Sheryl Musick - in recognition of her hard work and creativity in assembling a beautiful “memory book” for Bob Yoakum, AAST’s Tennessee State Director, and for her invaluable assistance in providing guests at our 2010 National Board meeting in San Antonio, Texas, with a memorable experience in touring the city.

Wes Holland, President of B W Mobility, Inc., for his generous $500.00 donation to the AAST Scholarship Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) organization

Charlie Hubbard a lawyer from Roxboro, NC has been a long time supporter of the Virginia/North Carolina Annual Troopers Dinner which is supported by AAST. Mr. Hubbard was instrumental in locating funding for the North Carolina Highway Patrol driving track and for the ballistic vest issued to all members of the patrol. He has continuously supported troopers at many charitable events throughout the state, in particular raising funds for members in need. He was given the title of “honorary trooper” by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol for his continuous support.

Nick Gigliotti, a business owner from Florida, has provided financial resources to the Association since 2008. A retired member of the Florida Highway Patrol Auxiliary, Gigliotti also serves as a member of the FHP Advisory Council. He loves troopers, and supports all that AAST does to help troopers across the country. He joined AAST as an Associate Law Enforcement member.

Florida restaurateur Richard Gonzmart helped support the AAST-sponsored National Law Enforcement Training Conference in 2009 and 2010. President of the Columbia Restaurant Group, comprising nine restaurants, he has won numerous awards and has represented the state of Florida in several capacities. Known as an avid supporter of law enforcement, Gonzmart was appointed by former governor Jeb Bush to the Florida Commission on Tourism in 2006 and has served on many prestigious boards, including his current role on the Florida Highway Patrol Advisory Council.

Ken Underwood, founder and CEO of the National Safety Commission in Ponte Vedra, Fla., generously sponsors AAST’s Trooper of the Year Award each year. Prior to his entrepreneurial endeavors, Ken served in the U.S. Navy where he was a decorated pilot. Also a retired pilot from American Airlines, Ken graduated cum laude from Jacksonville University in 1981 with a bachelor of science degree in marketing, management, and economics.

Brian Libby of DiSilva/Webster Trucking spearheaded a fundraising raffle for the family of New York trooper John Gorke, who died suddenly in 2009. Libby has also been instrumental in promoting the Association’s Truckers and Troopers Unite for Safety campaign. Libby joined as an Associate member of AAST.

Ken Uppendahl, Dick Bielenberg, Fred Zipf, and Dan Ruffing, left to right, of Oregon were recognized for their volunteer work to get needed supplies to Louisiana and Mississippi state troopers following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. AAST partnered with the Oregon State Police Officers Association in Operation Trooper Relief to make this effort possible. Ruffing, owner of an Oregon trucking company, donated the use of three semi trucks and trailers to haul relief supplies and also arranged for drivers (the men pictured with Ruffing) to volunteer their time to drive the trucks to Louisiana and Mississippi.

Spirit of the Trooper Award