Author: Jim Rice
Edition: Model Aviation - 2012/12
Page Numbers: 149

District VIII—Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas

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I wish a Happy and a Merry to all! The clock races faster every year; or maybe I am just going slower so everything around me seems faster. Make sure you are ready for the new year. Get your renewal in for both membership and club chartering.

The District VIII Celebration of Flight and 12th annual J.H. Rice Memorial Fly-In was a super event. Rains came in on Saturday just after the memorial service and then lifted until we had the outstanding barbecue supper provided by District VIII and prepared by Red (Dickie) Ritch and his award-winning Ritch’s Raiders BBQ Team. The field and parking lot was a quagmire from that point on and we had several vehicles stuck, but everyone had a good time and enjoyed great food. Attendance was down from previous years because of the weather, but those who showed up got a lot of flying done, won some great prizes, had the opportunity to attend the AMA membership meeting where AMA President Bob Brown led a discussion about current AMA topics, and Jessy Symmes from the AMA Education Department talked about Camp AMA and discussed ways that clubs or individuals could sponsor a youth for attendance at next year’s camp. Jessy received a MAD Award as well for her informative presentation to the group.

It was sloshy getting back in on Sunday, but again we had a lot of flying and some more good food from Red. There were some fine aircraft and terrific people in attendance.

Other awards included:

  • Pilots’ Choice — Barry Raborn for his large, detailed, and great-performing BAHS XXL Corsair with a Moki 250 radial.
  • Rice Family Choice Award — Mel Holtman for his elegantly finished Gee Bee R-3 from AirWorld models, also powered by a Moki 250 radial.

Most of my associate vice presidents were in for a training session on Friday night during which Jessy covered many of the education programs in depth and Bob and I talked about AMA’s current and future activities. I presented all of them with awards for their volunteer service during my tenure.

By the time you read this, the elections will be over and a new district vice president will have been selected. Both candidates have told me that they would like to continue the District Fly-In during their term, so look for it in 2013 and plan to attend. It is a great event with good sponsor support (read: that’s lots of prizes) and great flying.

Have fun and fly safely! See you on the flightline!

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.