Airport board thanks retiring members for years of service


Ron Ackermann, left, was presented with a plaque from Airport Board Chairman Dave Savage. Ackermann stepped down from the Airport Board after 14 years of service and volunteerism. (Photo by Kim Brooks)

Larry Behrends, left, was presented with a plaque from Airport Board Chairman Dave Savage. Behrends stepped down from the Airport Board after six years of service. (Photo by Kim Brooks)

Duff Coleman, who was absent from the recent Airport Board meeting, was recognized for his 12 years of service on the board. (Photo submitted)
By: 
Staff report

     The Monticello Airport Board met on Feb. 2 and honored three retiring board members for their years of service. They also welcomed newcomers to the board.

Those stepping down were:

     • Larry Behrends who served for six years

     • Ron Ackermann who served for 14 years

     • Duff Coleman who served for 12 years

New board members are:

     • Travis McNally

     • Angie McDonough

     • Jim Rohlf

     Airport Board Chairman Dave Savage presented Behrends and Ackermann with plaques of appreciation for their service. Coleman was absent from the meeting.

     All of the retiring board members have been active and involved in the Monticello Airport for decades before serving on the board.

     Ackermann recalled volunteering for the “88 in ’88 Rendezvous” event held at the Monticello Airport in August 1988.

     “I have been friends with Paul (Elmegreen, former airport manager) and he asked me every year to come back and help out,” Ackermann said of various airport events such as the Fly-in/Drive-in Breakfast.

     Behrends said he always came to help Elmegreen chop ice near the hangars in the winter. Behrends also stored his own plane at the airport through the years.

     “I’ve been a pilot since 1970,” he recalled.

     Behrends would volunteer his time and golf cart to haul visitors for the breakfast from their cars to the food line.

     Coleman also assisted at the breakfasts every summer. He was active with radio control airport for years.

     “They all had a huge, strong interest in the airport,” noted board member Charlie Becker of the three retiring board members.

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