"What could we do to make a difference?"
Dr. Vince Russo, Dr. Bart Barthelemy, and the other WBI founders gathered 20 years ago to ask this fundamental question. Before Wright Brothers Institute was formed in 2002, the Air Force Research Laboratory was only five years into their consolidated corporate structure. The purpose of consolidation was to unite the laboratories, their experts, and their research and development portfolios, in order to accelerate solutions to the warfighter. Just like any large organization, restructuring can feel like a collaborative opportunity or a threat. The founders understood that providing physical collaboration space, along with innovation expertise was critical to AFRL's success as they matured into a unified defense laboratory. What WBI accomplished over the last 20 years was beyond the founder's vision and has provided an example to the Air Force and other branches of the Department of Defense about what's possible when you amplify collaboration as part of your corporate culture.
Those accomplishments were revisited as friends and family of WBI gathered at 444 E. Second Street on October 13, 2022 to celebrate the 20 year anniversary milestone. The event was attended by current and former AFRL professionals, long-standing community partners like the Entrepreneurs' Center, and local businesses. Small business Invisible Arts (IA) was on hand to share their innovative 'Alien in a Box' that is slated to support Hangar 18, the Midwest's first software factory, housed at WBI's Springfield Street location. Guests were able to experience virtual reality technology provided by the GRILL from the Dayton Regional STEM School. Door prizes included custom crates filled with Dayton, hometown favorites like Dorthey Lane Market 'Killer Brownies'' and Mikesells potato chips, along with specially brewed beer from the Dayton Beer company. Especially meaningful was the 11x17 framed lithographs from the Wright Brothers USA, signed by the surviving Wright family members, with proceeds benefiting the Wright Foundation. Additional chances were sold for these door prizes and raised money for the Wright-Patterson Education Office. Entertainment was provided by the Linda Prevo band, featuring WBI's Executive Director, Wendell Banks on guitar.
Visit our YouTube channel to see our 20th Anniversary impact video playlist.