Aero Mail
From The Great War ...
I loved all the coverage on World War I in Model Aviation this month (July 2010). I realize that World War I modelers are a small contingent of the overall R/C modeling population, but we deserve coverage as well as other interests!
Generally, WWI modelers are builders and many are excellent craftsmen. I love reading about building models and seeing what others are doing. World War I airplane construction is much like model airplane construction, so the two have this in common.
There is a romantic aspect to this era that is fascinating. These aviators have great stories that bring a historic aspect to my hobby, almost as much fun as thinking about my current or next World War I airplane.
Please keep up the great work!
Mark DeSchane Park Rapids, Minnesota
Dear Brother George
My name is Thomas D. Joy. On June 17, 2010 my brother, George J. Joy of Peak Electronics, Gilbert, Arizona, passed away. I know that George and Jo (his wife) met and made many friends over the years. George had been after me for years to fly R/C airplanes; three years ago I finally took the plunge and, like George, I love flying.
George taught me a great deal about taking off, landing, and how to control the plane; however, I still have bad landings. At Christmas last year, my wife and I went to George and Jo’s house. George took me to his field to fly and, believe it or not, he let me fly his plane (I’m still a rookie at flying).
I remember in 1965 George bought a brand-new Dodge Dart. At that time he was working the graveyard shift; when he came home, he and I would eat breakfast and go "cruising" for a while, then go home. He would sleep and I would go to school.
Then one day I got a brainstorm: he’s sleeping — why not take his car to school? I would sneak into his room, grab the car keys, and off I went to impress my friends. Wow, was I cool. This went on for about two weeks, then one morning I was pulling back into the driveway and there was George, hands on his hips. I never took his car again!
I even remember double-dating with George and Jo before they were married. George and Jo had been married 41 years, and when they were on their way to Muncie, IN, Georgia, or any show on the East Coast, they made it a priority to stop by our house in Oklahoma.
George loved flying airplanes. George loved his family and will be missed more than anyone will know. Peak Electronics will continue to serve the R/C community.
Thanks to everyone for their support. Special thanks to the Arizona Model Aviators club.
Thomas D. Joy
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
