District I—Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
Andy Argenio
Vice President
brandshobby@gmail.com
3 Sheila Ln., Smithfield RI 02917
Tel.: (401) 231-6901; www.amadistrict-i.org
Although this appears to be a typical district column report, Associate Vice President Andy Figlar has provided us with the following story about a unique AMA member, rather than a club event.
As with most AMA clubs in Connecticut, active members are usually approximately 60 years old, and many are former Sikorski employees or Avco or Dresser Defense industry workers. In terms of age, Julius Greenberger, born January 24, 1925, is an exception. Still flying RC, he recently competed in the annual White Hills Eagles RC Club (WHERCC) Fun Fly, held at the club field on June 25, 2017, in Shelton, Connecticut.
In 1943, at age 18, Julius joined the Army Air Corps, attending radio school at Scott Field, Illinois. He received three weeks of training in Oakland, California, then was off to Lai, New Guinea, with the 374 Air Service Squadron as a radio operator. Moving to Biak, New Guinea, he flew supply missions 8 to 16 hours a day, with round trips of more than 800 miles in Army Air Force C-47s and Mitchell B-25 bomber/transports.
When the war ended, Julius went to Tokyo and visited the Emperor’s Palace, returning stateside in 1946 as an Army Air Force corporal. He married and started raising his family while working at Dresser Industries.
Always interested in airplanes, Julius began flying Control Line at Ninety Acres Park in Bridgeport, Connecticut. When the Connecticut Balsa Bugs formed in 1965, he joined the club that at one time, had as many as 155 members.
WHERCC members had a great time competing in the club’s annual fun-fly in the five event missions with a variety of model aircraft.
The WHERCC flying site is located on a beautiful, private farm in Shelton CT.
Julius Greenberger (L) is shown at 92 years old; in 1943 (middle) as a radio operator on an Army C-47; and with a Mitchell B-25 aircraft (R) flying supply missions during World War II.
Today, at age 92, he flies daily (weather permitting), giving up on gas and glow a few years ago to concentrate on electrics only. At the WHERCC event, he competed in Poker, Timed Flight, Loops and Rolls, Wild Weasel, and Touch and Go—even some much younger club members wouldn’t try all of them.
What’s his secret? According to Julius, remaining actively engaged in flying RC model aircraft in a hobby he loves, along with some luck, contribute to his good health and long life.
Thanks, Andy. It was nice to see an event report focused on telling us about an exceptional AMA club member. How many of us would like to be as fit and active as Julius is now and, God willing, still flying RC aircraft at his age?
The event judge (L) is timing Julius’ event flight.
If any of you want to send me a report about a club event and/or a story about a unique club member who benefits the club in different ways or derives exceptional value and pleasure from the AMA and aeromodeling, please do so and I will include it in a future column. Keeping engaged in the sport of RC flying might well contribute to longevity and good health!
