District VIII Report - 2009/11
El Paso RC Club Grand Opening
Jack Matlock and I traveled from San Antonio the Friday before the grand opening of the El Paso RC Club’s new field on August 1, and then traveled back on Saturday. What a long trip, but well worth it.
The club had been enveloped by the city after more than 50 years at its old field. In five weeks the members used their AMA Flying Site Grant money, donations, club bank funds, and bond money to build a new field with a beautiful paved runway, two shelters, and a taxi/pit area. It is a site to be proud of, and the new field sign is visible from the road.
Mark Johnston, Associate Vice President (AVP), Frank Martinez, club president, and I cut the ribbon to the field. I presented Making a Difference (MAD) awards to club officers: Stumpy Caldwell, Frank Martinez, and Hans Wittek (who did most of the work).
Warbirds over Berwick
Pete Boudreaux, our Louisiana AVP, sent this report:
"The first annual Warbirds over Berwick was held August 15–16 with 27 registered pilots and lots of spectators. Pilots' Choice award went to Randy Boyne of Berwick with his Ju-87 Stuka. Best of Show was won by another Ju-87 Stuka owned by Mike Legg and built by Jimmy Henline, both of McComb, Mississippi.
"Marshall Candies came with his In Stitches Embroidery trailer and was busy all day doing caps and shirts. This event has all the markings of becoming one of the best in the state. They have plenty of room for campers, pilots, and spectators. Come experience the excitement."
District Safety
We have a new district safety coordinator: David Oates is taking over the reins from Chuck Waller. David is an avid modeler who specializes in IMAA (International Miniature Aircraft Association) Big Birds. He is the IMAA District VIII director and lives in Texarkana. Look for David’s “Safety Notes” on the District VIII website.
Thanks to Chuck for all his great work, and welcome to David — your experience and enthusiasm will be invaluable to the district team.
State Safety Officers Program
A new program will assign a state safety officer in each state that currently has only one AVP. The states are:
- Arkansas
- Louisiana
- Oklahoma
- New Mexico
The state safety officer is selected by the respective AVP, helps the AVP (acting like an assistant AVP), and sends reports to the district safety coordinator. This should provide better coverage from the district team, give the AVPs some needed help, and provide opportunities for more volunteers to contribute important work for the district. I encourage you to solicit information from and invite these new state safety officers to your events.
MAD Awards — Danny Sander
While in El Paso, I presented a well-deserved MAD award to Danny Sander for all he does for both the El Paso Radio Control Club and the Horizon City RC Club. He donates time, equipment, money, and even his personal flying field to help modelers. Danny is an example for all volunteers to emulate.
Have fun and fly safely. See you on the flightline.
District VIII Jim Rice, District VIII Vice President [email protected]
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
