WASHINGTON, Sept. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — General Lester Lyles, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Universities Space Research Association, has been awarded the 2026 AFA Lifetime Achievement Award by the Air & Space Forces Association in recognition of his distinguished career, exemplifying exceptional leadership, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to our nation’s security.

From his service as Commander of Air Force Materiel Command to his role as Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General Lyles’ leadership helped shape the future of the Air Force while strengthening its readiness, modernization, and global capabilities.

While the award recognizes a lifetime of extraordinary service in uniform, General Lyles’ influence has continued well beyond his military career. He has served on several corporate Boards of Directors, from General Dynamics Corp. to Battelle Memorial Laboratories, and he has chaired the Boards of USAA, KBR Corporation, and USRA. In addition to numerous other career awards, General Lyles received the prestigious Robert Goddard Trophy for Space Leadership in 2024 by the National Space Club. Through his leadership, counsel, and continued service to the aerospace and national security communities, he has remained a trusted voice and an enduring champion for the Air Force and the men and women who serve.

The award was presented during the Air, Space & Cyber Conference in September 2026.

USRA is honored to recognize General Lyles’ lifetime of achievement and the lasting impact he has had on the Air and Space Forces and the broader national security community.

About USRA

Founded in 1969, the Universities Space Research Association (USRA) is an independent, nonprofit organization that advances space- and Earth-related science, engineering, and technology through innovative research, education, and workforce development programs. USRA partners with government agencies, academic institutions, and industry to address some of the nation’s most complex scientific and technical challenges. For more information, visit www.usra.edu.

PR Contact:
Suraiya Farukhi
sfarukhi@usra.edu
443-812-6945 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/general-lester-lyles-receives-2026-lifetime-achievement-award-from-the-air–space-forces-association-302883436.html

SOURCE Universities Space Research Association