MVP says it all: Most Valuable People. The people who make a difference. The people who step up. The people other people think of when they need a hand. Our people are pretty incredible, leading the way to making our Chapter fun and friendly, informative and supportive, and always looking to the future. Meet our MVPs.
2016 - Randy Brooks
2017 - Mike Baker
2018 - Pete Klapp
2019 - Jeff Paden
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20 - Greg Cantrell -The 2019 Chapter MVP Award recipient, Jeff Paden, awarded the highly prestigious Chapter MVP Award to Greg Cantrell for 2020. Greg was surprised and greatly honored. He thanked Jeff and the chapter for choosing him for the award, as a number of chapter members were deserving of being chosen.
2021 - Paul Lutz - At the start of the year's two year term, Matt Tomsheck was President and Paul was Vice President. One year into the term, Matt had to resign, thus instantly throwing Paul into the President's position. Despite having many other Chapter duties, along with a wife and two small children, Paul never once complained or try to weasel out of the duties of President that had been instantly thrust upon him. He simply stepped up and did a superb job as President of the Chapter for that remaining year of the term. That type of dedication to the Chapter was the reason I felt he deserved the Chapter MVP Award for that year, and why I chose him. Greg Cantrell
2022 - David Gerdeman - For the 2022 MVP I chose David Gerdeman. David joined the chapter about 5 years ago and has always been willing to help out. 
David has been volunteering since the beginning in any way needed. Luckily for us he made the mistake of letting us know that he likes to cook. You will usually see David at the grill or around the prep/clean up tables at any of our events. We always are looking forward to his cast iron meals. At our Swank campouts he helps coordinate and cook the chapter meals. This is no small undertaking since we usually have about 50 people to cookfor. He also contributes his time by flying Young Eagles at our rallies and attends many of our chapter fly outs. He is always eager and offers to take anyone who needs a ride. This year he stepped up to lead a “small” project that the chapter was planning - the building of a deck/workshop area. This project has consumed many hours while at home working on the drawings and designing the structure. He is usually the first person at the hangar for our build sessions and watches over us making sure we are building it correctly. I know he is ready for it to be completed. We all appreciate the time and effort he has put into the addition. These are some of the reasons that I chose David as the 2022 MVP. Paul Lutz
2023 - Steve Greer - Steve joined us in 2018 and has been active on many fronts from the beginning. He volunteers at Young Eagles days, work days, the Tri-Motor, pancake breakfast and helps cook at gatherings too. If the chapter is doing something, he’s involved. In addition to his personal efforts, Steve has secured donations through his personal company and State Farm corporate. What makes Steve’s efforts stand out even more to me is that he doesn’t have a plane nor license. He is making the chapter work through pure love of aviation and camaraderie. Balancing a new family and your hobbies isn’t easy, many of us have walked in those shoes. Steve still makes time for the chapter and his friends. Standing out in a crowd of amazing folks is hard, but you did it, bud! Thanks for your efforts to keep 846 the Gold Standard of chapters. David Gerdeman
2024 - Gary Baker - Where to begin? Gary has been one of the most vital members of Chapter 846 for 32 years. He is a strong advocate and representative for aviation and our chapter. When a visitor shows up, Gary is always ready with a warm welcome. His passion and dedication go much farther though. Gary has flown more than 175 Young Eagles. He served on the Homebuilt Aircraft Council for National, held positions of Chapter president and and is the current Treasurer as well as Membership and Young Eagles Chair, and volunteers as an EAA flight advisor, tech counselor, and on Chapter Advisory Council for National. His dedication to pass on his knowledge and skill to others is demonstrated by heading the VMC Club for Chapter 846. Gary is a large reason for the success of the chapter. His service and accomplishments seem endless. Perhaps the most impressive accomplishment is his willingness to help anyone no matter how menial the task, as he exemplifies the passion of aviation. We are deeply grateful for the time and effort of Gary Baker. Steve Greer
