District VII
Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin
Hello District VII members. The flying season for us is well underway. We have had an abundance of beautiful days—and some not-so-nice, wet days—but I hope you have all taken advantage of them.
By the time you read this article, I will have been fortunate to have had the opportunity of meeting some of the District VII members during Joe Nall week at the Triple Tree Aerodrome in Woodruff, South Carolina, at the AMA National Fun Fly in Muncie, Indiana, and at some local events.
To those I have yet to meet, I am looking forward to seeing, flying, and swapping stories and laughs at the many events I am planning to attend.
I want to take a moment to correct an error of omission. In my article regarding the excellent time that I had at the EAA Winter Flight Fest in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, I failed to mention the club that sanctioned the indoor contest—the Bong Eagles Free Flight club, based in Burlington, Wisconsin. Jeffrey Annis was the contest director of this well-run event.
Thanks Jeffrey, as well as the members of Bong Eagles, for this great event. I am looking forward to attending next year.
The club’s name is in honor of Maj. Richard Bong. Maj. Bong, a Medal of Honor recipient, was one of the most decorated American fighter pilots and a true flying ace.
He was credited with shooting down 40 Japanese aircraft in World War II. His P-38 is on display at the EAA Aviation Museum in Oshkosh.
Before closing out this month’s column, I would also like to acknowledge and congratulate the following District VII clubs and individuals for awards received. I have included some of the key requirements for scholarships and grants. Visit the AMA Foundation website for additional information.
Scholarship Recipient
Trevor Harrison was a recipient of a Charles Hampson Grant Scholarship.
Endowments and scholarships for graduating high school seniors are distributed in various amounts on the basis of AMA modeling activities, scholastic and citizenship achievement. All applications are considered and evaluated by the AMA Scholarship Committee that makes a recommendation to the AMA Executive Council.
Several important criteria are taken into consideration, including academics and participation in many aspects of high school, aeromodeling, and the community. The applicants are rated in several major categories, including grade point average and test results. All facets of an applicant’s background are taken into consideration and a well-rounded person might well be more qualified than one who excels only in grades or in aeromodeling.
Flying Site Improvement Grant Recipients
- Cadillac Area Modelers Society in Michigan
- The Flying Electrons of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
- Lake County Modelers & Flyers Association in Michigan
- Sky Ranch Flyers of West Bend, Wisconsin
- Rock River Aero Modelers Society in Beloit, Wisconsin
- The Flying Pilgrims in Michigan
Through the FSIG program, the AMA will contribute 25% of total project costs, to clubs that are improving their flying sites and demonstrating their club’s commitment to AMA’s mission statement: To promote, advance, and safeguard model aviation as a hobby, sport, and educational tool.
Take off And Grow (TAG) Grant Recipients
- Shawano RC Fliers in Shawano, Wisconsin
- Tulip City Air Force MAC in Holland, Michigan
- Wausau RC Sports in Wausau, Wisconsin
Developed to encourage our members and clubs to promote modeling as a positive recreational activity to those in their communities, TAG was implemented in 2007, intended primarily to welcome the general public to aeromodeling. TAG programs provide a one-day extensive introduction of model aviation with the intent of drawing new people into the model aviation hobby.
Great job, District VII! Thanks to all of you for your efforts.
Until next month, let’s keep sharing the passion.
