After attending the 2026 Arizona Scale Aviation Airshow and hosting an exclusive informational session for local AMA members, AMA Foundation Executive Director Steve Haston concluded his time in Arizona. Continuing his 2026 AMA Foundation travels, he's now in California, where he's meeting additional members and donors, continuing to forge crucial relationships.
Steve had the following to say about his time in Arizona:
"We've wrapped up our time in Arizona, and I have to say, it was an incredibly meaningful start to this journey. Missy, my copilot and wife, and I are now headed into California for the second leg of our trip, carrying with us a lot of momentum and even more inspiration.
"This trip has always been about connection. It's about getting out there, spending real time with our members, our donors, and the people who keep our hobby alive at the local level. In Arizona, we were fortunate enough to be joined by AMA President Greg Stone, AMA District XI Vice President Phil Tallman, and AMA Foundation Co-Chair Dan Bott. Having that kind of leadership present made the conversations even more impactful.
"The 2026 Arizona Scale Aviation Airshow, presented by Bonnie and Brian O'Meara, was the perfect place to start. It wasn't just about the airplanes, though they were impressive—it was about the people behind them. I had the chance to sit down with several members and donors, and those conversations were honest, thoughtful, and forward-looking. We talked about what it really takes to strengthen this hobby: improving retention, encouraging growth, supporting youth, and protecting the flying sites that mean so much to all of us.
Learn more about Steve's time at the 2026 Arizona Scale Aviation Airshow here.
"What stood out to me most is how much people care, not just about flying but about the future. These discussions help guide how the AMA Foundation uses donor support, and I take that responsibility seriously. Building trust matters, and I'm encouraged to say that we made real progress. A few individuals even stepped forward with interest in increasing their support, and we're beginning conversations around a future naming opportunity. That kind of confidence doesn't happen overnight—it's earned.
"One of the most powerful moments came at the Paradise Valley Community Center. Here, I, along with AMA President Greg Stone and AMA Foundation Board Co-Chair Dan Bott, hosted an exclusive informational session for local AMA members, updating them on current and upcoming AMA Foundation programs, giving them additional information about fundraising progress, and more. After sharing this information, the community center's director asked a simple question: 'What would it cost to introduce my kids to model aviation?' Because of our donors, I was able to say, 'Nothing.' That's the impact of this community.
"I reached out to AMA Foundation Chief Communications Officer Clarissa Poston later that afternoon and asked if we could get 150 balsa gliders, along with an AMA Alpha and Beta, shipped overnight. Without hesitation, Clarissa coordinated with AMA Foundation Deputy Director Rachelle Haughn and other AMA staff to make it happen. That kind of responsiveness says everything about our team.
"Then, something even better happened! Pilots from the Arizona Scale Aviation Airshow volunteered to step in and teach the community center's youth. They'll be going to the community center to help attending youth build and fly their first airplanes. That's mentorship. That's community. That's how our hobby grows.
"Moments like that remind me of why this work matters. Our donors aren't just giving, they're creating opportunities. They're helping us to spark curiosity, build confidence, and open doors into aviation and aerospace for the next generation.
"As I head to California, I'm feeling optimistic. The future of model aviation is strong, not because of programs or plans alone, but because of people who care enough to invest their time, energy, and resources into something bigger than themselves."
