Headquarters Chatter Summer 2020
Greetings! I think an introduction is in order. I’m Greg Fletcher and I’m the new President of the Virginia Aeronautical Historical Society. Elected earlier this year, I’m happy to have this opportunity to serve the Society! I am an active member of Civil Air Patrol and I love all things aviation. At the age of 12, I took my first flight when John King, Sr., of Flying Circus fame took me up for a ride in what I believe was an Aeronca. From that day to this, I’ve loved airplanes and flight. I look forward to traveling with you as we seek to keep the joys and beauty of aviation accessible to those interested in the history of aviation in Virginia and those interested in the “future history” of aviation in Virginia! Let’s link arms together and do that with excellence.
This has been a very strange quarter at VAHS!
Who would have thought, a year ago, that we’d be in the situations we’ve been in the last few months?! How are you coping? I hope you see a light at the end of the tunnel! …and I hope it’s not a freight train!
As I was reading the Chairman’s notes for this copy of the newsletter, I was moved by his words, “Do what’s right”. This is one of the main bits of wisdom that I have tried to impart in the lives of my children. I’ve always told them, “Just do the right thing!” Looking from my current vantage point, I feel like they got the message!
“Do what’s right” assumes there is an overall plan. When I told my kids to “do the right thing”, they knew what I meant. A plan is very important if you want to do the right thing. While most of us know that
“No plan survives first contact with the enemy”, we also know that “The man who aims for nothing will surely get it.”
Fiscal Responsibility and Strategic Priorities
We’ve been working on plans to helps us “do the right thing” for VAHS. We’re working on some options for financial stability and have already taken some steps that will build towards a healthier future. We are developing a strategic plan to help us know the top priorities as we seek the “next right thing”.
The Board has been working hard to try to keep on track even during this Pandemic. All in-person activities have been postponed, but I am confident that we’ll be able to shift up a couple of gears and see a lot more progress on our goals in the coming weeks. We look forward to forging ahead on a few of the “next right things” we need to do to pursue the vision that defines our future:
“We will be the premiere association respected for inspirational programs in preservation, education and appreciation of Virginia air and space history for current and future generations.”
I invite you to hold on tight, lean in and help us focus on our future. Invite your friends to join and share the vision. When the horizons clear, bring them to the Shannon Air Museum and walk through the Hall of Fame with them. In doing this, you are helping to enhance the future of VAHS!
Remember — It’s through the generous support of our members that our important projects are made possible. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the Virginia Aeronautical Historical Society!