District X

District X

Arizona, California, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada, Utah

As October approaches, I hope your modeling is providing fewer tricks and more treats. October is the month that AMA sends out the ballots for elections. This year, we have an election in District X. My time as your district vice president is coming to an end, and I am ready to pass the torch to my successor.

We have two strong candidates for office, one of whom will be your next vice president. Take some time to get to know them by reading their candidate statements then be sure to cast your vote. Historically, only one in five members will vote in the election. I hope that is not the case this year. I hope that all of you take time to vote.

It is with great sadness that I report the passing of a longtime member of the Las Vegas Radio Control Club (LVRC), Mike Kissack. Mike was not only a member of AMA and LVRC, but he was also the husband of Tina Kissack, the president of LVRC.

Mike and Tina were married for nearly 22 years. They met in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and eventually settled in Las Vegas, where they lived for 19 years. Mike was an accomplished automotive technician at a major dealership in Las Vegas. He loved three things in life: Tina, modeling, and cars.

He learned to fly from his father, Don Kissack. They started out in Slope Soaring and Mike enjoyed many other types of modeling.

Mike served the club in many capacities. He was a club instructor and helped many new pilots, visitors, and guests experience RC flight for the first time. If he saw someone having an issue with his or her airplane, Mike would not hesitate to stop what he was doing and help that person.

Mike served as safety officer for a few years. He was also an event organizer and helper alongside Tina. Whenever there was an event of any kind at Bennett Field, they were the first to arrive and last to leave.

Mike Kissack helping a Marine fly an aircraft — Mike Kissack was an instructor pilot with LVRC. Here he’s shown helping a Marine at the sticks during the club’s annual Toys for Tots event.

LVRC club members and Las Vegas AVPs Barry Mattison and Gil Terzo arranged a memorial service at the field upon Tina’s request.

Portrait of Mike Kissack outdoors — Mike Kissack, February 18, 1964 – July 17, 2021.

Mike was a friend to everyone who flew at or visited Bennett Field. There could not be a better ambassador or supporter of AMA or LVRC than Mike. He will be missed by all. Our deepest sympathies go out to Tina.

People examining the last model airplane built by Mike Kissack — This was the last model that Mike built. His father, Don (L), maidened it after the service. Don told everyone he was talking to Mike throughout the flight. The airplane was perfect.

Memorial display and service table at the field — Las Vegas AVP Barry Mattison (L) performed the Invocation and AVP Gil Terzo (R) was emcee at Mike’s service at the field.

Lawrence Tougas
Vice President
ama.district10@gmail.com
Box 276, Fairfield CA 94533
(707) 480-2053
www.ama10.org

ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENTS

Tim Attaway, Chula Vista CA; (619) 427-6392; trattaway@cox.net
Forrest Barton, Woodland CA; (530) 383-9019; cbarton328@aol.com
Jim Bonnardel, San Diego CA; (858) 292-5518; nitroblast@hotmail.com
Alan Friedman, Eloy AZ; (520) 876-0232; proparloan@aol.com
Dan Johnson, Preston ID; (435) 619-3112; dksajohnson@gmail.com
Tim Johnson, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA; (562) 965-4288; timothy@johnson.us.com
Mike Lee, Redlands CA; (909) 792-8424; mlee8249@msn.com
Barry Mattison, Las Vegas NV; (702) 218-3827; bm.rabbit@gmail.com
Dave Meriwether, Laguna Beach CA; (949) 350-4075; meriwed@comline.com
Jim Mohan, Phoenix AZ; (623) 434-1351; jmohan351@cox.net
Gil Terzo, Las Vegas NV; (702) 523-9897; gterzo@aol.com
Peter Vogel, Santa Clara CA; (408) 569-7067; vogel.peter@gmail.com
Roger Willis, Murrieta CA; (951) 249-9688; willisassoc@aol.com

EVENT SANCTION COORDINATORS

Tim Attaway (CA south of Bakersfield), Chula Vista CA; (619) 427-6392; trattaway@cox.net
Forrest Barton (CA north of Bakersfield), Woodland CA; (530) 383-9019; cbarton328@aol.com

Until next month, I wish you all nothing but happy landings.