Foundation News

Despite a cold start, Saturdays Fly-In benefiting the Boys and Girls Club of Casa Grande Valley turned into a wonderful morning.

Visitors to the club’s airfield 2725 S Isom Road arrived later than usual because of the morning wind and chill, but the day ended successfully for both the Boys & Girls Club and the Pets In Need Action League, who were on hand providing hot coffee and pastries to the attendees. 

Both non-profits raise money from club members and visitors who came to watch the flying, try a free model flying lesson and view items at the club’s swap meets. According to club President, Alan Friedman, “the biggest event of the season will be the annual Air Show which will take place on Saturday March 14th this year”.  He also stated that, “because of the cold mornings, next will run from 9 AM until 1 PM instead of 8 AM to Noon as in the past.”  At the club’s recent meeting, their board of directors was also increased from five members to seven.

The Casa Grande RC Flyers is an Academy Of Model Aeronautics award winning club and an Arizona non-profit corporation devoted promoting interest in model aviation and raising money for area charities.  The club’s efforts also benefit the Valley Humane Society, Hospice Charitable Fund of Central Arizona and the Casa Grande Food Bank who will be the recipient of their efforts at the March 14th air show. 

All those charities, now to include the Boys & Girls Club, have an annual event for their benefit at the club airfield. A list of the clubs’ activities, charitable and educational work and field and membership information can be found on the club’s website. 

Trevor Burke, a now current student at Southern Methodist University in Texas, received the Charles Hampson Grant Scholarship and is now looking back at his first semester in college. With the help of the scholarship, Trevor has been able to attend Southern Methodist University and pursue a double major in Mechanical Engineering and Mathematics and has had the opportunity to join several clubs on campus. Trevor completed his first semester at the University with all A's and was one of 27 recipients out of the entire freshman class to be selected as a Hunt Leadership Scholar. He learned a lot about leadership and how to manage motivation and the process that come along with management positions. Outside of class, Trevor is involved in the SMU Mustang Marching Band where he plays the tuba. They have played at several different games, stadiums, and tournaments including the Boca Raton Bowl in Florida and the Cotton Bowl. In order to make the most of his time in college, Trevor also joined several engineering clubs on campus. These clubs work on creating new ideas and improving already existing designs. Trevor has had a hand in implementing new designs for a stronger engine, smaller wheels, and a longer body for Hilltop Motorsports. He has also had hands-on experience with the SMU Rocketry Club wherethey design and test rockets for the Spaceport America Collegiate Competition. So far the club has created the airframe and body of the rocket and chemically produced the rocket fuel. "Overall, this semester has been very memorable. Thank you so much this scholarship. I really appreciate it and am continually mindful of your trust and confidence in me. With it, I am able to eagerly pursue my studies as an engineer and explore many different and exciting organizations on campus at SMU." - Trevor Burke

Thomas J. Mitchell, a resident of Whitmore Lake, MI, formerly of Dexter, MI, passed away on November 29, 2019 at the age of 78. Tom was the father of Karen (Stephen) Campbell of Pinckney and Kristen Mitchell of Dexter, and loving grandfather to Jack, Sarah, Katie, and Ellie. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn Mitchell, parents, Franklin and Mamie (Chatman) Mitchell, brother, Darell Mitchell, and son-in-law, Paul Ogg.

Tom was born in Troy, Ohio on August 12, 1941. He married Marilyn Kay Maleski, his high school sweetheart, in Ypsilanti in 1963. Following graduation from Eastern Michigan University with a degree in industrial engineering, Tom started a career with General Motors that spanned nearly 36 years. Tom and Marilyn began raising their family in Ypsilanti and in 1989 moved to Dexter to a home he designed and built.

Tom was an avid radio control aircraft enthusiast and an active member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics; he was a member of the Milan Flyers and Scio Flyers and a founder of the Wolverine Classic Radio Control Competition. For a number of years, he was a licensed private pilot and enjoyed making frequent trips to Frankenmuth, Mackinac Island, and Blissfield. Tom could often be found in his garage renovating classic cars. In this and in all things, he was known for his meticulous attention to detail.

Tom always carried a book with him, particularly during summer vacations in northern Michigan. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and helping them build things in the basement shop. His home was never complete without a pair of dachshunds.

A Memorial Service is scheduled on Saturday, January 11th, 2020 at the Ypsilanti Friends Church, 7890 Tuttle Hill Road, Ypsilanti, Michigan, 48197. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 10:30 am, followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to the Academy of Model Aeronautics Foundation, 5161 E. Memorial Dr., Muncie, IN 47302, (modelaircraft.org/give) in honor of Tom’s passion for model aviation.

Lazy Eight RC Club recently received an AMA Club Recognition and Reward Grant for $75. The club is located in Johnstown, NY. The club held an event in which they raised money for Warm the Children. At the end of the day, the club was able to had a check for $855 over to the organization so they could provide clothing for children for the winter. The AMA Club Recognition and Reward Program was established to encourage clubs to promote model aviation. The AMA offers clubs cash incentives for positive local media coverage for a public event, public service, club announcement, or other coverage. Click here to learn more about this program.