Presidents Message for January 2008 The year 2007 is behind us, and what a fantastic year it was! The Society for Aviation history held five great educational meetings, one fun tour, and produced six newsletters - including our big, 48-page summer edition. Ok, we do most of this each year, but this seemed like a real special time. Members turned out in force for the review of the underwater search for the Macon, our tour of the EMU helicopter in Hayward, member JR Roberts' detailed description of Clyde Pangborn and the recreation of Miss Veedol, our air racing pilots' panel, and Tom Morgenfeld's discussion of flying the F-35. So many members were involved in the society's activities, and we really appreciate that. At the December meeting, Election Committee Chair Bruce Bengston announced our slate of officers had been reelected, with Darlene Cain joining the board for 2008. The board is comprised of Roger Cain, Darlene Cain, Alice Hendricks, Norm Jukes, Matthew Mintz, Dan Morgan, Rick Turner, Betty Veronico, and myself. A special thanks to out-going board member Dave Osgood for his years of service. One of the big things we'll be working on for 2008 is the special summer edition. If you'd like to help by contributing stories or photos, please contact society Secretary/Newsletter Editor Betty Veronico at the next meeting or by email. Tour coordinator Matthew Mintz is already working on a number of interesting side trips for the society. Watch these pages for more information. In the past we've visited Jacques Littlefield's tank farm, the Mothball Fleet, Art Teeters' Mustang restoration shop, and the Nike site in the Marin headlands. Speaking of the Teeters tour, it is reported that the P-51B we saw under restoration is now painted and sitting on its gear. It is anticipated that the aircraft will make its first flight sometime in February 2008. I don't want to get ahead of the game, as we'll have officer elections at the January 2008 board meeting. That said, I anticipate the society's focus for 2008 will be increasing our membership roles. We currently have more than 150 members, and we will be working hard to recruit new ones. Remember, any current member that recruits five members gets a free one-year membership. We've had at least five people in the last two years take advantage of this offer. It's a no-brainer as it is tracked by the secretary. So please take an extra newsletter for a friend, or convert that friend who has come as a guest into a member. The society does have an excellent website (sfahistory.org) run by Roger Cain. I hope you visit often, and please share this site with your friends. I look forward to seeing you at our next meeting. - Nick Veronico
Past President Messages are linked below:
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