Special Awards

Special Awards may only be nominated by USPA S&TAs, USPA competition officials, FAI* or NAA* depending on the award.

See also:

• Achievement Awards (Jump Wings, Freefall Badges, etc.)
• Service Awards (Lifetime Achievement, Meritorious Service, etc.)

USPA Chesley H. Judy Safety Award

The Chesley H. Judy Safety Award award honors members who promote safe skydiving in a substantive way through example, deed, training, or innovation. The S&TA of each drop zone can nominate one member each year based on last year's actions or accomplishments. Typically, the drop zone presents this award to the recipient at their Safety Day event.

USPA Ted Strong Award for Extraordinary Sportsmanship

By unanimous agreement of the Meet Director, Chief Judge and USPA Controller; or by the USPA Competition Comittee; the Ted Strong Award is awarded to teams or individuals at the USPA National Skydiving Championships for displays of extraordinary sportsmanship. Review chapter 1 of the SCM for more information. 

FAI Gold Parachuting Medal Award

Visit FAI Awards webpage*
Recipients:

• 2017: B.J. Worth
• 2004: Brenda Reid
• 1992: William Booth
• 1984: Domina Jalbert
• 1974: Steven Snyder

FAI Leonardo da Vinci Diploma Award

Visit FAI Awards webpage*
Recipients:

• 2025: Randy Connell
• 2022: Brian Pangburn
• 2020: Larry K. Bagley
• 2014: Marylou Laughlin
• 2006: Scott Rhodes
• 1989: Cheryl Stearns
• 1983: Jerry Bird
• 1974: Richard Fortenberry

FAI Faust Vrancic Medal Award

Visit FAI Awards webpage*
Recipients:

• 2007: Larry Hill & Ted Wagner

NAA McDonald Distinguished Statesman and Stateswoman of Aviation Award

Visit NAA Awards webpage*
Recipients:

• 2022: Cheryl Stearns
• 2011: Len "Lenny" Potts
• 1995: Joseph W. Kittinger Jr.

*Third-party website. USPA is not responsible for content on third-party websites.