Darkstar Team Photo: (left to right) Vladimir Silchuk, crew; Vicky Benzing, pilot; Kathy Minh, crew and Dianna Stanger, owner.

Only Closed Course Air Race Awards Local Winner

Reno, Nevada (September 20, 2015) — After three days of competition the local jet competitor Darkstar Air Racing, led by Dianna Stanger, raced to the top completing the race in the top five for the first-time team. The team qualified with a speed of 469.8 MPH. The jet class completes eight-mile laps fifty feet above the ground; the only closed course air race in the world. The race with a fifty-one year tradition, is held at the Stead Airport in Reno, Nevada.

This year marked a new record in race’s history; the team was the only female owned and piloted aircraft in the history of the event. Another first for the team is the aircraft flown, an Aero Vodochody L-139 is a prototype and the only one in existence. The jet placed fifth in the championship Gold Class, competing against jets with speeds not to exceed 515 MPH. Vicky Benzing of Hollister, California piloted the jet in the event.

The Albatros L-139 is owned by Dianna Stanger of Port Lavaca who has been a long time fan of the Reno Air Races. “I had never expected to be a competitor in this extreme air race. The challenge was to use technique over speed which showcased Vicky’s skill”. Explaining that the jet was not in race configuration as it was 800 pounds heavier than the competitors, contributing to a speed disadvantage.

Stanger explained that placing among the top validates the superiority of the aircraft and supports the decision to continue to race the jet. “Next year will be a bit different” says Stanger. “This year we were test pilots not knowing what the aircraft could do, next year the jet will be streamlined and put into race configuration with speeds around the 500 MPH mark.”

For further information:
Darkstar Air Racing http://www.darkstarairracing.com/
Reno Air Races http://airrace.org/
Vicky Benzing http://www.vbaerosports.com/

POC Service Club welcomed several new members in October. They have found a place to serve and connect, and we are happy to welcome them to our group. We hosted the biannual community Garage Sale Saturday, October 10. Thanks to all of you who helped and all of you who shopped. Give us a few days and we will be ready for donations for next time.

Our Annual Christmas Luncheon is coming in early December, and we could use volunteers. Come join us in this special endeavor. Check here for times and details soon.

We are making progress in selecting the best of the best recipes and tips for the new club Cookbook. We need more recipes and would love to include yours. Contact a club member to share your favorites.

There are some exciting things coming up in our community. You could be the volunteer we need to fill the gap. Come meet us and see if you find a happy spot on our team. Join us in the back room on any 1st or 3rd Thursday morning at 10am. We have some fun jobs available, no experience required.

So, until next time, be safe, live simply, love openly, forgive generously and remember what the charming comedian Lily Tomlin said, “I always wondered why somebody didn’t do something about that. Then I realized I was a somebody!” Come on by and be somebody with us at the POC Community Service Club.

SEADRIFT – Joe Dale Hunter, 69, of Seadrift passed away October 1, 2015. He was born January 4, 1946 in Borger, Texas. He was a Senior Project Manager for G.E. and was a member of the G.E. Engineering Hall of Fame. He lived for his family and work.

He is survived by his wife, Lynda McCown Hunter of Seadrift; sons, James Dale Hunter of Port Aransas, Jonathan Dale Hunter of Katy; daughter, Jennifer Dyane Hunter of Seadrift; father, Joe M. Hunter of Clovis, CA; sisters, Deborah McDonald and Judy Masters both of CA; brother, Tom Hunter of CA and 2 grandchildren, Justin Dean Hunter and Mason Hunter Lucas.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Eulah Hunter and sister, Laura Jane Pope.

A Memorial Service was held Wednesday, October 7, 2015 at the First Assembly of God in Seadrift with the Rev. Tim Smith officiating.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.richardsoncolonial.com.

October 3, 1947 – September 23, 2015

Martin Villarreal Jr. slipped peacefully into the arms of Jesus and our Blessed Mother on Wednesday, September 23, 2015. He was the eldest son of Martin and Ygnacia Villarreal being born in Houston, Texas on October 3, 1947. Martin is preceded in death by his father, Martin Villarreal Sr. and stepson, Johnny Detiveaux.

Martin will be deeply missed by his wife Hilda and his children Martin Joseph, Stephanie, Josette (Joie) Clayton and stepson Michael Packer. He will also be missed by his brothers Bobby and fiancé , Cecilia; Steven and wife, Debbie; sisters Helen and husband, Dr. Simon Baldwin; Vera, Dr. Beatrice Villarreal, Olga and husband, Dennis Bauman; Virginia and husband, Antonio (Tony) Rosas; Mary Carmen and husband, Al Baker; Cynthia and husband, Adam Abbamanesh and 14 grandchildren.

Martin served his country honorably earning the rank of Sargent in the U.S.Army. Martin fought valiantly in Vietnam which earned him the Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Medals; the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; Army Commendation Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Expert on the M-14 Rifle and Marksman on the M-16 Rifle. Martin received 2 Purple Hearts and 1 Bronze Medal and was honorably discharged from military service on June 26, 1969.

Martin went on to serve the City of Houston as a police officer and retired on December 18, 2004 after 32 years of outstanding, faithful and dedicated service.

Martin enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, telling jokes and sharing laughter with everyone. He was a valued member of Port O’Connor’s barbecue team, “The Smokin’ Nuts”. Martin and his family are lifelong members of St. Theresa Catholic Church in Sugar Land, Texas.

Funeral Mass was celebrated on Monday, September 28, 2015 at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Sugar Land, Texas with interment following at Forest Park-Westheimer.

The Church new van was loaded up with ten of our Church Adult Members this past week as they went to view the movie “WAR ROOM” in Victoria. To say they were impressed, would be putting it mildly. It is a “must see” movie.

Our Guadalupe Baptist Association Annual meeting is Sunday Evening, October 18, 2015, at 6:00 PM in Victoria’s Northside Baptist Church. Dinner will be served at 5:00 pm in the Church Cafeteria. Our Association, led by Bro. Walter Jackson, serves 56 Churches in our area. Our Church Evening Services this day will be canceled to allow everyone to attend this meeting.

A contract has been let to clear the two lots behind the Church. The Church will soon have a clear area for outside activities to be used by children and adults. It will be the perfect place for outdoor activities, cooking and games.

The 20th Annual Port O’Connor Thanksgiving Service will be held in Fisherman’s Chapel on Sunday Evening November 22, 2015 at 6:00 pm. Port O’Connor’s three Churches rotate hosting this great, important Service at Thanksgiving. This year the host Church is Fisherman’s Chapel and the Thanksgiving Message will be delivered by Bro. Donnie Martin, Pastor of First Baptist Church. Participation will be by all three Churches, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Fisherman’s Chapel, and First Baptist Church.

Invite your neighbors, relatives, and friends to this Inspirational Service and THANK GOD for all his Blessings this year!!

Daylight Savings Time ends on Sunday, November 1, 2015. Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour or you will be too early for Church.

See you in Church Sunday!!