AMA News District IX - 2009/03
The associate vice presidents (AVPs) in our district function as a conduit between the local clubs and the AMA. Their mission is to improve communications and deal with local issues that are best handled at the grass-roots level. I would like to welcome Bruce Ream and Steve Culver to our family of AVPs in District IX.
Bruce Ream
Bruce became president of Jefco Aeromod'lers, one of the larger clubs in the AMA, in 2007. The club was going through financial difficulties, and it was with Bruce's leadership, in conjunction with the board of directors and the entire club membership, that the club regained a strong financial position and several new programs were initiated.
Bruce is a registered architect in the State of Colorado. He served as chairman of the National Committee of the American Institute of Architects on Criminal Justice Architecture. He also served as vice president of OWP/P Architects and Engineers in Chicago for 18 years. Bruce has been in the model aircraft hobby for 25 years. He received his private pilot's license in 1976. He has three children and six grandchildren and lives with his wife of 51 years in Highlands Ranch, Colorado.
Steve Culver
Steve Culver was born in Springfield, Illinois, where his parents, two sisters, and one brother still reside. After graduating from Pleasant Plains High School, Steve started working his way through school attending Lincoln Land Community College.
Interested in a career in law enforcement from a young age, Steve decided the best way to get a start would be to join the military and gain experience as a military policeman. He joined the United States Air Force and graduated from the USAF Security Police Academy.
He has been married to Leigh, a police officer for the Omaha Police Department, since February 2003. Currently, Steve is working at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) School of Criminology and Criminal Justice as an academic advisor. He also serves on the UNO Staff Advisory Council, the steering committee for the University Academic Advisors Committee, and the New Student Programs Committee. He received a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Western Illinois University, where he also attended graduate school in criminal justice.
Steve got his start in RC when riding past Hawk Field, home of the Omahawks R/C Club, and stopped to watch some of the guys flying.
“I remember Ralph Brown, who has been flying RC for over 45 years, was flying his old Sig Senior and asked if I wanted to give it a try,” Steve wrote. “He had his thumbs over mine and I was immediately hooked.
“The next day I bought an Avistar RTF and was at training night every week for the entire summer. I soloed in about three months.
“I have enjoyed the friendship and camaraderie that comes with being involved in the RC hobby and being involved in the Omahawks.”
Steve has served on the Omahawks Board of Directors for two years, was vice president for one year, and was club president for two years. He enjoyed being part of the club leadership to help promote the RC hobby in the Omaha community and helping make positive changes for the 150-plus members of the Omahawks.
Steve's favorite part of flying RC is to fly World War II aircraft and just punch holes in the sky, and every now and then, a few holes in the ground!
In addition to being an avid RC aircraft pilot, his other interests include:
- Scuba diving
- Motorcycles
- Taking his boat out
- Listening to jazz and big band music
- Playing with his dog and best friend, Jack, his rat terrier
Club Corner
Every AMA club should strive to provide a safe, fun, and interesting environment for all its members. Let me know your thoughts ([email protected]) on how your club meets this challenge so we can share it with others. I will publish input each month.
New and progressive ideas will make your club and AMA healthier organizations. Let's start with the premise that our clubs should be inclusive and cater to varied interests. New approaches can create a more exciting atmosphere that everyone enjoys!
Till then, Jim.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
