Texas Chapter Activities

Chapter Meeting January 16, 2010: Christie's Extreme Burgers

The Texas Chapter meeting at Christie.s Extreme Burgers in North Richland Hills was attended by about 50 members. It would appear that most members enjoyed the meal, by the smiling looks in the line. They didn't scrimp on filling their plates either.

Rick Brown former RAF Pilot was our speaker and gave us a personal view about the Battle of Britain.

Chapter President Phil Cook presided over the meeting.

Chapter Activities Coordinator Rex Lake was responsible for the arrangements.

Our most senior member E.M. Johnson with Rex Lake

2009 Christmas Party

The Texas Chapter held its Annual Christmas Party on Dec. 19th at the Tomlinson Aviation Hangar at Gainesville, Texas Municipal Airport. Over 80 Chapter members attended and each brought new toys which were donated to the "Littlest Angel Program" of Cooke County, Texas.

One of our members, Randy Nunn provided his own style of singing and musical entertainment.

The Annual .Service Award. for 2009 was presented to Terry Wallace for outstanding service and contributions to the Chapter.

Terry Wallace (left) being presented with the Annual Chapter Service Award with Jim Dougherty (right), the previous recipient of the award.

A great time of year, good companionship and food and a greater purpose served.

Submitted by Dick Ramsey

Reklaw 2009 Fly-In

It is perhaps the greatest attended grass field fly-in anywhere. Anytime over 500 aircraft of all types and sizes are assembled on a grass field it just can't be beat. This is for the most part because of the efforts of Texas Chapter members David and Marcia Mason who put on this extravaganza each year on their own place at Reklaw, Texas. They and their Army of Volunteers from different Clubs and Organizations really do a marvelous job.

Chowline

Organizer David Mason

Among those Chapter Members present at this year's fly-in on Saturday the 24th of October were Dennis Price, Terry Wallace, Billy and Jana Copeland, Doug Sockwell, Dick Ramsey, new member Gary Weeks and a couple of past members Jim and Mary Fowler.

Bill and Jana Copeland

Terry Wallace and Dick Ramsey

Former members Jim and Mary Fowler

Dennis Price and Terry Wallace

A great day for flying in Texas, and a lot of that was done. At the end of the day a 1929 Travel Air Model 6-B NC8112 belonging to Pleasant Aviation LLC of Mount Pleasant, Texas was selected to receive the Texas Chapter Choice Award.

1929 Travel Air Model 6-B NC8112

Submitted and Photos by Dick Ramsey

Posthumous Award for Patrick Reetz

YMCA "Eagle Award" for 2008 Volunteer of the Year Patrick Reetz

Patrick was a Lifetime Member of the Antique Airplane Association and a member of the Texas Chapter, until his death at age 49 in September 2008.

On Sunday, September 27, 2009, family and friends of Patrick Reetz gathered at the awesome new Northpark YMCA on North Beach Street in Fort Worth, Texas, to witness the presentation of the first Volunteer of the Year "Eagle Award" ceremony. Patrick, the first recipient, had been actively involved in both the former YMCA, beginning in 1993, and the building of this new one which opened in December 2008. Serving on both Boards, he had assisted in all aspects of getting this YMCA constructed and open for use.

(L to R) Joetta, Alexandria and Schylene Reetz accepting the Volunteer of the Year plaque from Randy Anderson at Northpark YMCA on September 27, 2009

During the ceremony, Randy Anderson, a close family friend, told of Patrick's accomplishments and presented the plaque to Patrick's family. Afterwards Joetta Reetz and daughters Schylene and Alexandria shared some reminiscences.

The evening was a fitting tribute to a man who had given so much to the community.

Submitted by Ann Pellegreno

Blakesburg 2009

September 2nd through 7th, 2009 our members ventured to the National Antique Fly-In at Blakesburg, Iowa. A group picture was taken on the Library steps on Saturday afternoon.

The Library steps were also the location of the Wedding of two of our members: Cynthia Grant and Howard Hollinger. Both flew their Luscombes to the Fly-In and the planes were appropriately equipped with cans and bottles tied to the tails.

After Cake and Congratulations, the couple made a celebration flight in their planes on Sunday afternoon.