As a result of the 2014 AMSAT-NA Board of Directors Election the following members were elected to serve for two years: Tom Clark, K3IO; JoAnne Maenpaa, K9JKM; and Lou McFadin, W5DID. Jerry Buxton, N0JY will serve the remaining year of SK Tony Monteiro, AA2TX’s term. The First Alternate is Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA, and the Second Alternate is Frank Griffin, K4FEG. The results of the voting with 635 ballots cast are as follows:
Tom Clark, K3IO……………………….457
JoAnne Maenpaa, K9JKM…………….439
Lou McFadin, W5DID…………………421
Jerry Buxton, N0JY……………………268
Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA…………..261
Frank Griffin, K4FEG………………….232
Steve Coy, K8UD………………………178
Bryan Klofas, KF6ZEO………………..132
For those that are attending this year’s AMSAT Space Symposium in Baltimore, we have a special treat for you. The AMSAT symposium committee has confirmed that one of the original Tuskegee Airman, Col. Charles E. McGee, will be attending our conference on Friday October 10th. Col. McGee will give a special presentation at our symposium on his experiences as a Tuskegee Airman and as an Army Air Corps and Air Force Pilot. A short question and answer period will follow.
Charles E. McGee, Tuskegee Airman
Born on December 7, 1919, McGee rose to the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts and, shortly after WWII broke out, joined the Army. He became a pilot in what was dubbed the Tuskegee Experiment, the first squadron of African American pilots, also known as the “Red Tails” from their red markings on the tails of their aircraft. Col McGee and his Tuskegee colleagues fought two wars—World War II and the war on segregation. This required them to develop an unprecedented level of discipline, excellence and fortitude to achieve success.
In World War II McGee flew numerous aircraft, including the famous P-51 Mustang as part of the 332 Fighter Group, one of three groups designated as the “Red Tails.” He provided fighter escort for the B-24 Liberator and B-17 Flying Fortress bombers over Germany, Austrian and the Balkans. He holds a US Air Force record of 409 fighter combat missions flown in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Col. McGee received numerous awards for his service, including the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal, and Air Medal with 25 oak leaf clusters, amongst others. In 2007 Col McGee and the surviving Tuskegee Airmen were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by President George W. Bush.
Col. McGee’s presentations are an inspiration to all. He demonstrates, through his life lessons, the need to persevere despite all obstacles and to do your best in all endeavors. Do not miss out on this opportunity to meet this remarkable living legend.
For those still on the fence on whether come to this year’s symposium, you now have no excuse. This special presentation is a must see for all.
32nd Space Symposium and Annual Meeting
October 10-12, 2014
Baltimore, Maryland
• Board of Directors meeting on October 9 and morning of October 10.
• Technical presentations on satellite design/operating begin the afternoon of October 10 and continue October 11.
• Meet AMSAT Officers and Board members.
• Meet and greet fellow satellite operators.
• Satellites on display.
• Annual general meeting afternoon of October 10.
• Saturday evening annual banquet with door prizes.
• Sunday morning Area Coordinator’s breakfast.
• Sunday ARISS Operations Team meeting.
• Sunday and Monday tours.
Ask For: Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation Group or use the Code: RAS
AMSAT Special Room Rate—$99.00 per night
(The block of rooms will be held until September 17th. After that date, rooms may be available, but at a significantly higher rate.)
$10 Breakfast Buffet Coupons—Full Hot and Cold Breakfast*
FREE Parking
FREE WiFi
Free Airport and Close-in Transportation
Easy Train/Light Rail Service to Baltimore Inner Harbor & D.C. Metro
Walking distance to National Electronics Museum
Special Guest Presentations
*Purchase at check-in
A registration form for the Symposium and all events may be download here.
