District X
Arizona, California, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada, Utah
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; tr’attaway@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; proparolan@aol.com
Dan Johnson, Preston ID; (435) 619-3112; dksajohnson@gmail.com
Mike Lee, Redlands CA; (909) 792-8424; mlee824@msn.com
Barry Mattison, Las Vegas NV; (702) 218-3827; bm.brabbit@gmail.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; tr’attaway@cox.net
Forrest Barton (CA north of Bakersfield), Woodland CA; (530) 383-9019; cbarton328@aol.com
All good things must come to an end. The last 11 years have been incredible. My daughters have become adults with careers and bright futures of their own. After a 33-year career in aviation, I retired at 57, and I am now loving the freedom that it provides. Last but not least, I have had a wonderful time representing you, the members of District X.
One of the most surprising things I found as district vice president (VP) was how the same names came up over and over as the members pitched in and helped their clubs, the area of modeling they loved, or their community. These people are the engines that drive our sport. They have my heartfelt thanks for what they do.
I have made new friends that I know will last a lifetime. It was so nice to always be warmly welcomed at meetings and events. I have learned so much about other aspects of modeling outside of my primary area during this last decade. I am constantly amazed and proud of the craftsmanship and ingenuity that District X members show.
I will miss my colleagues on the Executive Council whom I consider friends—in particular, Andy Argenio, Randy Gibson, Lawrence Harville, and Mark Radcliff. I know how many countless hours they all have put in to make our sport what it is today.
Working with the AMA’s staff has been a delight. In particular, my editor, Liz Helms, makes my ramblings look good. The staff works hard on our behalf and they have my thanks.
The real unsung heroes of District X are the associate vice presidents (AVPs)—the boots on the ground if you will. My thanks go out to current AVPs Tim Attaway, Forrest Barton, Jim Bonnardel, Alan Friedman, Gil Terzo, Dan Johnson, Michael Lee, Barry Mattison, David Meriweather, Jim Mohan, Tim Johnson, Roger Willis, and Peter Vogel who are all active AVPs and also thank you to our former volunteers.
District X is one of the few AMA districts that routinely has contested elections rather than a candidate running unopposed, which is somewhat the norm elsewhere across the country. This year was no exception.
Las Vegas AVP Barry Mattison threw his hat in the ring. He has my thanks for stepping forward and running. A big congratulations is in order for Southern California native Greg Stone, who will be your next District X VP. I will be passing the torch to Greg and am doing what I can to prepare him to take over on January 1, 2022. Please give him your support as he starts his adventure.
What is next for me? I will remain heavily involved in modeling as I am promoted from VP to member. I love competition, and I think I will try some new areas in that arena. I am going to become a certified flight instructor for full-scale aviation and look forward to that chapter in my life. I’m ready for COVID to abate because I am looking forward to traveling overseas. Beyond that, who can say? The one thing I know is that it has been a privilege serving all of you in the best district we have in the AMA.
Until our paths meet again, I wish you all nothing but happy landings.
