A3 upside aero awards

The Carson City Sheriff's Aero Squadron is celebrating its 39th year of serving Carson City.

Squadron members held their annual installation dinner at Thurman's Ranch House and installed Commander Vic Jordan, Vice-Commander Steve Reynolds and Secretary/Treasurer Gary Handelin as officers for 2004.

After dinner, an awards ceremony recognized Dr. Gary Ailes, Dr. Woody Allen, Keith Robertson and Steven Lewis for 20 years of service; Malcolm Redwine, Chuck McDowell and George Coates for 25 years of service; and Ron Lott, Wally Prichard, Bob Humphrey and Chuck Saulisberry for 35 years of service. In all, the 22 current members of the squadron represent 460 years of service to the community.

The squadron is a reserve organization of the Carson City Sheriff's Office founded in 1966. In its 39-year history, the squadron has donated more than $20,000 to local charities, including the Special Olympics and the Boys & Girls Club of Western Nevada. Members have donated more than 900 flight hours conducting airplane rides to raise money. More than 2,300 hours have been flown conducting search, transportation, surveillance, extradition and communication relays. In addition, the Aero Squadron hosted fly-ins for the Western States Association of Air Squadrons in 1971, 1978, 1984 and 1996.

The Carson City Sheriff's Aero Squadron has current openings for active members. Anyone wanting membership information may contact Handelin at 888-4414.