On Sunday October 14, 2001, the Southern NH Flying Eagles RC Club hosted their second annual Toys for Tots Fly-in at their flying field in Merrimack. The purpose was to bring in donations of toys for this wonderful program sponsored by the US Marines so needy kids can enjoy a happier Christmas time. Each RC pilot who flew at the field was required to donate a toy as the "landing fee" for the day. Through the efforts of the club Event Director Mark Versprille, a total of 130 toys were donated, along with $435 in cash. Lance Corporal Young, Lance Corporal Thornton, and PFC Norton represented the US Marines to accept the gifts, and said they were very pleased with this outpouring of public spirit for the kids they serve in this program.

This event also marked the naming and dedication of the field by Merrimack Town officials. Fran L'Heureux, Merrimack Selectwoman, presided at the ceremony naming it the Drobysh-Patterson Field, in honor of two distinguished Merrimack residents. Stanley Drobysh was honored for his role in WW II as a pilot who flew mercy missions to bring over 500 wounded GIs back from the battlefield. Dana Patterson (deceased) was the original benefactor who allowed the field to be used as an RC flying site and who enjoyed watching RC planes fly. Together, the two men represent a role model for model aviation enthusiasts, and the naming of the field in their honor was a fitting tribute.

Flying Eagles President, Frank Phillips, thanked all the pilots and the all those who came to spectate, for their generosity in making this a successful event, and expressed gratitude to the town for naming the field and recognizing it as a place for adult recreation. Mark Versprille made a point to thank the late Dana Patterson for his role in making the field available as a flying site, and for laying down the basic requirement "that we must have fun!".

In keeping with his admonition, all the RC pilots who attended had a great time flying despite the rather damp and foggy conditions. To give non-fliers a chance to try it out, demonstration flights were given by one of the club Flying Instructors. "Student pilots" were given a transmitter "buddy box" wired to the instructor's transmitter, enabling them to take over the flying chores under the watchful eye of the instructor. If or when the student got the plane off course, the instructor took back control and righted the plane to keep it flying safely, finally turning it back to the student for another try. Several of the club’s flight instructors took up dozens of people, and from the looks on their faces, they seemed to really enjoy the experience.

The Flying Eagles announced that they plan to hold the third annual Toys for Tots Fly-in on October 6, 2002. If you missed it this year, put it on your calendar now.