NBAA will bestow its highest award, the Meritorious Service to Aviation Award, to members of the Tuskegee Airmen squadron on October 31 during the NBAA Convention in Orlando, Fla. The legendary group of black aviators successfully battled discrimination and adversity as they defended the U.S. in World War II. “We are honored to present this award to these storied aviators, who in a time of great peril defended the U.S. and its principles, even as they faced intolerance at home,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen. Scheduled to accept the award on behalf of the Tuskegee Airmen are Lieutenant Colonel Leo R. Gray (USAF) and Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Jefferson (USAF).