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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Erin Fowles

Rick's love for aviation began early in his life, as is the case for many flying enthusiasts. At the age of 16, he obtained his pilot's license. Possessing this skill afforded him the opportunity to fly as a U.S. Army officer during two tours in Vietnam.

He has flown his family on countless vacations and day trips in the Skymaster that he shared with his father. He fostered an appreciation for aviation in his children, inspired two of them to become pilots, and made sure his wife at least soloed so she could "land the plane in one piece."

As a banker, he has assisted others with their love for aviation by granting loans for aircraft, kits, and hangars. For nearly 10 years, Rick was president of the Kenosha Pilots Association in Kenosha, WI. He is also a long-time member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA).

After flying his Skymaster for many years, his passions now rest in assembling and flying a RotorWay Exec 162F helicopter, which is quite an accomplishment for a once decidedly fixed-wing pilot. Upon his retirement in 2004, Rick will spend more of his time in aircraft and around other pilots and will foster in his grandchildren a love for aviation and flight.