This month, I want to take time to thank two individuals and recognize their retirements in 2024 from their volunteer roles with AMA. Joe Vislay (Ohio) had been an associate vice president (AVP) since 1989. Nelson Gould (Pennsylvania) became an AVP in 1988 and had served as the district contest coordinator for Pennsylvania since 2013. On behalf of the AMA Executive Council and District III, thank you both for your years of service.
It is with great sadness that I must announce that we lost District III AVP Jim Butler in early January. He was a member of the Mountaineer RC Club in St. Albans, West Virginia.
Jim was a retired law enforcement officer and enjoyed models that imitated airplanes used by the West Virginia National Guard and Scale warbirds. Jim was also a model railroader. On behalf of AMA, blue skies forever, Jim!
For those of you who don’t know, Chad Budreau left his position as AMA’s executive director at the International Aeromodeling Center in Muncie, Indiana, in December 2024. Chad relocated to Ohio with his new position, and he has volunteered to be a District III AVP. For those who have never met him, I’ll share a brief biography.
Chad was first introduced to model aviation as a child by his dad, who flew Control Line. Chad began flying again in 2010 when he started working for AMA.
During his time as an AMA employee (2010-2024), Chad developed AMA operation strategies, launched new products, including a membership database, and shaped local, state, and federal legislation. Some of his favorite memories at AMA were meeting members from across the country. He would even give members rides in his Model T Ford, which he often drove to AMA Headquarters.
Chad’s other hobbies include model railroading (HO scale), woodworking, and tinkering with Model T Fords. Welcome to Ohio and District III, Chad.
This was submitted by Roger Luther of the Johnstown RC Club in Pennsylvania:
Scouts from local Troop 251 were invited to attend the club’s annual indoor fly-in on Tuesday, January 6, 2025. Club president, Sam Kaplitz, demonstrated many different model aircraft and the boys loved it! He introduced them to the basics of flight, which included flying on a RealFlight simulator and projection TV.
The new District III contest coordinator for Pennsylvania is Rod Maier. Rod is a longtime modeler, and he now enjoys the hobby with his son and grandson. Thank you for stepping up, Rod!
Volunteers keep AMA and your clubs active and moving forward. How can you help? Contact me if you would like to get started.