award is given to a member in recognition of outstanding contributions to the Association over the last year. Joe has helped keep all hang glider and paraglider pilots in the air through his exceptional work on the FAA's Sport Pilot NRPM (Notice of Proposed Rule Making). Joe helped draft USHGA's response to the Federal Aviation Administration's proposed Sport Pilot (SP) and Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) rules, helping to preserve and protect the rights of USHGA members to fly our gliders. Joe has endured endless bureaucratic meetings and read, and responded to, reams of paperwork. In short, he has done what few could-he effectively worked the political and bureaucratic processes.

Three pilots were singled out for USHGA Board Commendations for the outstanding contributions to the promotion of safe, enjoyable flight, and for their volunteer work with their local clubs and the national association. Those pilots receiving the USHGA Commendation are:

Matthew Graham of the Capital Hang Gliding Association. Matthew is a direct-at-large on the CHGA leadership roster, and as such, promotes the sport to the general public, and helps bring new pilots into the fold.

USHGA Awards are presented annually at the Fall Board of Directors meeting. To find award criteria and nomination information, visit www.ushga.org.