The Lead of the TORA! TORA! TORA! team, Charles
Hutchins, was the recipient of the prestigious ICAS Sword of Excellence Award at
the 2006 International Council of Air Shows Convention.
Since 1981, the
International Council of Air Shows Sword of Excellence has been
synonymous with air show excellence. Given each year to recognize
outstanding service and personal contributions to the air show industry,
the Sword is widely considered to be the single highest honor an
individual air show professional can receive. Over the last 25 years, 31
different Sword recipients have been honored for their leadership,
service, innovation, vision, commitment and selfless contributions to
the air show business.
The ICAS Sword of
Excellence Award is given in honor of outstanding overall service or
personal contributions to the air show industry. Consideration may be
given to exceptional, consistent and personal efforts that have made a
substantial impact in the improvement, growth or recognition of the
industry over a long period of time or a distinguished short term
contribution of extraordinary value. The Award is not limited to
contributions within ICAS, but is reflective of selfless contribution to
the air show industry as a whole. The recipient need not be a member of
ICAS to receive the award.
Selection of a
recipient for the ICAS Sword of Excellence Award is by unanimous
decision of a Selection Committee comprised of a member of the Board of
Directors, two past recipients of the award, and two at-large members,
each of who has at least ten years of experience in the air show
business. ICAS will allow, but not require, up to two recipients for the
Sword each year.
