CELEBRATING OUR MEMBERS
By Chad Budreau, AMA Executive Director | chad@modelaircraft.org
WHEN PEOPLE THINK OF the AMA, they often think of insurance, the AMA Headquarters and International Aeromodeling Center in Muncie, Indiana, events, Model Aviation, or the mission-based work that we do at the National Model Aviation Museum and in the classroom, or representation in Washington, D.C. AMA’s most important asset for providing these services is our members. Without the support of our members, we would not have the muscle, brain trust, or funding to fulfill our mission.
Your support has allowed AMA to introduce millions of youths to model aviation both in and out of the classroom. Your support allows AMA to preserve and celebrate the hobby at the world’s largest model aviation museum. Your support empowers AMA to have a voice in Washington, D.C. Thank you.
One way AMA recognizes and honors our members is through awards. Some notable awards that have been received this year include the Presidential Achievement Award to Hazel Sig-Hester, an AMA Award of Excellence to clubs, including the Johnstown RC Club, the Distinguished Service Award to AMA member Mike Cross, and AMA’s support of the prestigious National Aeronautic Association Collier Trophy to the Mars Ingenuity Team, which includes AMA member Matt Keennon.
It is important to celebrate our members’ achievements and dedication. If there is a notable member or club you feel deserves recognition, we want to hear from you. You can nominate a member or club for an award through your district vice president (VP). Visit www.modelaircraft.org/contact-executive-council or the “AMA News” section of this magazine to identify your elected district VP.
Following are some of the awards that AMA can bestow upon members through Executive Council approval.
AMA Model Aviation Hall of Fame: Honors those who have made significant contributions to aeromodeling. Contributions can be in volunteer or administrative activities, product development, competition performance, or a variety or combination of activities. Recipients receive free membership privileges for life.
Superior Service Award: A national award for a member’s longstanding service to grow and support the hobby.
District Service Award: Allows a district vice president to honor an individual within his/her district for exceptional service.
Carl & Beth Goldberg Vital People Award: Recognizes those members who go above and beyond to support model aviation, our clubs, and our members—often quietly, sometimes in the background, and often ask for little in return other than maybe an occasional “thank-you.” In addition to a plaque, the recipient receives $200.
Award of Excellence: The highest award for an AMA chartered club for exemplary support, dedication, and representation of the hobby.
Although these are a few of the national awards, we also have awards and recognitions through the AMA Foundation, such as the AMA scholarship fund and AMA Walk of Fame.
We encourage clubs and event leaders to offer awards at a local level. Contest directors or event managers often give trophies to competitors. Some might even offer fun awards such as a “First in Flight” award to the first event participant. Clubs should never underestimate the importance of awarding solo certificates to new hobbyists or appreciation awards for volunteer members.
Be sure to join us in honoring and celebrating our members. Thank you all for growing and supporting this great hobby.
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