ICAS Presents Swords of Excellence to Clark, Buekenberghs

Longtime air show performer Julie Clark and European Airshow Council Board Chairman Gilbert Buekenberghs were recognized as 2018 recipients of the prestigious ICAS Sword of Excellence during ceremonies last week in Las Vegas. Clark and Buekenberghs became the 45^th and 46^th recipients of the award since it was first established in 1981. Past recipients of the Sword include Paul Poberezny, Bob Hoover, Leo Loudenslager, Bill Bordeleau, Danny Clisham, Duane Cole and Art Scholl.

Julie was recognized as a trailblazer, mentor, role model and leader during an air show career that now spans four decades. Her personal story of overcoming adversity, persevering and exceling in a male-dominated industry has been a source of inspiration to millions. And she has actively participated in a wide variety of aviation organizations during her air show career, from EAA and Women in Aviation to the T-34 Association and ICAS, including a three-year term on the ICAS Board of Directors.

During the last 30 years, Gilbert helped to form and build the European Airshow Council, the sister organization of ICAS serving air show professionals in Europe and North Africa. From meeting planner, safety advocate and goodwill ambassador to publisher, politician and publicist, he did all that was necessary to build the EAC into an organization delivering significant benefits to its members and changing forever the trajectory of the entire European air show business.