2003 Mexico D.A.R.E. R/C Event

Mexico, Missouri, D.A.R.E. Event 2003

This was one of the nicest events we've attended in 2003. It was held in Mexico, Missouri, on Saturday, October 11, 2003, at the (full-size) airport. The organizers of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) Program, to help keep kids from using drugs, cigarettes and alcohol, brought out a portable classroom. Once the kids finished listening to the presentation by the D.A.R.E. officers in this trailer, they were given a "ticket" that would allow them to have the opportunity to pilot a Radio Controlled airplane with the assistance of willing instructors. Keep in mind that there were over 120 kids signed up before the day was over! After a brief Pilot's Meeting directed by event organizer, Carl Johnson, the event opened up with demonstration flights of three different turbine-powered jets. There were high winds, but luckily they ran right down the runway, so it wasn't as bad as it could have been. The Army National Guard flew in a full-scale helicopter for the kids to see. Among our own members, Chris Byrd probably got the most attention from the crowd while flying his 60-sized helicopter and driving around on the ground with his nitro-powered HPI Savage monster truck. 11 year old Brandon Rex represented us well as he showed his talent by flying his GWS Slow Stick in front of all those people in those high winds and he did it perfectly! Other JCRC members who attended and helped with the R/C Flight Instruction duties were John Dussold with his classic Eagle 63 (the plane is nearly 20 years old and still training!), Rick & Richard Poire (Rick's huge CAP 232 was awesome!), Kenny Johnson (brought his Alpha trainer) and Shaun Zimmerman (Four-stroke powered LT-40 didn't stop flying until we had to leave) - Thanks for helping out guys!!

Click here to view a page of Video Clips (added 11/11/03)