Sam Graves Honored With EAA’s Prestigious Freedom of Flight Award
Story and Photography by Raul Cisneros
-
EAA CEO and Chairman of the Board Jack J. Pelton presented retiring U.S. Rep. Sam Graves (R-Missouri) with the prestigious Freedom of Flight Award. The presentation was made during a congressional town hall on Saturday morning at Forum Stage 4.
EAA CEO and Chairman of the Board Jack J. Pelton presented retiring U.S. Rep. Sam Graves (R-Missouri) with the prestigious Freedom of Flight Award. The presentation was made during a congressional town hall on Saturday morning at Forum Stage 4.
“We’re going to present to Sam Graves, congressman, committee chair, an advocate, a pilot, a farmer, and a member with our highest award in recognition for his significant contributions to general aviation,” Jack said. “As a general aviation pilot and member, Sam knows firsthand the benefits and value of our community and our airports. Our continued freedom to fly will serve as his legacy from the decades he has spent in Congress.”
Chairman Graves expressed his appreciation upon receiving the award, adding, “I am going to continue to advocate for general aviation in Washington, D.C.”
Since 2001, Graves has represented general aviation and his home district, the Missouri 6th, in the U.S. House of Representatives, most recently as chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. He was instrumental in securing $12.5 billion last year for a long-needed air traffic control modernization and, in 2024, passing a $105 billion FAA reauthorization bill.
The awards presentation was followed by a town hall discussion and Q&A session. Also on stage were Jim Viola, president and CEO of General Aviation Manufacturers Association; Jim Coon, senior vice president of government advocacy at the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association; Christy Greco Johnson, senior vice president of government affairs at the National Business Aviation Association; and Teresa Marr, senior director of legislative affairs at Vertical Aviation International.
EAA’s Freedom of Flight Award has been presented since 1986 and recognizes contributions to aviation that closely mirror the integrity, entrepreneurship, and innovativeness of EAA members. Past recipients include Neil Armstrong, Cliff Robertson, Burt Rutan, and Scott Crossfield.
