Presidents Message for September 2007 The Society for Aviation History has, so far, had a great 2007. Early in the year we enjoyed an educational program on the status of the airship Macon, heard the story of Clyde Pangborn and the first Trans-Pacific flight, and toured the Travis Air Force Base Museum of Military Aviation History. In June, we were treated to what amounted to a private airshow as guests of the non-profit EMU, Inc. The group has restored a Bell UH-1H Huey gunship to honor the 135th Assault Helicopter Company from Vietnam. The 135th was staffed by both U.S. and Austrialian troops. Geoff Carr and Peter Olesko, principals of EMU, Inc., discussed the significance of the 135th, the EMU helicopters, and talked of their service in Vietnam. After a great BBQ lunch from Emergency BBQ of Belmont, society members were able to inspect the helicopter up-close before it was flown for our members. Thank you, EMU Inc.! By now I hope you've taken time to read the July issue of Touch & Go. The Special Summer Edition was a fun experiment by the board of directors to draw upon the talents within our organization and to increase your membership value. I'd like to thank those who took the time to call or write with their opinions of the effort. Would we do some things differently next time? You bet. Were we pleased with the results? Definitely! And pleasing results were the hard work of the following society members: Roger Cain (SAH 2) - as well as all of the pilots who flew or flew for him, Alice Hendricks (SAH 73), Earl Holmquist (SAH 20), Norm Jukes (SAH 3), William T. Larkins (SAH 11), Don McDonald (SAH 61), Matthew Mintz (SAH 9), Larry Rinek (SAH 79), Paul Schwafel (SAH 155), Bill Stubkjaer (SAH 27), and Rick Turner (SAH 8). And once all of the material was gathered, Touch & Go editor Betty Veronico (SAH 6) did the page design/layout, and got the special summer edition to the printers. In addition, board members worked on the project including Dan Morgan and Dave Osgood. Hopefully I have not forgotten anyone. To all who participated, a big Thank You! Around the time the July issue was hitting members' mailboxes, our tour of the Mothball Fleet came off without a hitch. Organized by society Tour Coordinator Matthew Mintz, 32 members and their guests (the boat's capacity) enjoyed a great day on the delta. Everyone got up-close views of more than 75 Naval and civilian ships, all in storage, many awaiting the breaker's torch, some to return to active service. The weather, like the tour, was outstanding. As you read this, the society's summer break is coming to a close and we're starting back into the meeting season. We have two more dates for this year, Oct. 13 and Dec. 1. October's meeting will feature a Reno Air Racing pilots' panel and is also our canned food drive. Please bring a can or two to help those less fortunate. In December, we'll feature F-22 pilot Tom Morgenfeld. I look forward to seeing you there and please bring a friend. Remember, the December meeting will feature our annual toy drive. While out holiday shopping, please pick up a youth or teen gift to donate. In Society for Aviation History business, there will be an open seat on the board for 2008. If you'd like to participate in the management of your group, please let Society Secretary Betty Veronico know so she can put your name on the ballot. By the way, watch your mailboxes as the ballot will be coming to you in October. There will be instructions inside, and please remember to sign your name on the outside of the envelope. It's been a busy year for the society, and its not over. We appreciate your participation and look forward to seeing you at the rest of the 2008 events. - Nick Veronico
Past President Messages are linked below:
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