District X - 2006/01
Contact
- Rich Hanson, District X Vice President; [email protected]
Coverage
- Arizona
- California
- Hawaii
- Nevada
- Utah
Electric Toys for Kids Fly-in (2005)
The 2005 Electric Toys for Kids Fly-in was held October 29 at Katella High School in Anaheim, California. The Orange Coast Radio Control Club (OCRCC), Scale Squadron of Southern California, and the Orange County Modelers Association (OCMA) sponsor this annual event to help the City of Santa Ana Community Services with their children's Winter Holiday Party held each year on the first Saturday in December. The 2005 event was organized and directed by OCRCC president and CD, Steven Penn.
Honoring Fred Browns
The OCRCC, an AMA Gold Leader Club and recipient of the AMA Award of Excellence, says goodbye to OCRCC club member and one of aeromodeling's most distinguished gentlemen: Mr. Fred Browns. Betty Bliss, OCRCC newsletter editor, wrote the following:
"Fred Browns, past president of OCRCC, took the high flight on Thursday, September 8, 2005. His memorial service was held on Friday, September 23, 2005.
"What can be said about a man who was a part of so many activities? He gave his whole self to anything he attempted. Not only did he serve as president of OCRCC for two years, but he also was the Scale Squadron Commander and treasurer. He played a big part in the Mile Square Park Air Shows by helping to secure the performers and fly-bys.
"Fred was instrumental in placing the blacktop at El Toro and securing the accommodations at that field. He promoted the purchase of the trailer held jointly by OCRCC and Scale Squadron for storage of our properties, but his most important effort and the one nearest and dearest to his heart was the Toys for Kids project. Fred and Jackie, his wife, personally donated time, money and many toys to this program each year. He will be sorely missed."
From friend and fellow modeler, John Elliot:
"I met Fred many years ago at an RC club meeting. It was the RC Bees, I believe.
"He had a love of aviation and a passion for Scale RC airplanes. His strong interest in making things happen led to him being elected president several times in such clubs as the infamous F-Troop, the Scale Squadron of Southern California, and the OCRCC.
"Fred was heavily involved in putting together the well-known RC Air Show in Miniature. He was a life-long member of AMA and actively involved in the Orange County Modelers Association and the US Scalemasters. The Toys for Kids program was Fred's favorite and closest to his heart.
"Fred was his own man. His deep, dry, gruff voice always had a smile in it, if you just listened. Just a touch more up-trim my friend!"
From his loving wife, Jackie Browns:
"Fred left us to answer our Lord's call in Garden Grove, California. He fought a long and valiant battle.
"Fred served in the United States Marines and in the Marine Reserves for 30 years. He was a devout and ardent believer in the United States of America, and ironically left us just three days before September 11, 2005.
"His love of RC airplanes took him to many places as a pilot, builder, and as a judge. He never knew a stranger; he was so happy to mentor those who were new to the sport. One of the things we looked forward to each year was the Toys for Kids. We had so much fun choosing toys for the disadvantaged—that one toy might be a child's only toy.
"Fred will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of knowing him. He was a kind and gentle soul. Until we meet again, goodbye for now."
Photos
Photos of the Toys for Kids Fly-in courtesy of the Southern California Flyers Forum, www.socalflyers.com.
Till next time... Keep 'em safe and Keep 'em fly'n.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
