HI FOLKS! I want to begin this month by
informing you of a change in associate vice
presidents (AVPs) in South Dakota. Max
Hansen has been a longtime supporter of
AMA, serving as our AVP for the area and I
appreciate his dedication. I am pleased to
introduce our new AVP, Jim Tiller, who
provided the following as a way to get to
know him better:
“I was born and raised in South Dakota,
graduating from Custer High School in 1965
and going on to a bachelor’s degree in
biological science from the University of
Wyoming in 1970. I taught high school and
community college for 17 years.
“In 1986, I took a job in the software
industry supporting a software used by waste
haulers and I
continue in that
arena today as
an independent
contractor.
Currently, my
wife Judi and I
are a family
with four
children and
seven
grandchildren!
“I have had
an interest in airplanes as long as I can
remember. I began building plastic models
and the old Comet FF airplanes at a young
age. I have been a member of AMA since
1978 belonging to clubs in Iowa, Arizona,
Colorado, Washington, and South Dakota.
“As a teacher, I promoted modeling and
rocketry with my students, including
classroom activities, demonstrations, and
summer build-and-fly workshops. In the
middle 1980s I was chosen as a NEWMAST
teacher: a joint National Science
Foundation/NASA venture to promote spacebased
activities in education. This was an
offshoot of the teacher-in-space program.
“I received training at the NASA facility
in Huntsville, Alabama, and was fortunate
enough to attend a shuttle launch with other
teachers including Christa McAuliffe. For the
next few years I did presentations at schools
and clubs throughout southwest Iowa.
“In 1978, my brother Don let me fly his
Sig Kadet for a few minutes and I was
instantly hooked on RC flying. From this
beginning, I continue to enjoy kit bashing,
building from plans, and scratch-building.
“For the last 11 years, I have been a
member of the Rapid City Propbusters R/C
Club as club newsletter editor and
webmaster. I continue to build and fly at
every opportunity and consider myself a safe
and competent pilot, but I still have much to
learn and appreciate any opportunity to do so.
Fortunately, the fliers in my area are generous
with their time and expertise. I look forward
to representing the South Dakota modelers.”
As promised to our Wyoming AVP Fred
Hildebrand, I visited his great state to meet
him and as many modelers as possible and to
congratulate Fred’s club, the Casper Air
Modelers, for earning the Gold Level Leader
Club award for 2006.
I presented the Gold Leader Club award to
the Casper Air Modelers. AVP Fred
Hildebrand (center) and Tom Rorabaugh,
president of the Casper Air Modelers.
Coincidentally, the Riverton, Wyoming,
club, which is about two hours west of
Casper, had scheduled its annual fly-in. I was
able to make the award presentation at the
Riverton event, which was also attended by
the Casper club members.
The Riverton Club is in a league all its
own because the members understand the
importance of community involvement and
how to work with state and local officials to
procure a first-rate modeling facility. The
complex is located on the outskirts of town
and encompasses a first-class paved runway
and two RC car tracks!
The Riverton club embraces the concept
of strengthening its presence in the
community by making modeling attractive to
all facets of this great hobby. I was impressed
to learn and review the club’s strategic fiveyear
plan that is real food for thought for all
clubs!
I spoke with one of the Riverton City
Council members who told me that seeing the
facility being used by the community is a
win-win for all. This working relationship
with state and local officials was underscored
by president Eddie Amend asking the State
Senator to attend the awards presentation.
I challenged the Riverton Club to attain
the status of Gold Leader Club and if
accomplished, I will travel back to Wyoming
to make the presentation myself.
The Wyoming dignitaries (L-R): Senator Eli
Bebout; Eddie Amend, president of
WYMOPA; George Reedy, captain of the
Wyoming Honor Farm; and John Vincent,
Mayor of Riverton.
Oh, by the way, just to let you folks back East
know, cowboys can fly with the best of ’em!
That’s it for this month. Next month I’ll
report on our great trips to a couple of
Wichita, Kansas, events. Until then, have fun
and keep in touch! Mark.
District IX
Mark Smith, District IX Vice President; [email protected]
Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming
Mark Smith
Vice President
14632 W. 50th St.,
Shawnee KS
66216
Tel.: (913) 568-
4347
marktsmith@
everestkc.net
www.amadistrict-ix.org
For a complete listing of
district officers and volunteers,
please visit the District 1X Web
site at www.amadistrict-ix.org.
District IX
182 MODEL AVIATION
Edition: Model Aviation - 2007/10
Page Numbers: 182