AMA News: District VIII-2007/02
I want to thank Dr. Sandy Frank for his lifetime of volunteer service to AMA, most recently and significantly as the District VIII vice president.
I also want to thank him for having the faith in me to be one of your associate vice presidents (AVPs). It energized me and gave me the desire to serve in a greater and more meaningful way. I doubt that I will use the phrase he has coined, but I believe it truly describes how the AMA has bonded modelers and model aviation throughout the years.
Election and Responsibilities
Thanks to all who voted in the District VIII election. Whether you voted for one of the other candidates or for a write-in nominee, you expressed your desires and opinions and have every right to help steer the future course of the district. If you did not vote, you missed a great opportunity to exercise one of your rights in our free society.
I made no campaign promises, but I plan to approach every issue and opportunity with the majority of the district interests at heart. I will solicit input and ideas as opportunity and time permit.
Thanks to Lawrence Harville and Guy Barber, who campaigned for the VP position. Both contacted me with congratulations and offered assistance during my term. They represent what is good about our hobby and AMA. If you see either of them, shake hands and thank them for volunteering to help make a difference in the district.
Volunteers and Changes
I want to express my appreciation to all volunteers currently serving. I have contacted most to see who wishes to remain and plan only a few changes. Changes are not intended to be a new broom sweeping clean but rather an opportunity for some hard workers to take a well-deserved break while providing opportunity for new volunteers to help carry the workload.
As a volunteer in two positions for Sandy, I know the job can be frustrating and rewarding. He and I both appreciate all you have done for District VIII and AMA.
Sandy has echoed that sentiment and advised that if one traveled every weekend of the year he couldn't see all he needs or wants to see.
Availability and Commitments
As the owner of an active hobby shop, a husband, father, and Opa (German for grandfather), I am sure demands will far exceed opportunity and budget. I will attempt to visit at least one event per month outside of the San Antonio area and will attend quarterly Executive Council meetings in Muncie, Indiana.
I encourage everyone to communicate with me by:
- Regular mail
- Telephone
Please do not expect that I will attend your functions but know that I wish I could. When I know I am attending an event and can get the word out, I encourage you to travel to the same event if you would like to visit.
Column, Website, and Outreach
This column is our column. I want to turn it into the product that we need and want. The size and frequency can't be changed but content and structure are open. Give me your ideas, your photos, and your articles and I will use them when possible.
The District VIII website will remain active and I hope to make it a bulletin board for the district that will become a favorite place on all computers. Stand by for changes in both areas. They will likely be gradual to avoid problems as we try to grow.
I particularly want to solicit input on how we—as individuals, clubs, and leaders in the Academy—can increase membership, especially youth membership. If you or your club are doing something successful, let's share it with everyone.
I have been a modeler for 57 years and hope to bring my lifetime of enjoyment and experience to modelers across the district. I look forward to meeting many of you during the next three years.
Have fun and be safe! See you on the flightline.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
