WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, was named the recipient of the W. Stuart Symington Award by the Air and Space Force Association. Senator Wicker served in the Air Force as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) Officer, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel from the Air Force Reserve.

The award, named for the first Secretary of the Air Force, is the AFA’s highest civilian honor. Previous recipients of the award include Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, as well as former Senate Armed Services Committee Chairmen John McCain and Jim Inhofe.

“It is my honor to receive a commendation so meaningful as the W. Stuart Symington Award. I am humbled to be named alongside some of my heroes. Air power changed the battlefields of the 20^th century, and space has become one of the 21^st century’s most consequential fronts,” said Chairman Wicker. “We must ensure that the U.S. Air and Space Forces remain a bulwark against both conventional and nuclear threats. My Senate Armed Services Committee colleagues and I are committed to supporting America’s Airmen and Guardians—particularly by equipping them with the equipment necessary for today’s mission. I am grateful that the Air and Space Force Association shares that mission and has consistently advocated for these service members and their families.”

“Sen. Wicker’s steadfast commitment to modernize our Air Force and Space Force and to increase our military readiness are just two examples of what makes him an extraordinary leader in the Senate. His current work to reform our defense acquisition system will be vital in ensuring the taxpayer receives real value for their money while providing our servicemembers with war-winning equipment and support. The AFA and our 130,000 Members are grateful for his leadership of the US Senate Armed Services Committee. Simply put, we are more secure as a nation because of him.” said Lieutenant General Burt Field, USAF (Ret.), President and CEO of the AFA.