National Model Aviation Day charity selected
This year, the AMA Executive Council has decided to focus on the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization in conjunction with National Model Aviation Day. Following is a short synopsis of the charity’s efforts from the organization’s website (www.dav.org/learn-more/about-dav/mission-statement).
DAV is a nonprofit charity that provides a lifetime of support for veterans of all generations and their families, helping more than 1 million veterans in positive, life-changing ways each year. The organization provides more than 700,000 rides for veterans attending medical appointments and assists veterans with more than 300,000 benefit claims annually.
In 2015, DAV helped attain more than $4 billion in new and retroactive benefits to care for veterans, their families, and survivors. DAV is also a leader in connecting veterans with meaningful employment, hosting job fairs and providing resources to ensure they have the opportunity to participate in the American Dream their sacrifices have made possible.
With almost 1,300 chapters and nearly 1.3 million members across the country, DAV empowers our nation’s heroes and their families by helping to provide the resources they need and ensuring our nation keeps the promises made to them.
Unfortunately, many of our brave women and men have returned home from war with life-altering injuries. Through various AMA club activities or individual donations, we can make a difference. Contact Mandee Mikulski at AMA Headquarters for additional information at (800) 435-9262, ext. 277. Note that clubs are free to choose another charity to benefit from National Model Aviation fundraising activities.
The Robert J. Collier Trophy
The Robert J. Collier Trophy is the most prestigious award for aviation and is generated by the National Aeronautic Association. In my tenure as AMA president, I have served on the selection committee in 2012 and 2016. In 2012, the trophy was awarded to the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Mars Science Laboratory/Curiosity Project Team for its efforts in successfully landing a craft on Mars.
The 2015 recipient is again the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory for Project Dawn. This vehicle has been exploring space for several years and is the only spacecraft to ever orbit two extraterrestrial destinations. In order to accomplish this, an ion propulsion system is being used.
It was an extreme honor to represent the Academy of Model Aeronautics on the Collier Trophy selection committee. It was even more exciting to be present with the Dawn team members as they accepted the award. I congratulate this brilliant team for its achievement.
Jonathan Gaffney
Jonathan Gaffney, president and chief executive officer of the National Aeronautic Association, has announced his resignation from this position. Jonathan has served on the AMA Executive Council for nine years and has been a positive asset. He is noted for restoring the NAA to a high level of respect within the aviation community.
Jonathan, we thank you for your efforts.
Kris Dixon
Kris Dixon, the AMA District V vice president, has announced his resignation for personal reasons. I am sure many members of District V will miss him and I thank him for his work.
In accordance with the AMA bylaws, Andrew Griffith, of Jacksonville, Florida, will assume the position until the official election takes place this fall. His enthusiasm will certainly be a benefit to the membership.
Upcoming 2016 Election
The upcoming 2016 election for AMA officers has become interesting. One of AMA’s prime benefits is your individual ability to vote for a candidate of your choice. Please review the upcoming issues of Model Aviation for more information.
