District VIII—Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
Mark Johnston
Vice President
districtVIIIVP@modelaircraft.org
6608 Beck Dr. NE, Albuquerque NM 87109
Tel.: (505) 823-0158;
www.amadistrict-viii.org
On September 26-27, 2015, the Texas Cloud Climbers held the 68th annual Regional Free Flight (FF) Championships at the Robson Ranch site outside of Denton, Texas. The contest director (CD) was Jan Langelius and there were approximately 30 pilots registered for the various events. The club had a great day of weather for flying.
This was the first FF event where I was able to sit and enjoy the change of pace in flying and the laid-back, comfortable atmosphere. The club members were an awesome group to visit.
On the evening of September 26, the Texas Cloud Climbers held a dinner meeting for Jesse Shepherd Sr. I had the honor of presenting Jesse with his AMA Model Aviation Hall of Fame plaque. Jesse first joined AMA in the 1930s and participated in his first contest in 1936. He served on the AMA Contest Board in the 1950s and directed the Nats in the 1950s and ’60s.
Jesse has received the AMA Service Award, two Distinguished Service awards, an AMA Fellow award, and the AMA Pioneer Award. Jesse is also a Leader Member, is active in his club, and designs aircraft.
On September 26, 2015, I also attended the Texas Warbirds event held at the North Dallas RC Club. Ed Kettler CDed the event and 50 pilots came out to support the gathering. The public and club were out in force to help and watch the event. There was good weather, and in talking with the pilots, I knew they had a great time.
On October 3-4, 2015, I attended the District VIII Celebration of Flight in Kingsbury, Texas, sponsored by the Tri-City Flyers. We had 70 pilots in attendance. CD Frank Simas had lots of help from the club members and Jim, Linda, and Gary Rice.
People from all over came out to support the event. Notable attendees included a group from Laredo, Texas, and a group from the Bayou City Flyers. Others from the Houston and Austin areas were also in attendance.
Saturday night’s barbecue was done by Ritches Raiders. The food was awesome, as usual. Amazing how quiet it became once everyone had a plate in hand. We had 60 or so for the meeting and dinner. AMA’s Director of Safety and Member Benefits Ilona Maine and I both spoke about AMA issues and answered questions from members.
Hope to see you all at the field!
Associate Vice Presidents: Benny Behrens, Pearland TX; (832) 499-2043; cbbehrens@comcast.net; Bill Holland, Prague OK; (405) 626-1386; Ed Kranz, Princeton TX; (214) 673-9698; ekranz@msu.edu. Jim D. Marshall, Alton TX; (956) 984-9474; Stewart Moore, Jefferson TX; (903) 665-7501; mooremas1@netscape.com; Brian Regan, Albuquerque NM; (505) 508-6693; brain23@centurylink.net; Randy Ritch, Magnolia TX; (281) 701-3121; Olen Rutherford, Dardanelle AR; (479) 229-0403; email: olenrutherford@yahoo.com; Doug Staines, Belton TX; (254) 780-3512; Cliff Town, Dumas TX; (806) 935-3063; town_cliff@hotmail.com; Ed Valls, Schertz TX; (210) 957-2152; edwarda10pilot@aol.com; Jerry Walters, Maurice LA; (337) 298-7755; jerome1w@icloud.com. AVP-Safety: Tony Breyen; Wichita Falls TX; (940) 733-2803; awb1056@sbcglobal.net. RC Contest Coordinator: Douglas E. Powell, Wichita Falls TX; (940) 691-8348; chief2@sbcglobal.net. CL/FF Contest Coordinator: Contact AMA Headquarters at cpeirce@modelaircraft.org.
