Written by AMA staff (02/1990); Formatted by JS (05/2008)
Bob Bennett, of Grants Pass, Oregon, has promoted model aviation for more than 50 years. Wherever he has lived, Bob has striven to make model aviation known in his community. Starting in Indiana in 1938, he built and flew models and conducted model aviation classes out of his home.
Captured in World War II, Bob went to a prison camp in Germany. While there, he reaffirmed his decision to help other people every day of his life. Once stateside, he organized new clubs and became an officer of them. Bob got local Jaycees involved and ran classes for Juniors on a monthly basis.
After moving to Los Angeles, he helped organize the Orange County RC League and just kept on building, flying and helping. While living in Denver in the 1960s, Bob helped start the Mile High Club, continued to be a CD, and became active in Boy Scout work. In Warner Robbins, Wichita, or Sacramento, no matter where his work took him, Bob used model aviation for the good of the community. Campaigns like the March of Dimes, Toys for Tots, and Easter Seals all gained from his dedication and fund-raising efforts, with model airplanes as his vehicle. Always a strong supporter of AMA, he has worked the Nats, major contests, and major trade shows. He also attended the Reno Fun Fly. Helped by his wife, Bob has given a lot of himself for many years to help others. He is truly one of the Vital People that make this the best sport in the world.
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