With extensive US Army leadership experience, Norbert Vergez directs capital projects for the Texas firm P3 Builds. Adept in navigating contracts with government agencies, he works with the Commercial Construction Division to refine engineering features and designs in accordance with strict regulatory mandates. Norbert Vergez also manages the project procurement pipeline and maps out commercial projects that range from structure remodels to ground-up construction.
In 1957, senior Aviation Officers established the Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA) as a non-profit organization committed to promoting the interests of Army Aviation. Today, the organization maintains a base of more than 18,000 members across 79 global chapters, including active duty, Army National Guard and United States Army Reserve forces, and retired Army personnel, as well as government agents and affiliated organizations. AAAA provides members various services and resources, including a national awards program.
The AAAA National Awards program annually recognizes outstanding achievements among the Army Aviation community at the AAAA Annual Summit, including the Gary G. Wetzel Army Aviation Soldier of the Year Award. Issued annually with the help of sponsor Bell Helicopter Textron, the award honors the outstanding individual achievements made by a soldier during an Army Aviation Assignment.
Unlike some awards, all soldiers, not just AAAA members, can receive the honor. Award winners must have an active involvement in an Army Aviation assignment or part of a reserve force. The award recognizes individual achievement rather than the collective achievements of an aviation unit.
Next, the Michael J. Novosel Army Aviator of the Year Award recognizes outstanding efforts made by a single Army Aviator during the previous year. Only rated Army Aviators can receive the award.
Sponsored by GE, the James H. McClellan Aviation Safety Award remembers James McClellan, an aviator who lost his life following a civil aviation collision in 1958. Rather than recognizing cumulative accident-free hours, the award recognizes a person who has made significant contributions to safety processes in military aviation during the previous calendar year.
Not all awards honor active duty, reserve, or retired members of the Army Aviation community, such as the Joseph P. Cribbins Department of the Army Civilian of the Year Award. Launched in 1976 and sponsored by The Boeing Company, the award remembers Joseph Cribbins, the award’s first recipient. Mr. Cribbins spent more than two decades as an Army staff member, during which time he made an unparalleled impact on Army Aviation logistics. He helped create the District Attorney’s Aviation Logistics Office. The award in his name recognizes Department of the Army representatives who contributed to the aviation community during the preceding 12 months. The award is only open to civilians in the Department of the Army.
Finally, the Army Aviation Active Unit of the Year Award honors an active unit for outstanding achievement or unique innovation during an aviation mission. The award defines an Aviation unit as any Battalion or lower-ranked unit.
Other awards comprising the AAAA National Awards program include the Outstanding Army Aviation Unit of the Year Award, the USAR Aviation Unit of the Year Award, the John J. Stanko ARNG Unit of the Year Award, and the Robert M. Leich Award, honors a unit for “unique, one-time outstanding” performances. All AAA National Awards submissions are due by January 1 each year. Individuals can visit the organization’s website to learn how to enter a nomination, the requirements needed for the nomination, and more about the awards.
