AMA’S HIGHEST HONORS
By Rich Hanson, AMA President | richh@modelaircraft.org
YOU MIGHT WONDER, “What’s AMA’s highest award?” The correct answer is the AMA Fellowship Award, which is bestowed upon those individuals who, in the opinion of the Executive Council (EC), have “performed exceptional meritorious service for model aeronautics.” This is alongside AMA’s newest Lifetime Achievement Award that was established by the EC in 2017.
In 2018, the Lifetime Achievement Award was first presented to Wayne Yeager for his years of service as AMA’s Nats manager, and to former AMA President Dave Mathewson for his lifelong contributions to model aviation and service to AMA.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was most recently awarded to Joyce Hager for her 53 years of service and commitment to AMA.
Another prestigious award is the Presidential Achievement Award. The AMA president can present this award to honor, acknowledge, and express recognition or thanks for service, grants, gifts, or other contributions to individuals, organizations, or institutions. This can be awarded up to three times per year without EC approval.
Pat Hartness
Thomas Patterson “Pat” Hartness, founder of the Triple Tree Aerodrome in Woodruff, South Carolina, received AMA’s Fellowship Award at the annual AMA Membership Meeting during the 2024 Joe Nall Week. This year’s event took place May 10-17, and the presentation was made on Thursday, May 16.
Pat became involved with aviation at age 7, when he first flew Control Line and Free Flight model aircraft.
In 1997, Pat purchased property in Woodruff and started sculpting the beautiful Triple Tree Aerodrome. With an eye toward the future, he established the Triple Tree Aerodrome as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and gave the land to the nonprofit as his gift to aviation.
Triple Tree now accommodates thousands of flying enthusiasts from across the nation and around the world each year. Thousands of pilots and aircraft have been a part of the Triple Tree flying experience. This
financial operations, and managed the organization’s investments from 2014 through 2023.
Mark Radcliff
On Saturday, April 6, 2024, AMA President Rich Hanson presented former District III Vice President Mark Radcliff with AMA’s Presidential Achievement Award. This award recognizes Mark’s 12 years of exemplary and dedicated service to AMA and the members of District III.
Mark, who hails from St. Marys, West Virginia, represented the states of West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, and was a frequent visitor at events throughout the district. A noted RC Aerobatics pilot, he also represented the US on four world championship teams.
Thank you, Mark, for your commitment to the hobby and your support of the aeromodeling community!
Keep ’em safe, keep ’em flying, and continue to enjoy this great hobby!
year’s record-breaking event hosted 1,300 pilots and tens of thousands of spectators from around the world. Pat’s dream of an education center, where both children and old-timers can continue learning about aviation, is still ongoing. Pat is a visionary thinker and you will often see him out on the Komatsu equipment, helping to build his dream.
Without question, Pat’s goal has always been “to ignite and expand the passion for aviation,” and he lives by those words today. Congratulations to Pat!
Keith Sessions
Keith Sessions, of Burlington, Kentucky, received AMA’s Presidential Achievement Award at the AMA Membership Meeting during the 2024 Joe Nall Week. This award recognizes Keith’s superior dedication and commitment to AMA while he served as the organization’s chief financial officer (CFO).
As an appointed member of AMA’s EC, Keith oversaw AMA’s operating budget,
