Arlington, Va. (Dec. 2, 2022) – The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) presented “The Wright Stuff Award” to Representative Jim Cooper (D-TN-05) in recognition of his leadership and policy contributions to America’s space national security during his tenure in the United States Congress.
“On behalf of the 2.1 million employees working in aerospace and defense, it’s an honor to present our ‘Wright Stuff Award’ to one of America’s greatest champions for a resilient national security space enterprise: Representative Jim Cooper. His decades of advocacy have fundamentally changed the way the U.S. approaches the space domain, including his integral role in the establishment of U.S. Space Force. Because of his efforts, America is in a stronger, more secure position in our national security,” said AIA President and CEO Eric Fanning.
“It’s an honor to receive this award. For much of my time in Congress, our space defense systems had largely been overlooked. The power of the U.S. Space Force is that it quickens the imagination and it defends America. We must continue working together to keep America safe and strong,” said Rep. Cooper.
A longtime advocate for the military to have a dedicated focus on protecting and defending U.S. assets in space, Rep. Cooper was a leader in the establishment of the U.S. Space Force and the reestablishment of U.S. Space Command. Rep. Cooper chairs the Strategic Forces Subcommittee that oversees the nation’s nuclear installations and satellites and sits on the Committee on Oversight and Reform, Committee on Budget, and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Rep. Cooper has served the state of Tennessee in Congress for over 30 years.
“The Wright Stuff Award,” created in 2020, is named after the inspiring Wright brothers whose ideas and inventions ushered in the age of flight, and in turn, transformed the world. The award recognizes individuals who have made major and measurable contributions to the U.S. aerospace and defense industry.
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