CAMPAIGN STATEMENTS
Note: Candidate statements reflect the opinion of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Academy of Model Aeronautics. Candidate statements are published word-for-word as submitted by the candidate and are not edited by the Academy of Model Aeronautics’ staff for grammar, punctuation, or spelling. Candidates are listed alphabetically by last name when when there is more than one candidate for an open office. The Academy of Model Aeronautics reserves the right to remove any portion of any statement which it determines, in its sole discretion, might contain potentially defamatory remarks.
DISTRICT II VICE PRESIDENT
New Jersey, New York, Europe
Eric Williams
ScHენectady NY
I have been privileged to serve as your District II Vice President. Because of what we’ve accomplished together, aeromodeling is changing lives in countless positive ways. As your representative, I will keep working to see aeromodeling flourish so that more people can enjoy our hobby.
During my time on council I have served on various AMA committees, including the Bylaws Committee, the Marketing Committee, the Advanced Flight Systems Committee, as the Elections Chairman, and as Chairman of the National Model Aviation Museum. In these assignments, the interests of members are always my first priority.
My Executive Council motion that now provides grants for club purchases of lifesaving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) will potentially save lives at flying sites. My motion to extended benefits to clubs experiencing natural disasters was unanimously passed by the Council as well. I will continue to pursue measures like these that benefit clubs and members.
I have spoken in defense of aeromodeling before various state, county, and municipal officials. I will continue to vigorously protect our hobby from government regulation, preserve flying sites, encourage competition, and promote our hobby.
We have much to learn from our shared modeling experiences. It is critical that we uphold AMA’s history and traditions, while also welcoming new interests and technologies. Accordingly, I equally support all of our modeling categories.
I travel throughout the District regularly, visiting events and spending time with clubs and members, listening to your ideas and supporting your clubs. It is a privilege to know so many modelers and to work by your side. I ask for your vote to continue to serve District II and our hobby.
DISTRICT IV VICE PRESIDENT
Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland,
North Carolina, Virginia
Jay Marsh
High Point NC
It is that time in our election cycle when the membership elects a Vice President for District IV. It has been 10 years since you elected me to fill the remaining year of Bliss Teague’s term and I very much appreciate the confidence.
Our current emphasis and direction are to stop losing our precious flying fields to any numerable causes and create new clubs and fields. Thanks to a lot of hard work by AMA, the government is coming in-line with the AMA’s agenda making our hobby much less burdensome to enjoy once again. Joining a FRIA club exempts most of the government restrictions and provides additional privileges and a lot of camaraderie. Reach out to all your friends that are not associated with a club and invite them to start flying with you or if a group, encourage them to organize into an AMA Chartered club.
I want to see an increase in District IV receiving grants and program participation. There is a lot of support and money out there to help you and your club. Part of that money is ours, so we need to claim it or lose it.
Communications is still a priority, and our social media accounts are showing an upward trend by our members posting and advertising their events and showing what they are doing.
After so many years being a senior member of council, I am charged with serving programs and committees. I am the chair of the Leader Member/Leader Club Committee as well as the Information Technology Committee and member of the Government Affairs, Finance and Investment, and FAI committees to name a few. This makes our District IV voices a little stronger.
I feel we are making a difference and returning some of the benefits I enjoyed as a child back to the Academy of Model Aeronautics and you the membership. Please cast your vote to show your support for what I am doing. Thank you.
DISTRICT VI VICE PRESIDENT
Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri
Gary Himes
Kansas City MO
Hello District VII members. In the three years, you’ve seen my pI have been honored to be the incumbent District VI Vice President and am up for reelection this year. During my term I have served on various committees and was to Washington DC walking the halls of Congress trying to preserve this great hobby of ours! I am an active sport pilot and try to get to as many clubs as possible. Even thru Covid, I have safely visited
as many clubs as possible.
Being a Sport Pilot, I fly primarily fixed wing aircraft from foamies to giant scale aircraft. Do not be confused though, as I support all facets of this great hobby. I belong to multiple clubs and have been active in my primary club for 40 years.
We must figure out how to get more youth into this hobby. Without new blood to this hobby, we will simply time out and as current members grow older. In the past, I feel that the largest problem affecting modelers was the increasing regulation Congress and the FAA have forced upon model aviation. I believe things are better on this front, but we must continue to keep a strong presence in Washington, DC in order to keep commercial interests from killing our hobby while they use our airspace. The AMA has always fought for the modeling public, but members are not always aware of AMA’s efforts to keep us flying. The AMA must start publishing our victories, that we do achieve!
Again, we need to get the attention of our younger people and pull them into the hobby! We need to make all members aware of the existing programs to help get model aviation into our schools, thus encouraging even more young people to fly.
With your vote, I will continue to make this “Your AMA!”
DISTRICT VIII VICE PRESIDENT
Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
Lawrence Harville
Hurst TX
I am Lawrence Harville from Hurst, Texas. I am running for re-election for District 8 Vice President. I am going to make this quick and simple—If you like what I have been doing for the past years—VOTE for me. Don’t just sit there and let someone else pick who represents you in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. Fill out that ballot and send it back to AMA.
We need a strong AMA, I have done my best to represent District VIII as you have told me on my outings, meetings, and communications. We don’t always agree but we are in the 99% range. I try to explain what is going on in AMA. It is most important that we keep talking and advocating for what is best for all of us.
I have tried to represent what you want—ask the questions you want ask—and get back to you. As you know I am usually out an about and have been to as many places as possible. District VIII is more than 1400 miles from end to end with hundreds of airfields and 1000’s of members--- thank goodness we have Google Maps, because some of our airfields are very hard to find.
I said last time I ran-- “I will do my best to represent you and be your “go to” guy in the AMA and keep you involved and informed with the actions and decision that affect District VIII.” I don’t have all the answers, but there is a lot of expertise in our District and in AMA. I have never been shy about asking questions and getting answers.
I think I have fulfilled that pledge and am asking you to VOTE for me. Yes-- You get up mail in that ballot—now go VOTE. See you at the field..
DISTRICT X VICE PRESIDENT
Arizona, California, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada, Utah
Greg Stone
Yorba Linda CA
Hello District X Model Aeronautics enthusiasts. I’m Greg Stone, seeking reelection as your District X Vice President.
Over the past term, I’ve tirelessly supported our clubs and flying sites, promoting education in model aviation and STEM. With over 40 years in the hobby, I bring a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to our community of modelers.
My focus remains clear: increase visibility for events across our district, assist with club operations, community support, and promote our hobby. Each month as District VP, I continue to attend and support clubs and events. We’ve successfully awarded site improvement grants, and I’m proud to say that each year, we have maxed out our contributions, ensuring our clubs have the support they need to thrive. My hope is to increase these grants so every club in District X can receive funds for improvement projects, enhancing facilities and accessibility.
Additionally, my accomplishments include serving on the finance committee and chairing the education committee, supporting initiatives that enrich our programs including Science Olympiad and Design, Build, Fly competitions. These efforts have encouraged and developed the next generation of modelers with essential skills.
My journey in model aviation began with control line and model rocketry, evolving into comprehensive involvement across all facets of the hobby. This extensive background has enabled me to understand and address the diverse needs of our members.
As your Vice President, I will continue to represent District X with dedication and integrity, advocating for our interests at the AMA Executive Council and beyond. Together, we will ensure the legacy of model aviation thrives. Your support and vote are crucial to continuing this vital work; let’s elevate District X to new heights!
Thank you, Greg Stone.
