Online sales for the Patriot Gala have closed; however, if you are interested in attending
please contact Angela Simcox at 704-780-7811 or [email protected]
The Patriot Gala Agenda
Silent Auction Opens Thursday @ Noon
Saturday November 1, 2025
6:00 PM - Cocktail Hour
7:00 PM - Dinner and Program
9:00 PM - Silent Auction Results and Dancing
Browse & Bid silent auction!
VIEW ITEMSMeet Our Speaker
Frank Lee Culbertson Jr. (Capt, USN, Ret.)
Frank Lee Culbertson Jr. is a distinguished figure in American aerospace, marked by a career spanning naval aviation, test piloting, and NASA astronautics. Graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy, he served extensively in the Navy, including deployments during the Vietnam War, and honed his skills as a Naval Aviator and test pilot, notably contributing to automated carrier landing system development. This foundation led to his selection as a NASA astronaut, where he logged approximately 10,000 flight hours across 60 aircraft types and 450 carrier landings, showcasing exceptional piloting expertise.
Culbertson's NASA career featured three pivotal space missions: STS-38, a classified Department of Defense mission; STS-51, where he commanded the deployment of communication and scientific satellites and executed the first night landing of the Shuttle at Kennedy Space Center; and Expedition 3, during which he commanded the International Space Station (ISS) and was the sole American off-Earth during the September 11 attacks, capturing poignant images of the aftermath. His leadership and technical contributions extended beyond missions, including significant roles in Shuttle-Mir program management and ISS operations, demonstrating his expertise in complex, international space endeavors.
Post-NASA, Culbertson transitioned into executive leadership within the aerospace industry, holding senior positions at SAIC, Orbital ATK, and Northrop Grumman, where he oversaw major programs, including commercial cargo delivery to the ISS. His contributions to space exploration and aviation have been recognized with numerous accolades, including induction into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and the Explorers Club's Buzz Aldrin Space Award. Today, he continues to contribute to the field as a consultant and board member for various aerospace organizations, and remains an active pilot.
Honoring the Fallen
Celebrating & Dancing
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