SnF 2003's Sole ANNie Award Recipient

That's right. He is not simply announcing airshow activity; he goes far beyond. His 13 years of experience are the foundation for the plethora of information he imparts about each aircraft manufacturer, its history, make, model, and the pilots who fly them.

Vernon is known as the American Commentator with the BBC accent. That is a nice way to say he has a notable BBC-sounding accent. Very BBC. Still, he can talk American slang when he wants-but the clear and delightful accent never wavers.

Vernon travels, often at his own expense, to virtually all of the major sport aviation fly-ins in America. The list includes EAA AirVenture, Sun 'n Fun, Texoma, CopperState, Arlington, Greenland (ME), to name a few. He is sometimes paid a small amount by the organizers, and occasionally is the recipient of personal donations or sponsored by a few associations. I am certain, however, that he has never broken even. His commentary, as  carried over the entire field, comes from his love of flying and is his way of contributing to the sport aviation community. Over the years, he has made many, many good friends. He has been a witness to the unveiling of innumerable new aircraft, instruments, and accessories. He has seen new companies form, and has seen others disappear, or be gobbled up by their competitors. He knows designers, test pilots, company owners and instructors all over the world. And for sure, they know him, and depend upon him, to get the word out at announcing stands all over the nation.

And So ANN Awards Vern Our Sole SnF ANNie

It is with the greatest pleasure that this organization, Aero-News Network, pays a small and simple tribute to this expressive illustration of how much difference you can make if you actively pursue what you love. Because Jim Campbell was prevented from presenting this award personally (due to Sun 'n Fun's continued defiance of our beloved Constitution), ANN News Editor Tim Kern (left) and ANN Correspondent John Ballantyne (right) handled the honors.  

Vern (center) is truly a wonderful commentator, a guy whose expertise is only exceeded by his enthusiasm for the world of flying machines. Hopefully you have, or will get to, benefit from his vast experience and knowledge at an upcoming fly-in.

FMI: www.aero-news.net