Welcome back, everyone! By the time you read this, AMA members will have elected a new president, as Rich Hanson has completed his three terms. I want to thank Rich for his leadership, mentorship, and hard work throughout many years of service to the hobby. Hopefully you get back to doing some flying!
Good luck going forward to our new president, who will have come from one of three worthy candidates. These are tough times, and whoever wins the election will have their hands full.
I recently attended 12 O’Clock High at the Ocala Model Flying Club in Ocala, Florida. The Ocala club has fantastic facilities, great food, and enthusiastic membership. Club President Jesse Hinds was the contest director of the event, which attracted 40 pilots who flew everything from timeless World War I classics through modern military jets. It’s one of my favorite events of the year, and I wasn’t disappointed. The weather was beautiful and the flying was nonstop.
Michael Clay sent the following report in.
The Memphis Prop Busters held its first annual Freedom Fly event on Saturday, September 20, at its field in Arlington, Tennessee. Benefiting the Gary Sinise Foundation, 30 pilots, along with their families, showed up for the event. Half of them were veterans and first responders. More veterans and first responders came and participated in the event, along with Arlington Fire Department Station No. 2, which is 2.5 miles down the road from the field.
There was an honor and commencement ceremony held at 11 a.m. to recognize all of the veterans and first responders who attended the event. Mrs. Jenny Reeves kicked off the commencement with singing the national anthem and "America the Beautiful." A 1/4-scale CY Model PT-17 Stearman flew in the background as Jenny sang the two patriotic songs.
Mike Clay presented and called the ranks, names, and operations of the veterans and the ranks, names, and stations of the first responders. Todd Starnes’ KWAM The Mighty 990s Behind the Badge podcast broadcasted live from 11 a.m. until noon on-site. A total of $1,500 was raised by the end of the event, with more donations to come.
That hits home for me as a former firefighter and military veteran. What a great job, Prop Busters and Michael!
