Chino Valley hosts local veterans for a day of flying
Bob Shanks
bobshanks@aol.com
Bob Shanks submitted several photos from the Chino Valley Model Aviators in Chino Valley, Arizona, and the veteran’s appreciation activity the club held on November 19, 2016, for the local Veterans Administration (VA) hospital that is a part of the Northern Arizona VA Healthcare System. Bob wrote:
“The VA brought 12 hospitalized veterans to the Chino Valley Model Aviators flying field to view flight demonstrations of a variety of aircraft, from electric ducted fans to large, 3-D gas-powered aerobats. They all got some time on simulators and worked with the club’s instructors on the buddy box and flying the club’s trainers. As the flying instruction proceeded, it wasn’t long before a couple of veterans with an appreciation for aviation were attempting rolls, loops, and other aerobatics on the buddy box and the two laptop computer simulators.
“The mix of veterans included former World War II aircrew members, along with a female drill sergeant. Four of the veterans were in wheelchairs. The club started flying activities at 9:30 a.m., culminating with a hot dog lunch with all of the trimmings at noon, served by [club] members and their spouses. After the noon meal, it was time to load up and head back to the hospital.
“Many of the veterans asked if they could return and fly again. The positive feedback was great. Plans are in the works for our club to host local veterans again.”
The Chino Valley Model Aviators club is located 15 miles north of Prescott. The club currently has 130 members and actively engages in supporting the local town. As part of the club’s community outreach, members work with area youth and other community organizations interested in aviation.
“We have a great club,” Bob wrote, “[with] lots of congeniality and support for each other.”
To learn more about the club and its endeavors, visit the website at www.chinovalleymodelaviators.org.
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