District IX
Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming
Jerry’s illustrious résumé has been published on many AMA platforms. I know him through his work with the Magnificent Mountain Men (MMM), promoting Free Flight (FF) in Colorado and across the country. Jerry’s work, and that of the MMM, have appeared in this space for many years. My knowledge of FF is limited, but these gentlemen make it clear how much engineering, technical knowledge, and persistence it takes to compete at any level in FF.
The other kudo Jerry gets from me is for his continuing promotion of this hobby to young people. I know how much of a hook rubber band-powered airplanes can be for curious young people. These guys take it to another level. I doubt that there is another group in District IX that does more youth-related workshops, competitions, and aviation education with our school-age kids. Take a well-deserved bow, Jerry, and continue your great work. We all hope to see you featured here many times in the future.
Here is another installment of what our District IX associate vice presidents (AVPs) are working on this winter. Craig Bastion, our Wyoming AVP, spends much of his winter in a warmer climate (as you can tell from his attire) but he seems to take this hobby with him in his travels. Pictured here is his latest project, an 80-inch Roadrunner. The biggest question I see here is how his wife, Shannon, puts up with this project in the confines of their winter home.
You might already know that District IX’s own Jerry Murphy, of Denver, was inducted into the AMA Model Aviation Hall of Fame this past January. I want to take some of my column to add my personal congratulations to Jerry. As your representative, I express best wishes to him from all of the members of District IX. This is a fitting tribute for 50 years of contributions to our great hobby.
