In 2004 the Evergreen Soaring club lost Joe Patton in a tragic flight accident. Joe was one of our more energetic and adventurous club members who won everybody over with his outgoing and engaging personality. He pursued a variety of interests, from sailing and mountaineering to bicycling, but his favorite was soaring. He was known as “Java Joe” in the club for his enthusiasm and coffee-toting during his service as secretary of our club.

On June 8, 2005 the Board of Directors decided to honor Joe's memory with an achievement award that would recognize his outgoing and helpful spirit and serve as a stimulus to other pilots to challenge themselves in cross-country soaring.

The Joe Patton Recognition Award is given to any Evergreen Soaring pilot who, after the award's inception, completes a solo flight originating in Arlington or one of the neighboring airfields, that includes a Silver badge leg. This is to recognize those who take this major step in their soaring career and to serve as inspiration to others.

Such a flight does not have to be documented like an official Silver badge flight; the awards committee (the current president of Evergreen Soaring and any designees) will rely largely on the honor system even though pictures, barograms or GPS files are encouraged. If such a flight is a FAI badge or Willy Burhen Cup flight, so much the better. The recognition will consist of a plaque on the wall of our clubhouse that lists the Evergreen Soaring pilots that have accomplished such a flight.

The Joe Patton Recognition Award is intended to encourage aspiring as well as experienced pilots to develop their flying skills and to expand their range of experience. Let's see this list grow!

Pilot	Flight	Date
[Your Name Here!]	[Description of your Joe Patton Flight]	[Date of Flight]