From the Left Seat

Greetings fellow aviation enthusiasts!

I was very saddened to receive word that Robert “Bob” Hicks recently passed away. Bob dedicated a major portion of his life to aviation. He was involved with EAA in general, and Chapter 430 in particular. He served on the EAA430 board of directors for over a decade and was the President for a total of six years. I hope you read his story later in this newsletter. Leaving a legacy for the future of aviation on the Olympic Peninsula was important to him, and during the time he presided over the chapter it was always a struggle to find a place to meet. I met Bob as he led meetings at Monterra Clubhouse where the chapter rented the facility. Thank you, Bob, for your years of service to our chapter.

This highlights our current position as a chapter. We are poised to begin construction on our own meeting place which will solidify our organization as the leading aviation group on the Peninsula. A legacy, if you will. We are making a difference in young peoples lives, and having our own place will only expand our opportunities.

I hope to provide you with the building committee’s plan with costs in the near future. We want a first-rate facility which will, I know, cost more money than we currently have; so we’re hoping people will want to donate once everyone sees the future vision.

Just a last note to thank all the people that made EAA430 a Gold chapter – the board was recognized at the holiday party for their dedicated volunteer work, but many others helped with Young Eagles and the Flying Start program which Dave Woodcock with Cecilia Aragon put on this year. Many thanks to you all.