Joe Weingarten is an internationally recognized  Aerospace Engineer and Air Force veteran. Holder of 11 patents, he is credited with the development of the internal structural and safety criteria used by all modern aircraft and spacecraft today throughout the world. As a young engineer, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics selected him as the top aerospace engineer in the nation with the Lawrence -Sperry Award. He is the sole authorized independent manufacturer of  Sterling Silver U.S.  military insignia and supplies replica insignia requested by museums,  reenactors, and collectors worldwide. As an author, Joe has written several books on a variety of topics, including definitive reference works on current and historical military aviation insignia. A Distinguished Eagle Scout, he was named Alumnus of the Year of the Boy Scouts of America in 2018. 

His numerous awards include the Silver Beaver Award, and the NESA Distinguished Service Award, Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow, and the Shofar award He is a James E. West and NESA Legacy Society Fellow.

As a member of the NESA Committee, Joe serves as Chair of the Awards & Recognition Committee and on the BSAAlumni Committee. He managed the NESA and Scouting Alumni & Friends merchandising for many years. 

His son is also a Distinguished Eagle Scout; his grandson is an Eagle Scout.