District VII
Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin
Hello District VII members! I am excited, as I am sure you are, because by the time you are reading this, warm weather will be here and we have been out flying and enjoying our models, doing gravity-defying acts in the air, and hopefully the rust has been knocked off!
I will have to admit, there was plenty of rust on your District VII vice president! During the Easter weekend, the weather was beautiful, with perfect days to fly—yes, I had to go out and enjoy them! I did not have any time to take part in all of the winter indoor activities, but I was sure ready to go.
As they say, takeoffs are optional, landings are mandatory, and let’s just say I need to practice my landings a bit. You know what, though? Even with a slightly damaged airplane at the end of the day, I had a blast, as I am sure you all do. A little glue and tender, loving care, and it will be back in the air.
The AMA National Fun Fly will be coming up on June 23-25, and I am looking forward to seeing many District VII members there. Come by, say hello, and show off your models. I will be looking forward to seeing you.
Have you heard of Edward V. Rickenbacker? How about Igor I. Sikorsky? James H. Doolittle? That is a rarefied air group of aviation pioneers.
A new person has now been inducted into this group. The NAA awarded Hazel Sig-Hester the Wesley L. McDonald Distinguished Statesman and Stateswoman of Aviation Award, which was established on October 16, 1954.
The purpose of this award is to honor outstanding living Americans who, by their efforts over an extended period of years, have made contributions of significant value to aeronautics and have reflected credit upon America and themselves.
NAA President Greg Principato presented this award to Hazel on her 101st birthday and I was fortunate to attend. Hazel’s many contributions, not only in model aviation but in full-scale aviation, and her tremendous work with youth, epitomize what this award represents.
I feel so fortunate to have been present and to have shared such a special day.
Time to close out. I hope to see many of you at the AMA National Fun Fly.
Until then, share the passion.
Randy Gibson
Vice President
rgibson@mmrca.org
503 Mall Ct. # 289, Lansing MI 48912
(317) 688-4346
ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENTS
Bruce Baier, Oshkosh WI; (920) 233-1127; buzsr@gmail.com
Bud Gorman, Knife River MN; (218) 834-5797; bgorman@frontiernet.net
Bob Johnson, Fond du Lac WI; (920) 922-6705; bobjh54935@yahoo.com
Mark Robotti, Lindstrom MN; (651) 257-6792; mgrobotti@frontier.com
Dell Shannon, Osceola IA (641) 342-4278; dell.t.shannon@gmail.com
Len Todd, Baldwin MI; (907) 903-3569; lentodd@att.net
Peter G. Van Heusden, Bloomfield Hills MI; (248) 515-1071; petervh@malibutech.com
Kent Woods, Ames IA; (641) 751-7126; woods229@msn.com
EVENT SANCTION COORDINATORS
Michael J. Haller (RC), Fond du Lac WI; (920) 979-9452; mike.haller60@gmail.com
Marc Warshawsana (CL), Whitmore Lake MI; (734) 223-1243; whellieman@gmail.com
AMA Headquarters (FF), (800) 435-9262; competition@modelaircraft.org
FREQUENCY COORDINATORS
Al Schwartz, Roseville MN; (651) 633-2286; alberts@comcast.net
Pete Waters, Northville MI; (248) 924-0223; petewaters@charter.net
