From a press release:

AMA PRESENTS “BRIGHTER IMAGE AWARD” TO SPACE SHUTTLE PILOT DUANE CAREY

PICKERINGTON, OHIO — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has announced that Lt. Col. Duane G. “Digger” Carey is the latest recipient of the AMA Hazel Kolb Brighter Image Award. The presentation took place this morning during Carey’s visit to AMA headquarters in Pickerington, Ohio.

A 25-year AMA member and an avid motorcyclist, Carey served as pilot of Space Shuttle Mission STS-109, which serviced the Hubble Space Telescope in March of 2002. The award is the AMA’s highest honor for activities that generate positive publicity for motorcycling.

“As Americans, we all admire the courage and dedication of the men and women who venture into space,” said Robert Rasor, President of the AMA. “Duane Carey, as a long-time motorcyclist, wins special admiration from those of us who share his passion for riding, and he’s most deserving of this award.”

Prior to the mission, Carey asked the AMA for an item to take with him into space. Today he returned that item — a one-of-a-kind flag bearing the emblem of the AMA — for display at the Association’s headquarters.

Carey, 44, has logged over 3,700 hours in more than 35 different types of aircraft as an Air Force test pilot. He began riding motorcycles at age 13, and today enjoys both on-road and off-road motorcycling.