Written & Submitted by JC (03/1997); Transcribed by NR (12/1999); Edited by SS (2002), Reformatted by JS (01/2010)
Career
- Since 1972, wrote, edited, assembled, printed and mailed the KC/RC newsletter
- Oversees the KC/RC annual pattern contest
- An avid competitor and skilled flier, he has competed at the national level for many years
- Served on the AMA Rules Committee as a representative of District VI
In 1956, when radio equipment was rudimentary and unreliable, an acquaintance of Charlie's asked him to repair his model plane's radio. Charlie had never even seen one. When the repairs were completed, Charlie wanted to see if it would really work. To his surprise, Radio Controlled (RC) planes could fly and Charlie was hooked. Charlie joined the fledgling KC/RC and quickly gained the recognition as the one who could “fix a radio.” He was elected president of KC/RC in 1960 and has served on probably every committee the club has ever had. Sometime in the 1960s, Pat and Charlie began to sell models and supplies from their home.
With less overhead than a retail hobby shop and before the popularity of mail order, Charlie always discounted his merchandise, therefore enabling many novices to afford the cost of the hobby. For decades at our field, when the interested spectator ask from across the fence, “How much does it cost and where do I get one?” the answer is always, “Go see Charlie.” Charlie's involvement and dedication to KC/RC is most evident through his commitment as editor of our newsletter “Contacts.” Since 1972, Pat and Charlie have always written, edited, assembled, printed, and mailed our newsletter. They have never failed to issue an edition on time. Our newsletter is the lifeblood of our club, spreading information of both joy and sorrow to our members. It certainly has been the tie that binds.
Charlie is an avid competitor and skilled flier. He has competed at the national level for many years. He will be the first to tell that he will never be the best, but no one has more fun and dedication toward the sport. More importantly, he knows the reality that if competition is to continue, then new competitors must learn the skill. Therefore, for decades his pet project has always been the KC/RC Mini-Novice contest whose sole purpose is to expose new fliers to the discipline of pattern competition.
Also, it is Charlie that continually oversees our annual pattern contest. As many long running contest have died from lack of sponsorship, KC/RC's contest is a tradition that is strong, exciting, and well run thanks to Charlie and Pat. We do not have contestant judges, but supply the judges from the racks of our club. For eight weeks prior to the event, Charlie hosts judging training so we can offer a fair and impartial contest.
And then there is the food. KC/RC is famous for its club-sponsored picnics and its KC/RC Appreciation Dinner each January. This is done because we are a family club and know that sharing a meal is sharing life. And who are our biggest supporters? Pat and Charlie. Pat always calls the membership to remind them to “bring two covered dishes and the club will buy the meat.” And the only talent that surpasses Charlie's flying ability is his ability to eat! Boy, have we had fun with that one through the years.
For many years, Charlie has served on the AMA Rules Committee as a representative of District VI. He is a contributor to the K-Factor and has written articles for publication in many magazines. He has flown in over 10 Nationals (Nats) and once placed second. He said it was a fluke.
We could go on and on about Pat's and Charlie's accomplishments within our hobby. But what they have received is not the point. It is what they have given.
Undeniably, they have introduced more modelers in this area to our wonderful hobby than anyone else. They continually give of their time and talents to help at every level. They are ordinary people, committed to each other and committed to modeling. So it is with great pleasure and pride that I, as chair of the KC/RC Recognitions Committee, nominate both Pat and Charlie Reed for induction into the Model Aviation Hall of Fame.
If the nominees were accepted, it would be the pleasure of KC/RC to invite an AMA representative to bestow the honor to them at either the Annual Pattern Contest in June or at the KC/RC Appreciation Dinner in January. We hope to surprise them with this honor, so please direct all correspondence through me until such time as is fitting to make the recognition. Thank you for your consideration. If there are any questions or if I can be of any further assistance, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely, Jim Cianciolo Chairman, KC/RC Recognition Committee
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