President's Perspective

Dear Members,

Some congratulations first! Of the 210 National Award Scholarships, TVC received 38 scholarships for our members totaling $63,500.  The Awardees can be seen in the AUG/SEP 2011 Army Aviation Magazine Blue Book edition that is out now.

The 2011 TVC Board Election results are in and I would like to congratulate the following individuals for their willingness to take on these voluntary positions within our chapter.  COL Robert Marion (Senior Vice President), MAJ (R) Albert Carreon, Jr (Treasurer), CW4 (R) David Kather (VP, Publicity), CSM (R) Leon Hite (VP Enlisted Affairs), COL (R) Ted Sendak (VP Industry/Civilian Affairs), LTC (R) Robert Vlasics (VP Retired/Civilian Affairs) and LTC (R) Jason Galindo (VP Awards).  The term will begin 1 OCT 2011 and runs to 30 SEP 2013.

The Tennessee Valley Chapter held their annual Fall Bob Vlasics Classic Bass Tournament on 16-17 September 2011 at the Elk River Group Lodge.  This two day event saw 15 boats take to the water near Elks Lodge.  Big Bass on day one was the team of Quintin Thomspon and Ricky Kleager.  Second day Big Bass was the team of Taylor Vinson and Matthew Sharman.  The two day tournament winner was the team of Quintin Thompson and Ricky Kleager.  We would like to thank the 13 corporate sponsors who supported this event:  Aerodyne, Avion, Cargo Bass club, DRC, Dynetics, GORE, SAIC, Triumph Group, Robertson Fuel Systems, Russell Associates, VT Group, Westar and Yulista.  Special thanks to Thomas Geoffrey, Galen Bush and Matt Boenker tor their dedication and work on this event!  

We had a great SAG meeting in September.  We are looking for interested person(s) to be speakers at UAH's Rotor Craft center regarding Army Aviation.  This is more from a historical perspective instead of a technical one.  Please contact Ted Sendak if you are interested.

20 October 2011 will be the Oktoberfest date for this year, once again at the Botanical Gardens on Bob Wallace.  Be sure to put this on your schedule!  Last year's event had a great turnout and review from members. 

The TVC will host our 5th Annual Army Aviation Ball on 28 October 2011.  In the past few years this was called the "Saint Michael's Ball" and has caused some confusion.  This is an Army Aviation Ball and all TVC members are invited! 

The General Membership meeting will be held 21 NOV 2011 at the ROCC.  We have invited MG Tim Crosby, our PEO for Aviation to be our guest speaker.

The Membership Holiday party will be on the 8th of DEC 2011 at the ROCC.  Come join us for some fun and great prizes!

The APS committee continues to prepare for the Joseph P. Cribbins Aviation Product Symposium for the 8-10 of February of next year.  Our theme this year is "Enabling the Future While Performing Today".

The TVC is currently holding a one time event.  We are offering a Lifetime Membership Raffle.  Tickets will be sold at $5 a piece.  The drawing for the Lifetime Membership will be held during our Membership Holiday party on 8 DEC 2011.  You do not have to be present to win.  Please go the Membership Raffle under Memeberships on this site for the rules and details.

Thanks again to all of our active duty members, retirees, civilians, Industry partners and our many volunteers for making us the best "2010 Top Master Chapter in the Army Aviation Association of America."

Gary Nenninger

President, Tennessee Valley Chapter

 Army Aviation Association of America