District IX
Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming
We remember the life of Denny Stong, the 20-year-old modeler and pilot-to-be who was taken by the senseless act of violence at the King Sooper store in Boulder, Colorado, this past March.
Denny was a youth and adult member of the AMA and had been an active flier with the Boulder Aeromodeling Society (BAS). He was only a few hours from soloing at the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport, a lifelong dream. When asked, friends and family mentioned Denny’s constant smile, humor, and love of aviation.
Here are a few words from Skip Miller, one of the BAS members who knew him well.
“Denny flew everything, from aerobatics to warbirds, to Slope Soaring, and drones. He was accomplished at all, and ready at a moment’s notice. Anytime I’d arrive at the Boulder field and Denny was there, he would run up to my car, even before my door was open, to show me his latest battery setup or aircraft modification. He was always so excited to be involved in RC.
“Nick Stong, Denny’s dad, is a pioneering Slope Soaring flier here in Colorado and a record holder. Denny was heading into this group.
“I weep as I write this.”
With a life taken so early, one always wonders what might have been. Our most sincere condolences to his family.
Two District IX clubs made back-to-back appearances as the AMA Club of the Month. The Omahawks are a Gold Leader Club and maintain Hawk field in Standing Bear Lake Park in Omaha, Nebraska. The Omahawks have contributed to model aviation and to the well-being of this southeast Nebraska community for 41 years.
The Longmont Electric Airplane Flyers (LEAFs) is also a Gold Leader Club and has operated on park land leased from the city of Longmont, Colorado, since 2003. This club has a top-notch introductory pilot program that has steadily increased its membership in the past few years. Congratulations to both of these clubs on this well-deserved honor.
The Beresford Area Radio Modelers (BARF) of Beresford, South Dakota, has crafted a well-attended mall show in Sioux Center, Iowa, for more than 25 years.
Considering that many events have been canceled, it is good news that this year’s show displayed more than 50 models from four states. Modeling projects from microlights, to Flite Test foamies, to a 30% Piper Cub were on display. The club noted an uptick in handcrafted models, many of which were built from foam board and tape. Awards were given in both traditional built-up aircraft and well-crafted ARFs.
Judged Best of Show at the BARF Mall Show was Paul Winterton’s Byron P-51.
As always, the club introduced youngsters to aeromodeling on a flight simulator throughout the day.
Jim Tiller
Vice President
jtiller@hotmail.com
Box 828, Custer SD 57730
(605) 390-3878
ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENTS
Craig Bastian, Casper WY; (307)577-6463; craig1961@msn.com
Tyler Brown, Lincoln NE; (402) 617-0444; tylerzx9@yahoo.com
Steve Graham, Denver CO; (303) 883-0205; steve.graham1@comcast.net
Brandon Koch, Mandan ND; (701) 471-9575; kochbrandon471@gmail.com
Rick McCaskill, Frederick CO; (303) 682-0440; rickm1974@aol.com
Zachary Roller, Rapid City SD; (605) 519-0815; zroller28@gmail.com
Arend Schuurman, Elkton SD; (605) 695-2122; arend.schuurman@gmail.com
Terry Wiles, Harrisburg SD; terryscustus@yahoo.com
EVENT SANCTION COORDINATOR
Troy Hamm, Gardner KS; (913) 744-5745; funflyr@juno.com
