CHANTILLY, VA -- Army Lt. Col. (Ret.) Brian Birdwell is a survivor of the terrorist’s attack on the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. After American Airlines Flight 77 collided into the Pentagon, very close to his second floor office, LTC Birdwell was thrown to the ground and engulfed in flames. Of the burns that consumed 60 percent of his body, nearly half were third-degree burns. With more than 30 operations and months of multiple skin grafts and burn treatments, LTC Birdwell has overcome many challenges.
Birdwell will be the Keynote Speaker at the 60th Annual Convention of the Production Engine Remanufacturers Association (PERA) meeting at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Washington, D.C. on September 22-24, 2005.
LTC Birdwell is a native of Fort Worth, Texas and distinguished himself in the United States Army by serving in South Korea, Germany and Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm and earned the Bronze Star for his action in the Gulf War.
At the time of the September 11th attack, LTC Birdwell was serving on the Department of the Army Staff at the Pentagon as the Executive Officer to the Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management. He was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received on September 11, 2001.
LTC Birdwell’s inspirational message to the attendees at this year’s PERA Convention will highlight his experiences before, during and after the terrorist attack and how his faith and determination helped him to overcome pain and numerous obstacles.
Another speaker who is scheduled for PERA is Al Frink, Assistant Secretary for Manufacturing & Services of the U.S. Department of Commerce. He will present the Bush Administrations Manufacturing Initiatives.
The Manufacturing and Services Division is dedicated to enhancing the global competitiveness of U.S. industry by expanding its market access and increasing exports. Through the Manufacturing and Remanufacturing Initiatives, the Bush Administration is addressing the challenges facing U.S. manufacturers in competing in today’s marketplace. These include: promoting open markets overseas and a level playing field; creating the conditions for economic growth and manufacturing investment; lowering the cost of manufacturing in the U.S.; investing in innovation and strengthening education, retraining, and economic diversification.
Frink is the first ever to hold this newly created position in the Federal Government where he acts as an advocate of the manufacturing sector to other branches of the government.
Frink co-founded Fabrica in 1974 with a $100,0000 SBA loan. Fabrica manufactures high-end luxury carpet and rugs. The company, which started with five employees, now has more than 400 and has never had a layoff.
For details on registering for the 60th PERA Annual Convention, please contact (703) 968-2772 ext 105 or visit pera.org.
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