District VIII Report - 2008/04
HOORAY! It’s getting to be flying time again!
January meetings
As I write this, I recently attended the January Executive Council and planning meeting. Now I know why I live in South Central Texas — it was too cold!
AMA’s new president, Dave Mathewson, ran a great couple of meetings. Gary Fitch, Dave’s replacement as District II vice president, is a perfect fit on the board. He has much experience and a positive attitude, and I am glad to have him on board.
One of the big events of the weekend was the farewell supper for outgoing AMA president Dave Brown. It was well attended and included many past and present dignitaries. It was an enjoyable evening.
Member news
The great news for District VIII folks is that my wife Linda and I sat at the table with Sandy Frank, the former district vice president. Sandy has recuperated well from a very serious auto accident last October. He is out of the wheelchair and walking with a cane. He is still going to physical therapy, but is making tremendous progress. I’m glad you are healing well, my friend!
2008 AMA Convention
The 2008 AMA Convention was another success. I visited with many District VIII members and had the distinct pleasure of attending a covering seminar presented by Faye Stilley. What an experience!
Staff retirements
Programs Director Jay Mealy and Human Resources Director Mary Hurn of the AMA staff retired effective the day I am writing this. They are both longtime employees of AMA and they will be missed. Thank you for all that you have done for AMA and its members.
Spotlight: Doug Powell ("Chief")
Doug Powell, known to most of us as “Chief,” is an AMA Life Member, Leader Member, Associate Vice President, and Contest Coordinator. Highlights of his service and background include:
- More than 22 years of service in the U.S. Air Force
- Married to his wife Jean for 45 years
- Has been building models for 58 years
- Owned and managed a hobby shop
- Flown radio control (RC) and control line (CL) aircraft
- Served in numerous volunteer positions for AMA
- Assumed duties of the RC contest coordinator for our district in 1996
- Club newsletter editor for nine years
- Chaired the AMA RC Combat Contest Board committee
- Served as RC Combat Association vice president
- Worked at the CL World Championships and the AMA Nats on several occasions
All of these volunteer duties have reduced his building and flying time, but he plans to get back to flying CL as his life in retirement slows down a bit. Thanks for a lifetime of support, Chief!
Closing
It is time to go flying — check those lines for fraying, make sure your timers and dethermalizers work, and get those batteries cycled. We are looking forward to a great season ahead of us. Have fun and fly safely! See you on the flightline.
Jim
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
