Chapter member Manny Vargas was recently honored by the Dominican Republic Air Force during the country's 75th Independence Day celebration. His kit plane, a Tucano replica, sporting the Dominican Republic's livery was displayed and flown in air shows over the multi-day festivities in February. In recognition of his positive representation of their people, Manny was presented with the Dominican Republic's Humanitarian Medal at a ceremony with military and foreign dignitaries in attendance.

This all came about after Manny was contacted through the kit manufacturer by a representative of the DR's Air Force after they saw his plane in a YouTube video that was taken at Flabob Airport. They wanted to learn more about the plane, owner, and the story behind the paint design. After learning that Manny is a native of the Dominican Republic and his passion for aviation since childhood, they asked if he would join them during the festivities and allow them to exhibit his plane at the country's 75th Independence Day celebration. After working out all the arrangements Manny agreed, and the plane was ferried by a factory pilot to DR by hopping across the US to Miami, with a stop in the Bahamas, over Turks and Caicos, and finally to DR.