The first quarterly meeting of 2012 of the South Missouri Chapter of VHPA will be held on March 3rd, at the World Headquarters of Wings of Hope.  We are returning to this LZ for a second visit because it is a wonderful, centrally located facility.  At our previous meeting, Wings of Hope provided a very informative program on their mission and proved to be gracious and appreciative hosts.  Located at 18370 Wings of Hope Boulevard, St. Louis, Missouri, the meeting will begin at 11:00AM.  At the conclusion of the meeting, members have been invited to tour the St. Louis Police Aviation Unit, also located at the Spirit of St. Louis Airport.

Efforts are underway to hold our second quarterly meeting at Craven Pizza in Springfield, MO in June.  Details of this and the other meetings for the year are not finalized as of this writing.  You are encouraged to check our website, vhpasmo.org for this information and other chapter activities.

Our chapter continues to grow and everyone enjoys being with fellow members.  The book donations continue, greeting WWII veterans as they return on Honor Flights continues, and we continue to look for other ways to celebrate and honor our nation's veterans.

As President, I encourage all who can to attend the annual VHPA reunion in New Orleans, August 1st - 5th.  One of our own, John Sorensen, becomes VHPA President at the closing banquet.  Let's show our support as we all celebrate this accomplishment.

I also wish to express my sincere thanks to all for the support and encouragement as we move forward in 2012.  You are invited to join the South Missouri Chapter of VHPA and participate in the activities and fellowship we share with our fellow aviators.

Russ Emory,
President