The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Airbase Georgia, Peachtree City, GA, has elected its officers for 2026 and recognized several members for their contributions during the past year. Mark Richards of Senoia, Georgia, was elected Airbase Leader for 2026. Richards has previously served in several roles within Airbase Georgia, including Facilities Rental Officer, Marketing Director, and as a member of the rides team. Other officers elected include Phillip Beegle of Newnan as Development Officer, Chris Madrid of Sharpsburg as Education Officer, Mike McElduff of Fayetteville as Finance Officer, and Dave Riesselmann of Tyrone as Safety Officer. All positions are two-year terms.
Airbase Georgia also took time to recognize five members for their work in 2025. Roy Handler of Newnan received the Colonel of the Year award for his hands-on volunteer work, including painting the Stearman and helping with maintenance projects. Jeff Clark of Smyrna was named Pilot of the Year in recognition of his flying skills and volunteer support at airshows and rides events.
Tom Thompson of Roswell was recognized as Maintenance Hero of the Year after identifying a potentially serious issue during an aircraft inspection. Frank Kalinowski of Signal Mountain, Tennessee, received an Appreciation Award for his work editing the Airbase newsletter, The Dispatch. The annual Ray Niehouse Award was presented to mechanic John Flynn of Peachtree City for his volunteer work machining parts in support of Airbase Georgia and CAF restoration efforts. For more information and to support the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Airbase Georgia, click on this link: airbasegeorgia.org.
