Press Releases

Congressman Turner released the following statement after the Dayton Daily News reported the NAHF has considered leaving Dayton, Ohio.

Yesterday, NAHF President Michael J. Quiello said in an interview that the NAHF could, “vote to pick up the Hall of Fame and move it to some other city that’s welcoming to us,” according to the Dayton Daily News.

As a result, Congressman Turner sent a letter to Bill Harris, Chairman of the NAHF Board of Trustees, that he is drafting legislation to terminate the Congressional Charter of the NAHF.

Below is an excerpt of the letter Congressman Turner has sent:

“As a result, I have lost confidence in the current leadership of the NAHF.  I have, therefore, directed my staff to draft legislation that would terminate the Congressional Charter of the NAHF.  I intend to vigorously pursue this legislation until such time as the Board and leadership of the NAHF regain my confidence that they are committed and capable of executing the responsibilities of a Congressional Charter and ensuring the sustainability of the NAHF at the NMUSAF.”

On January 25^th, Congressman Turner sent a letter to the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Aviation Hall of Fame stating he will investigate the Congressionally Chartered organization after receiving troubling information concerning their finances.

On January 30th, Congressman Turner then announced that he had received support from two National Aviation Hall of Fame Trustees Katie McCallum and Donald I. VanDerKarr after announcing his plans to investigate the NAHF.

On February 1st, Congressman Turner sent a letter to Chairman of the Board of Trustees Bill Harris alerting him that the NAHF must cease and desist all deliberations, efforts or activities that relate to selling or disposing of artifacts in the NAHF’s possession.

On February 6^th, Congressman Turner announced Phil Parker President and CEO of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, Jeff Hoagland, President and CEO of the Dayton Development Coalition and Brady Kress, President and CEO of Dayton History will be tasked with forming a Blue Ribbon Panel to create a sustainable plan for the NAHF’s future.

On February 6^th, both Senator Rob Portman and the Chairman of the Natural Resources Committee Rob Bishop (UT-01) have expressed their support of the investigation and the Blue Ribbon Panel.

Congressman Turner is exercising his oversight authority to investigate these allegations concerning the Congressionally Chartered organization.

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