District IV
Joe Nall 2009
The Joe Nall 2009 was another record-breaking event. There were more than 800 registered pilots flying at four different sites: the regular flightline, the 3-D area, the lake flying area, and a helicopter area. Separating the various interests this way allowed participants to fly more frequently.
As in previous years, there was the full-scale noon show and model exhibitions later in the day. One sad note was that Kirby McKinney was not able to be onsite because of medical problems; he was certainly missed, as he is one of the mainstays of this event.
This year, thanks to Pat Hartness’s generosity, we were again able to have one of the best-attended AMA membership meetings.
AMA membership meeting
Dave Mathewson, AMA president, presided over the meeting. Other AMA officers and representatives present included:
- Mark Smith, executive vice president
- Vice presidents from Districts I, II, III, IV, V, VII, VIII, and IX
- Rich Hanson, AMA liaison for government and regulatory affairs (gave a report on sUAVs and the situation with the FAA)
- Doug Holland, finance officer
- Associate vice presidents (AVPs): Jerry Neuberger (District X), John Kirchstein and Randy Elliott (District IV)
- Brad Booth, District IV Frequency and Safety Coordinator
- Andy Kane, District IV Contest Coordinator
Store and booths
We had a new tent to house AMA products brought to the event for modelers to purchase. Those from AMA Headquarters working the store were:
- Joyce Hager, assistant executive director
- Shelia Tweedy
Norm Rosenstock and Jackie Shalberg staffed the History Program booth, and Jim Cherry, AMA’s executive director, kept things in order.
Awards
I was proud to present John Kirchstein with the District Service Award in recognition of his many years as District IV AVP. John certainly deserves it.
District Service Awards were also presented to Jerrel Bolick and James Burns for their many years of helping with the membership meeting, setting up and taking down the tent for the AMA store, and promoting the hobby/sport of model aviation. My thanks to all for a job well done.
Anniversary
Our AMA family surprised my wife, Shirley, and me with a cake celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary on May 16. The cake was delicious, and many of us enjoyed it. Thank you all! This is just the way modelers are — unique.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
