Elder Statesman

In late August the National Aeronautic Association, wrote to Balloon Life, "It gives me great pleasure to inform you that Donald L. Piccard, whom you nominated, has been selected to receive one of the National Aeronautic Association's most prestigious and distinguished recognitions, the Elder Statesman of Aviation Award. Selection was made by a committee drawn from virtually all segments of aviation."

The Elder Statesman of Aviation Award was established in 1954 to honor outstanding Americans who, by their efforts over a period of years, have made contributions of significant value to aeronautics and have reflected credit upon America and themselves. Each year the NAA solicits nominations and convenes a distinguished committee of august aviation leaders from all segments of the aerospace community to choose worthy recipients.

An award ceremony will be held on October 14 in Washington, DC at a noon luncheon sponsored by the Aero Club of Washington. This luncheon will be held at the Capital Hilton, located at 16th and K St., NW.

This is the fourth time in the last five years that Balloon Life has had the pleasure of nominating an Elder Statesman honoree. While Balloon Life championed Mr. Piccard's candidacy the real credit for the success of this great honor being bestowed goes to the past executive director of the Balloon Federation of America, Wally Miller. Wally was one of the 25 distinguished aviation leaders who selected this year's honorees. Wally eloquently spoke in Don's behalf during the selection process.

Wally Miller

Past executive director? Yes, sad but true. Wally submitted his resignation earlier this summer to the Balloon Federation of America effective October 15. The BFA board, by a six to four vote, accepted his resignation effective immediately at a recent phone call board meeting.

Mr. Miller had a number of detractors both on and off the BFA board. Strikes against him have been as much his style as substance, such as his outspoken response to the recent, and ongoing, controversy between the BFA and its competition division. It is the six board members who have chosen not to rein in the competition division that voted for his early removal. Several had been demanding Mr. Miller's head for some time.

The BFA board basically tasked Mr. Miller with being a cheer leader for the organization, increasing membership, and developing new sources of revenue. To his credit he dramatically increased corporate membership, although the board would not go along with the amount of the corporate membership fee increase he recommended. He convinced corporate members to donate prizes that have been given away in membership drives. He renegotiated the credit card contract with MBNA so that the BFA receives more money.

One of his detractors pointed out to this publication that during Mr. Miller's tenure that the BFA only has 34 more members then when he began his job. From where this writer sits 34 more members is a significant increase. Every other aspect of ballooning has been in a steady decline over the last several years. New balloon sales alone are a good indicator of the state of the sport today.

Whether you liked his style or not, Wally Miller made significant contributions to the BFA. Its too bad that petty squabbling and narrow thinking by the present Board of Directors cut his efforts short.