Robert Reynolds
Keith Riemersma
Jason Shapiro
Bob, in the words of a nominator, “stepped in as site director of West Rutland, Vermont, and has never looked back.” West Rutland is a premier ridgesoaring and thermal site that is forgiving enough to accommodate novice as well as advanced pilots. Bob selflessly and tirelessly mentors newer pilots for their first high mountain flights, often giving up his own flying days to do so. He beats up his vehicles carrying loads of rock and fill up the mountain to improve the road and the launch. He can be seen “pitching hay and plucking corn” to help the farmers whose fields are used as LZs. He is a great example to the pilots in Vermont, and a friend to all. Although it won’t go far towards rejuvenating his overstressed vehicles, USHPA hopes a 2011 Commendation will make the point that Bob Reynolds’s efforts are very much noticed and appreciated.
Keith and his wife Kris are the third president (and First Wife!) of the Green Point Flyers Association. Their commitment to the Green Point (Michigan) Flyers site and chapter has been outstanding and enduring—“an inspiration to all of us here in the club and chapter,” says a local pilot. Keith and Kris have facilitated and developed positive working relationships (and friendships) with neighboring landowners and several local entities and citizen and volunteer groups. One nominator enthusiastically declares, “The uncompromising support and positive promotion of our site, club, and chapter is a credit to Keith and Kris. Their undying passion and heart for flying, as well as for the Green Point Flyers Association, is a testimony to why we love them as brother and sister of the air! Thanks, Keith and Kris Riemersma, from all of us here at Green Point!” USHPA echoes that thanks through the presentation of a 2011 Commendation to this dedicated couple.
For the past several years Jason has been hard at work procuring a new launch and landing zone, and starting up a new USHPA chapter, the American River Free Flyers, in northern California. His commitment to presenting the sport in a positive and supportive way to the surrounding community was successful, and has resulted in the creation of a new flying site. USHPA recognizes the importance of opening sites, and of establishing chapters to support those sites, and for his efforts on both these fronts Jason Shapiro receives a 2011 USHPA Commendation.
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