District VIII—Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
Lawrence Harville
Vice President
lawharv@yahoo.com
932 Calloway St., Hurst TX 76053
Tel.: (817) 781-9615;
www.amadistrict-viii.org
Reflecting on 2016, it has gone by very fast. My first year as a district vice president has been eye-opening. I have been involved in AMA and aeromodeling since the 1960s, and I have to say, this past year I have been to more events and activities than ever. I have been to events in all five states, and I have only touched the surface. In one weekend, I traveled to two states to attend two events. So, in 2017 I’ll be on the trail again. Look for me; I pop up all over.
AMA can help your club through several available grants, but you have to apply.
The Take off And Grow (TAG) program was developed to encourage clubs to interest their communities in model aviation. If your club is selected to receive a TAG grant, the AMA will provide up to $1,000 to use to set up your program. All applications must be received by February 1, 2017. For more information or to apply, visit: http://amaflightschool.org/programs/take-off-and-grow.
(L-R) Treasurer Herb Koven; Darrell Abby, Greater Southwest Aero Modelers club president; CEO of McDonald House Jennifer Johns; Vice President Lewie Moore; and Secretary Frank Rowell.
The Greater Southwest Aero Modelers of Fort Worth, Texas, celebrated National Model Aviation Day with a $1,000 check donated to the Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth.
The AMA Flying Site Development/Improvement Grant covers 10% of the total cost up to $3,000 of the expense for making improvements to your club flying field and facilities. The application deadline is March 1, 2017. For more information, email Erin Dobbs at erind@modelaircraft.org.
The Greater Southwest Jet Rally, sponsored by the Heart of Texas Miniature Aircraft Club (HOTMAC) in Waco, Texas, really put on a show this year. If you want to see some of the finest jet action in the South, come on down for 2017 (www.hotmac.org).
Everybody is ready to fly at the Greater Southwest Jet Rally. (L-R) Bob Couishm, Vernon Montgomery, District VIII Associate Vice President Doug Staines, Dawn Ellzey, and Kevin Whitlon.
Jet Pilots Organization District 8 Representative Ron Schwarzkoph and CD Larry Garrett.
Dawn Ellzey shows her pride and joy.
Small Model Aircraft Society Harlingen club instructor Bob Gathway and student Cecilia Zebrowski.
Spark Plugs of the Month
From Waco, come Ronnie and Deborah Dean. Ronnie is the HOTMAC vice president and contest director (CD) for the club’s Big Bird event. He flies nearly everything he can get his hands on, including turbines, 3-D, and warbirds. He is a club cook and runs the club training program. Deborah is a pilot and subs as the club secretary. She is famous for her desserts.
It is guys and gals such as this who make our clubs fun. Have you noticed how many women are involved in District VIII?
Associate Vice Presidents: Benny Behrens, Pearland TX; (832) 499-2043; cbbehrens@comcast.net; Bill Holland, Prague OK; (405) 626-1386; billtholland@gmail.com; Johnny Hunt, Godley TX; (817) 905-8124; huntsranch@aol.com; Woody Lake, Fort Worth TX; (817) 675-7613; at6pilot@att.net; Jim D. Marshall, Alton TX; (956) 984-9474; jmarshq52@aol.com; Stew 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; randy.ritch.dist8@yahoo.com; Olen Rutherford, Dardanelle AR; (479) 229-0403; email: olenrutherford@yahoo.com; Doug Staines, Belton TX; (254) 780-3512; dstaines@vvm.com; Gary Strickland, Hooks TX; (903) 278-5703; garystric@gmail.com; Cliff Town, Dumas TX; (806) 935-3063; town_cliff@hotmail.com; Ed Valls, Seguin TX; (830) 303-9921; edward10pilot@aol.com; Jerry Walters, Maurice LA; (337) 298-7755; jerome1w@bellsouth.net. 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@aol.com. CL/FF Contest Coordinator: Contact AMA Headquarters at cpceirc@modelaircraft.org.
