Fri, May 29, 2009
Oregon’s Aurora State Airport now Wes Lematta Field
Both the Oregon Senate and House of
Representatives supported Senate Joint Resolution 8, voting to
honor Wes Lamatta's pioneering contributions to helicopter
operations, aviation in general, and his philanthropic work
throughout Oregon and Washington. As of May 26th, the airport
was officially designated "Wes Lamatta Field at Aurora State
Airport".
During the legislative process, both the Oregon Senate and House
Transportation Committees heard testimony on Wes’ behalf.
Mark Gibson, General Manager of Ashland, Oregon-based Timberland
Helicopters and incoming Chairman of the Board of Directors of
Helicopter Association International (HAI), spoke on Wes’
contributions to the helicopter and vertical lift industries. Dick
Clark, Executive Director of the Providence St. Vincent Medical
Foundation, testified on behalf of Wes’ philanthropic
contributions to his state and community. The Positive Aurora
Airport Management (PAAM), a group representing Aurora airport
businesses, tenants, pilots and neighbors, also voiced their
support in renaming the airport in Wes’ honor.
“I was surprised to learn this was happening,” said
Wes. “I would like to share this honor with my brothers and
my family, who each helped me to build Columbia Helicopters to
where it is today.
“Wes Lematta is one of the most humble men I know,”
said Mike Fahey, President of Columbia Helicopters.
“Consequently, most of his contributions to the helicopter
industry, aviation in general and to the State of Oregon are not
widely known. I am very happy for Wes that the Oregon Legislature
recognized his achievements and has chosen to honor all that he has
accomplished.”
Wes Lematta’s achievements have been previously honored by
the HAI, The Boeing Museum of Flight, The American Helicopter
Society and by the various charities that he and his family
support.
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