The first Connections Award for Contributions to the Advancement of the Art, Science, and Application of Wargaming was given to Dr. Peter Perla by Colonel Matthew Caffrey before Peter's Keynote speech at the 2017 Connections Wargaming Conference.
"It is with great pleasure that I introduce our next keynote speaker, Dr. Peter Perla. For those new to wargaming, you probably know Peter through his book “The Art of Wargaming”, a key text in contemporary wargaming literature. More experienced wargamers know Peter through his work, friendship and mentoring.
Peter has not only been instrumental in placing wargaming on a sound academic footing, he has successfully reached out to other disciplines and integrated wargaming with them to create a truly practical tool for the Defense departments of the US and our Allies. He is able to do this thanks to the breadth and depth of his knowledge and experience, ranging from hard core statistics, through analysis, military history and simulation, to the art and practice of both professional and hobby wargaming. He is truly a black swan of wargaming.
Peter however is not omniscient. He does not know that we have created the Connections Wargaming Lifetime Achievement Award. This award will not be an annual one, it will only be awarded to the true greats of Wargaming. So, before Peter speaks, it is with great pleasure that on behalf of the Wargaming Community I award him the first Connections Award for Contributions to the Advancement of the Art, Science, and Application of Wargaming. Peter, will you please come forward!"
-- Matthew Caffrey