District VIII
I began writing this on Christmas Day, so that tells you what the lead time is to get something into the magazine.
I am already firming up my schedule for the New Year and encourage everyone to invite your local associate vice presidents (AVPs) and me to your events. We get a kick out of attending the events, and we get a real feel for the pulse of the membership.
Modelers flying and having a ball are a better barometer than any website, e-mail, or blog entry. I have met so many new friends in my first year on the Executive Council, and I thank you for making me feel at home and welcome at your events.
Sport 40 Pylon Race
The final Sport 40 Pylon Race in central/south Texas was held in November at the San Antonio Prop Busters field. I went to observe but was called into action as the starter.
Participation was down slightly from previous events, but the competition was keen. Chuck Waller (District VIII Safety Coordinator) came out of the B main to eke out a win at the finish line over Jim Agnew. Good racing and a lot of fun for the participants!
Check out this type of racing in your local area; you might be the next champion.
Volunteer spotlight: Ron Stanfield
Continuing my report on volunteers in the district, this month it is Ron Stanfield.
- Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma; started building rubber-powered models at age 10.
- First engine was an Ohlsson & Rice .23 on a control-line aircraft at age 14.
- First RC model was a Falcon 56 with a Bonner radio in 1969.
- Has built more than 190 RC airplanes and maintains RC, CL, and FF models ready to fly with:
- electric
- gas
- CO2
- rubber
- His hangar includes 10 indoor models.
- Served 20 years in the Navy, retiring as a Lieutenant Commander in 1977; during that time he flew mostly control-line.
- Holds bachelor’s degrees in mathematics, chemistry, and computer science.
- He is the AVP for Arkansas and is an active contest director (CD).
Thanks for your great volunteer service to District VIII and the AMA, Ron!
Shout-out: Torin Kay
I received word that my good friend Torin Kay has arrived back in the United States after a hard tour in Iraq. He has rejoined his lovely family and been flying a lot with his young son, Ayden.
Torin is not in District VIII but began his RC days in El Paso and flew Pattern throughout the high plains while a high school student in the late 1980s. He is now a captain in the Marine Corps.
I am proud to have spent many days during his youth teaching him to fly and helping to groom him into the fine young man and great American that he is today.
Don't forget to visit the District VIII website and see the posts from around the district and the galleries by Steve Koelle: www.ama-dist-8.org.
Have fun and fly safely! See you on the flightline.
Jim
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
