District VII
Bill Oberdieck, District VII Vice President; [email protected]
Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin
This is my last column. The membership has selected Tim Jesky to be the new vice president for District VII. Am I disappointed? I would be untruthful if I said no, but c'est la vie.
To those who supported and voted for me, I cannot express my gratitude deeply enough.
It was a distinct pleasure to serve AMA and District VII for the past three terms. I did what you asked of me regarding helping acquire flying fields, helping you keep flying sites you already had, and helping clubs obtain grants and funds for programs.
I promoted your club activities and attended them when time allowed. I represented you all at the council meetings.
The past three terms have been a learning experience for me. I got to see how the AMA functions and learn about programs the organization offers to enrich our hobby and increase our enjoyment of the sport. To say it has been educational would be an understatement.
I met hundreds of people whom I probably would never have had the opportunity to know. I've made many friends along the way and had the pleasure of working with some intelligent, hard-working staff and council members on various issues. I've had some great experiences and will cherish the memories.
I am proud to have been a part of the Academy and what it stands for and how it represents the aeromodeling hobby I have enjoyed. Some of the events I attended come to mind.
I saw the dedication of the new AMA Headquarters, the Gathering of Eagles celebration, and the recent 75th Anniversary of the AMA. All were spectacular.
I am proud that I spent so much time in a position to recognize members for their contributions to our hobby, and again, I appreciate the help and support I received from members in our district and the associate vice presidents who have worked so tirelessly on your behalf. Thank you all.
There are people on the staff and the council whom I will miss. I will also miss the looks on the faces of youngsters and their parents when flying an RC airplane for the first time and the excitement of a quadriplegic veteran who solos for the first time. Priceless.
During these turbulent times, I hope the Academy will continue to go forward and the aeromodeling hobby will flourish and become bigger and stronger.
To all the staff in Muncie and the members of the Executive Council and the membership of AMA District VII, I wish you all a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2012.
C.A.V.U. and Vaya con Dios.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
