On June 10th, I had the privilege of representing the legendary pilot Jacqueline ‘Jackie’ Cochran who was honored with her induction into the 12th Annual Luncheon of the Cradle of Aviation Museum’s Long Island Air & Space Hall of Fame in Garden City, New York. Each year, individuals who have played a major role in advancing aeronautical and technological achievement are honored with a plaque inscribed with their name, image, and biography, which is mounted on the Long Island Air & Space Hall of Fame’s wall located on the second floor of the Museum.
This year, Jackie Cochran was inducted alongside three other honorees. Dayton T. Brown Sr., a pioneering aeronautical engineer and founder of Dayton T. Brown, Inc.; Dayton T. Brown Jr., engineer and current President of the Dayton T. Brown corporation; and astronaut Fernando ‘Frank’ Caldeiro, who passed away in 2009.
The Induction Class of 2024 was presented by GSE Dynamics, Inc., a Women Owned Small Business and full-service engineering and manufacturing company engaged in the manufacture, assembly, and testing of military mechanical and structural components and assemblies. Anne D. Shybunko-Moore, CEO and Owner, GSE Dynamics Inc. attended the event. Jennifer Baxmeyer, Executive Director of the Cradle of Aviation Museum and Museum Curator, Joshua Stoff led the program and introduced each of the recipients.
Upon accepting this honor on behalf of Jackie Cochran, who passed away in 1980, I spoke of her fascinating life; from her moving away from hardship and poverty as a child, to reinventing herself upon her arrival to New York City, learning to fly at Roosevelt Field, starting her own cosmetics company, to becoming one of the greatest aviators of the 20th Century.
