Banquet slated for June 24 at Arnold Lakeside Center: Three AEDC Fellows, Two Lifetime Achievement Fellows named Published May 24, 2011 By Shawn Jacobs AEDC/PA ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. -- Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) will induct three new AEDC Fellows along with two Lifetime Achievement Fellows June 24 at the annual Fellows banquet. The new AEDC Fellows are Dr. Ronald L. Clouse, James H. Nichols and Edgar Wantland. They join 61 others selected for this honor since the program began in 1989. The AEDC Lifetime Achievement Fellow recognizes individuals who have made significant and exceptionally valuable contributions to AEDC throughout their careers. This year's honorees are William G. Gray and Jim N. Patterson. Their addition brings the number of Lifetime Achievement Fellows to five. Edward R. Greer, deputy assistant secretary of defense for development and test evaluation (DT&E), will deliver the keynote address at the event. Greer assumed his current duties in March 2010. He is responsible for developing and revising DT&E policy in support of the acquisition of major Department of Defense weapon systems. Dr. Ronald L. Clouse Dr. Clouse was team leader for development of mathematical models and computer simulations for all of the Aeropropulsion Systems Test Facility (ASTF) and a foreign technology engineering intelligence analyst. He retired in 1997 only to return a few months later as a consultant in the foreign technology intelligence area, where he remains today as a casual employee for Aerospace Testing Alliance (ATA), AEDC's operating contractor. Dr. Clouse is being recognized for technical and managerial leadership in the testing of air-breathing engines, propulsion technology and engineering intelligence analysis of foreign technology greatly benefiting AEDC and the nation. James H. Nichols Prior to his retirement, Nichols was deputy director, Operations and Maintenance Facility for then AEDC contractor Calspan Corp. He is being recognized for technical and managerial leadership in advancing the state-of-the-art for wind tunnel facility design, operation and testing. In particular, Nichols is noted for his pioneering work in the Propulsion Wind Tunnel (PWT) and for resolving operational problems and extending the capabilities of PWT, in addition to other accomplishments. Edgar Wantland Wantland has 39 years of service at AEDC in turbine engine test, analysis and evaluation. Now a senior analysis engineer, he is being recognized for his sustained enthusiasm, pursuit of the highest quality and national impact in support of Turbine Engine Analysis. Throughout his career, Wantland has positively impacted U.S. Air Force (USAF) fighter programs and has contributed to the development and qualification of associated major engine test programs. William G. Gray Gray retired as technical director of the 704th Test Group in 2010 after 33 years at AEDC. He is being cited for his exemplary performance in technical management, mission support and contract source selections that have enabled AEDC to remain a national asset. Gray is also recognized for providing a lifetime of pioneering accomplishments for AEDC in all facets of the center including test operations, test investments, civil engineering, mission support, contract source selection and contract management. Jim N. Patterson Patterson made vital contributions to AEDC during 35 years of outstanding service in plant engineering, control systems, specialized power supplies maintenance and management. He was deputy general manager of then AEDC contractors Calspan/Microcraft when he retired in 1994. Patterson is recognized for contributing greatly to the success of AEDC over the years through his work in engineering and maintenance of all types of air-moving plant equipment and through his in-depth experience and leadership at every organization level. The Fellows program was established in 1989 and recognizes AEDC individuals who have made exceptionally distinguished and substantial contributions to the nation's aerospace ground testing capability at the center. Candidates considered for selection as either an AEDC Fellow or as an AEDC Lifetime Achievement Fellow are current or retired military, civilian and operating contractor and subcontractor personnel assigned or previously assigned to AEDC. The invitation-only banquet will be held at the Arnold Lakeside Center.