On October 30, 2013, the Bald Eagle Challenger, Al Cecere, and AEF Staff traveled to Atlanta, GA to attend and participate in the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Regional Conservation Awards ceremony.

This event honored 32 individuals and groups for their extraordinary conservation efforts and services.

The awards were presented by USFWS Regional Director, Cindy Dohner. Challenger flew over the audience during the singing of The Star Spangled Banner to begin the ceremony.

To see Challenger fly at an event celebrating conservation is a visual reminder of how a species on the verge of extinction can make a significant comeback when people are focused on a common goal.