EAA Chapter 17 2005 Banquet a Huge Success!

Chapter 17 Experimental Aircraft Association held its 59th annual banquet on January 29 at Ramsey's Cafeteria. Although the weather prognosticators were assuring us of poor travel conditions, they failed to materialize and attendance was strong. Our guest speaker, Maj. Fredric Arnold and his wife Natalie were delightful. They captivated our members and guests. Mark Sheurer said: "What a terrific night", and "my 15 year old daughter, told me she really really enjoyed Major Arnold's presentation. That coming from a girl who was willing to attend last night, originally would have rather spent the evening with her girl friends ice skating.". Darrell Sexton said of his daughter) "Carrie, who will will soon be 21, normally doesn't like most of the aviation talks she has heard. But last night she really enjoyed the Maj.'s talk so much she wanted one of his books." "I hope adults and kids alike enjoyed his talk as much as I did." Ed Dumas said, " The show was great, Major Arnold was fantastic, and we ended up in the black financially."

Ramsey's Cafeteria did its usual excellent job with arrangements, service and food. It was a festive group and conversations were warm and many. The program opened with a blessing of the food by Ralph Wallen and introduction of the program sponsors: PS Engineering and Fret'n'Stuff co-sponsored the travel and accommodations for our two guests who came from warm Encino, California to be with us. Fredric asked me to assure warm weather by telephone before arrival. As we who live here know, January in Tennessee has a mind of its own, weather-wise. Out of town guests included chapter 892 and 1025 members, and locally Stan Brock, two TYS air traffic controllers, Jim Rushing, CAP, guests of several members and three former chapter presidents.

The program was certainly the highlight of the aviation year for your past president. Major Arnold displayed his great understanding of powerful airplanes as they are used in war and the impact of their use on young men hardly out of high school! He used his graphic arts skills to add humor and to convey a personal relationship with the topic. For those who were unable to attend, I recommend reading his book "Doorknob52", and seeing his movie "Between Two Worlds".

The program concluded by changing of the guard with chapter leadership, and door prize drawing. Door prizes were donated by: Tennessee Museum of Aviation, Glacier Girl Museum, Chapter 17 EAA, and PS Engineering. Darrell Sexton and his new team deserve our support as we look forward to the 50th year of aviation activities for the chapter.

Don Miller

P.S. Pictures coming soon!

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