The Old Hats

[Louis Rankin]

Folks, make an effort from time to time to check in with the senior members of our Control Line community.  Life is fleeting and they won't be here forever.  They possess a wealth of information and memories.

Zuriel and I traveled to Paducah last Saturday to spend the day with Charlie Reeves.  He is healthy and doing well, but does not get to fly much anymore.  We spent the day reminiscing and looking at projects that he would love to finish.  His club was having an RC event, and we spent about an hour there so he could watch some flying.

Dont wait, give those elderly friends a call or visit.

[Dan McEntee]

  Man, I whole heartedly agree! When I first started in this event, and contests like VSC started to happen, the one main justification was to go and meet as many of the old school flyers and heroes as I could and listen to as many stories as possible. in both flying Stunt and in vintage motorcycle racing, the awards banquet is usually the highlight of any event and reason enough to go, regardless of how I might have done in the competition. I treasure my conversations and photo ops with them all. I hope to continue the practice as long as my own health and physical status will let me!! I'm glad that Charlie Reeves is doing well. Of all the legends and heroes that I used to see in the magazines as a kid, Charlie was probably the first one that I got to meet and watch in person when I started flying competitively, and has always been a pleasure to be around and talk with. I always equate Charlie with the term, "Southern Gentleman." And that is exactly what he is!!  Thanks for the update on him.
  Type at you later,
   Dan McEntee

[Paul Taylor]

Glad you and ZMan got to see Charlie.

I would also say don’t wait until friends are old to call and check on them. Contests are fewer and when we are able to attend it’s more of a family reunion.
Keep in touch and next time talk to Zuriel tell him he owes me a call. 😝

[Bill Hummel]

I’m amazed at how quickly many of us have become the “old hats”!

[Steve Helmick]

June 18, I'll turn 80 (if I make it), and I'm going to "wear the Fox Hat".  Steve

[Dennis Adamisin]

Folks, make an effort from time to time to check in with the senior members of our Control Line community.  Life is fleeting and they won't be here forever.  They possess a wealth of information and memories.

Zuriel and I traveled to Paducah last Saturday to spend the day with Charlie Reeves.  He is healthy and doing well, but does not get to fly much anymore.  We spent the day reminiscing and looking at projects that he would love to finish.  His club was having an RC event, and we spent about an hour there so he could watch some flying.

Dont wait, give those elderly friends a call or visit.

Louis:
Think of this as the Indiana version of what you & Z did:  Yesterday Larry Fruits & I took Wesley Dick out for a belated 93rd Birthday party.  If you look close, you can see Wes' birthday chocolate chip cookie with a candle in it.

[john e. holliday]

That is great.

[Will Hinton]

Louis:
Think of this as the Indiana version of what you & Z did:  Yesterday Larry Fruits & I took Wesley Dick out for a belated 93rd Birthday party.  If you look close, you can see Wes' birthday chocolate chip cookie with a candle in it.

Looks like three of Indiana's finest to me!  Happy belated birthday, Wes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Curt D Contrata]

I attempted to call Dave Hemstrought several months back, seems the number I have is no longer valid. Does anyone know how he is doing and/or provide me with a current number via a PM?

Thanks,

Curt

[FLOYD CARTER]

I don't think I'll wear a hat advertising my age.  Getting old is hard enough without a constant reminder.

My favorite hat (cap) is one that says "Korean War Veteran"

[john e. holliday]

How many are left to remember the Korean war?

[Ken Culbertson]

How many are left to remember the Korean war?

Actual "served in Korea" through 1955 - very few, only about 760,000 left.

Ken

[Will Hinton]

Speaking of the veterans' aspect for us old hats, how many of you are aware of the Honor Flight organization?  I did it in September of '24 and it was a wonderful day!
I think they have branches in several states, not sure how many, but they load a bunch of vets up, (we had 83) in a plane and fly them to DC where you are bussed to the war memorials to tour them, have a box lunch there, (don't have the "impossible burger", it's fake hamburger and is awful,) then are bussed to Arlington for the changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier.
They treat you like you're a king from somewhere, and you always have a personal escort at all times to care for any whatevers.  Like taking pictures for you, etc.  I absolutely loved my day, and made a lot of continuing new friends, including my escort.
Give it a shot, vets, you won't be sorry.

[FLOYD CARTER]

I would not accept an Honor Flight if offered.  I was stationed in D.C. during part of my military training, so I've seen it all and have been everywhere.  Because of recent commercial aviation safety issues, I'll not get into any airliner- right now.

BTW.  I avoid hamburgers, unless there's nothing else