AMA News District IV - 2013/04
Seven Lakes Aero Modelers — Aviation Day (June 10, 2012)
On Sunday, June 10, 2012, several members of the Seven Lakes Aero Modelers club conducted a successful day of aviation instruction, model building, and RC flight demonstrations in Pinehurst, North Carolina. More than 50 people, including 12 members of Trinity Christian Fellowship Cub Scout Pack No. 173, enjoyed a great day of learning and model aircraft activities.
They introduced young Cub Scouts to model aviation, focusing on education, individual involvement, and fun.
A word of thanks is due to the Village of Pinehurst, which was very cooperative in making the Village Harness Track (a unique flying site) available for the club’s use. Everyone at AMA Headquarters was great in providing encouragement and materials to make Aviation Day a great success.
Free State Aeromodelers — Veterans Day Fly-In (November 11, 2012)
On November 11, 2012, a nearly perfect sunny, windless flying day, Free State Aeromodelers of Laurel, Maryland, hosted a Veterans Day fly-in with all proceeds donated to the American Red Cross’s RC Helicopter Group and the wounded warriors at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. The event raised $600 through food sales and pilot fees.
- A number of Purple Heart recipients were in attendance.
- The club’s American flag, which previously flew over the Green Zone in Iraq, was displayed in their honor.
- A hearty field breakfast of chipped beef and gravy was prepared and served.
At 11 a.m. flying ceased, the flag was raised, the national anthem was played, and a faux-champagne toast was made to honor the veterans of all wars. The 11 a.m. armistice toast to honor the end of World War II is a tradition that the club has practiced for several years.
The event is open to all warbirds. World War I and World War II airplanes are prominently featured and flown together in squadrons of four or five aircraft. Gary Heath was the contest director and driving force behind the event and its continued success.
Free State has completed several projects to make its flying facility accessible to wounded veterans, and enjoys their company many times throughout the year. The flying club also waives its membership dues for military personnel recovering at Walter Reed.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
