Millennium Magazine_5th Ed

210 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine C lifford P. Wilkening received a degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder in 1971 and obtained an MS in aerospace systems management from the University of Southern California in 1974. Additionally, he also attended the Defense Systems Management College in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, in 1994, studied agriculture business and operations at Iowa State University, and achieved his commercial, instrument and multi-engine pilot ratings. At the age of 28, Mr. Wilkening left the field of corporate flying and went into a career with the U.S. Navy. He worked as an aerospace engineer from 1971 to 1985 in designing and developing cockpits of naval aircraft. From 1985 to 2002, he joined the Naval Air Systems Command program management department and performed the duties of a programmanager. In 1985, Mr. Wilkening was involved with program management of a 10- year, multi-million dollar program that would modify cockpits to enable women to safely fly and eject from Navy frontline fighter and attack aircraft. Over the next 10 to 15 years, he headed a management, technical, and production team to incorporate these modifications. Mr. Wilkening was a key member in putting women in the cockpit of Navy ejection seat fighter and attack aircraft until he retired in 2002. For his inimitable service, Mr. Wilkening was the recipient of a Meritorious 30 Year Award from the U.S. Navy. After 30 years in aviation, Mr. Wilkening switched careers and began utilizing his previous experience towards real estate development and management. Mr. Wilkening bought his first apartment building as a hobby in 1976 and has continued to expand his rental properties throughout the years. In 2010, he formed a company and became chief executive officer of Wilkening Rental Properties, LLC. He is a very hands-on owner and oversees the daily operations that provides high-quality affordable housing to residents in the Washington, D.C., suburban Alexandria area. Mr. Wilkening hopes to continue expanding and growing his real estate business. He attributes his success to hard work, maintaining persistence and integrity, staying focused and continual self-study. CLIFFORD P. WILKENING CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Wilkening Rental Properties, LLC Alexandria, VA GOVERNMENT AND MILITARY