District VII Vice President Tim Jeskey is the chairman of AMA’s National Model Aviation Day committee. The committee selected August 16, 2014, as the date for this event.
The committee recommended the charity that will receive proceeds from this event will again be the Wounded Warrior Project. Last year AMA donated more than $75,000 to the Wounded Warrior Project on behalf of our clubs. Last year approximately 7% of our clubs participated. Imagine what could be accomplish if all clubs became involved.
I received this report from Richard Rose, assistant CD of the Top of the World RC Flyers Club of Ocala, Florida, concerning its participation in a National Model Aviation Day event.
“I was glad to read your thoughts on the National Model Aviation Day benefitting the Wounded Warrior Project. As I recall, approximately 175 clubs committed to this effort, and we, the On Top of the World RC Flyers, were one of those.
“As you probably have gleaned from the On Top of the World ads in MA, we are a private club in a private urban development. Our club is highly supportive of our military and veterans who have served our country. While it is the responsibility of our country to support our wounded veterans, it is gratifying to know that the public recognizes the limitations of government and willingly steps up to the responsibility we have for these brave people.
“Being a private club inside a private urban development, internal and external publicity is key to attracting spectators and local participants. Of course, the AMA sanction and block ad in the MA Contest Calendar attracts participants as part of the external publicity.
“We are fortunate that our developer, On Top of the World Communities, provides us with posters and flyers as well as field set-up materials such as portable restrooms and tables. There are channels within the two CATV systems that serve our development and these channels run ads on all of our internal activities. Posters and flyers are distributed to local businesses as well as certain venues within our development. “We also scan a poster and send an email to all AMA clubs within a 100 mile radius.
“Because this was a charitable event, our food service chairman and committee solicited for supplies and were able to get donations or a price break on some of the food supplies. A major part of the spectator experience comes from our expert narrator and member, Bob ‘Robo’ Wroblewski. Bob is well known in the local area for his sonorous voice and expert descriptions of what is occurring. We provide space and tables for local vendors, and we do not charge a landing or parking fee which we believe helps attract participants and spectators.
“I worked with CD Chuck Foreman, and we organized it the same way as our other events; the difference was an internal challenge for donations from our members that yielded nearly half of our total and a donation booth for participants and spectators. Additional proceeds came from food sales and a 50/50 drawing, both of which we do at all events.
“Though we had a late start, it was most gratifying that our club raised and submitted over $4,200 for the Wounded Warriors, and are proud to have successfully supported this worthy endeavor.
I had the opportunity to travel with my son-in-law, Eric Konopacky, and meet the people at the Jetero R/C Club’s Southeast Texas Warbird Rally on November 2, 2013. Located near Humble, Texas, the club has an outstanding, 50-acre flying site with another 50 acres of overfly area.
We met CD Michael Jackson and were impressed with the organization of this event and the quality of the 35 or so pilots and aircraft. We met Horrace Cain, the flightline boss, and club president Pat Willcox.
The highlight was the introduction of Dr. Luzine Bickham, Tuskegee Airman and college educator. The flying stopped and everyone gathered, providing a standing ovation when Dr. Bickham was introduced. He spoke to the gathering and it was a privilege to meet this distinguished man. He seemed to enjoy being there and took photos of his favorite aircraft.
It was a day of great people, great flying, and fellowship with modelers. If you are in the southeast Texas area, stop by Jetero’s flying field. Directions and GPS coordinates are on the club’s website. It is certainly worth the trip.
I received word that longtime AMA supporter, George Buso, has passed away. George was a modeler, designer, competitor, writer, administrator, and FAI team manager. He was an AMA Fellow and a member of the Model Aviation Hall of Fame. He was also a friend who can’t be replaced, and will be missed by all who knew him.
Until next time, help secure model aviation’s future and take a youngster flying.
