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Author
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Topic: Joe Kittinger To Receive Second Annual History Maker Award
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Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 42986 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 03-02-2006 08:23 PM
Press Release quote: Colonel Joseph Kittinger, Orlando native, space pioneer and war hero, will receive the second-annual John Young History Maker Award, the Historical Society of Central Florida's highest honor, at a May 25 ceremony and private celebration expected to draw over 500 guests. Sara Van Arsdel, executive director of The History Center, said the Historical Society is excited to be a part of this new tradition for the second consecutive year and is proud to recognize one of Central Florida's most historic individuals. "Kittinger's passion and dedication to the aerospace industry is evident throughout his lifetime accomplishments. He holds several world-records including the highest ascent in a balloon of 102,800 feet and the longest freefall and the fastest speed by man through the atmosphere," said Van Arsdel. "As a fighter pilot, Colonel Kittinger served in Vietnam with the United States Air Force and was a prisoner of war in the Hanoi Hilton for eleven months. He has experienced so much throughout his lifetime that put him at the top of the list of Central Floridians who've made history." Kittinger boasts a long list of accolades for his research efforts. On top of his many awards and decorations, he was the recipient of the Harmon Trophy for outstanding accomplishments in aeronautics by President Eisenhower in 1960, was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 1997 and was most recently inducted into the Florida Aviation Hall of Fame in 2003. Kittinger's military decorations include two silver stars, 5 distinguished flying crosses, 24 air medals and 2 purple hearts. Individual tickets for the gala event are available to Historical Society members for $125 and may be purchased by non-members for $150. Special Patron Tables may be reserved with a contribution of $5,000 at the 20 Mile High Club level, $3,500 at the Trans Atlantic Solo level or $2,500 at the Excelsior level. Last year's inaugural event raised over $30,000 for the Historical Society of Central Florida. Funds raised from the event will help in part to help construct world-class exhibits and to fund The History Center's many educational programs that reach 30,000 children and countless adults in the community each year. The History Center is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Monday-Saturday) and from noon to 5 p.m. (Sunday). General admission is $7, students with a valid student ID and seniors (60+) are $6.50 and children ages 3-12 are $3.50. Historical Society members and children under the age of 3 are free. Visitors receive two hours of FREE covered parking at the Orlando Public Library with paid admission (not valid for special events). Guided tours are offered on Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. and are included in the price of general admission. For more information call (407) 836-8500 or visit www.thehistorycenter.org
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