Bill Harris Named 2025 NAA Bruce Whitman Trophy Recipient
Association Leader recognized for service to U.S. Soldiers and families
WASHINGTON, D.C., March. 11, 2025 ─ The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) announced today that William “Bill” R. Harris, Jr., Executive Director of the Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA), has been selected as the 2025 Bruce Whitman Memorial Trophy recipient.
Serving as Director since 1995, Harris oversees communicating AAAA initiatives to senior government leaders, coordinating the Army Aviation Caucus of 52 U.S. Congressmen, publishing Army Aviation Magazine, and providing membership and meeting planning services, including the 10,000-attendee annual Summit and various classified and unclassified Army Aviation meetings.
“Under Bill’s leadership, Quad A has become an impactful organization, making U.S. Army Aviation the world standard,” said Jim Albaugh, NAA Board Chair. “His passionate dedication to soldiers and their families provides much-needed support so that they can provide unwavering focus to their mission. He embodies the purpose of this award with his hard work benefiting those in service to our country.”
Established in 2019 by the NAA Board of Directors, the Bruce Whitman Memorial Trophy honors outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to aviation or aerospace in the United States and who, by working with museums and other institutions, have promoted an appreciation by students and the broader public of the sacrifices and legacy of military service members. Created in honor of the aerospace executive and philanthropist bearing its name, Whitman was posthumously named the first trophy recipient in 2019.
Harris is a recognized advocate for U.S. Army Soldiers and families throughout the Army Aviation Community. Under his leadership, AAAA promotes the development and advancement of Army Aviation through professional networking, advocacy, and recognition programs. It provides a platform for military personnel, industry professionals, and aviation enthusiasts to collaborate, share knowledge, and address challenges in the field. Harris has also championed the AAAA Scholarship Foundation, providing over $10.3 million in grants to more than 6,400 recipients since its inception, and the newly formed AAAA Trade-school, Licensing, and Certification Foundation (AAAATLC). AAAATLC provides financial support for those AAAA members seeking civilian skill ratings such as Airframe and Powerplant mechanics, Commercial Driver Licensing, welding certifications, etc.
“Having known Bruce Whitman personally, this is a particular honor,” said Bill Harris, 2025 Whitman Trophy recipient. “Since starting as Managing Editor of the AAAA’s official publication, ARMY AVIATION Magazine, in 1987, it has been my daily pleasure to support, serve, and advocate for these outstanding Americans who form the military aviation formation with the most pilots and aircraft in the world, the U.S. Army Aviation Branch.”
The 2025 Whitman Trophy will be presented at the NAA Fall Awards. For more information, please visit naa.aero and follow the NAA social media channels.
The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to creating opportunities for full participation in aviation activities and fostering public understanding of the significance of aviation and space flight in the United States. The NAA is the steward of some of the most prestigious aviation awards globally and certifies all national aviation records set in the United States, playing a crucial role in promoting and recognizing excellence in aviation.
For information, visit www.naa.aero
