WORLD WIDE WEB — As background for his candidacy for Tripoli Board of Directors, Pat Grodzelik submitted the following to TRA:

I'm Pat Gordzelik, 48 years old, father of twin girls, now grown and out of college. Lauretta, my bride, also builds and flies rockets (TRA L2).

I was born in Amarillo, Texas, but was raised on a ranch by my Grandmother in northeastern New Mexico. In the 60's I came back to Amarillo, where we live today.

I own and operate a fastening systems business, which I founded in 1982. It now has branch locations in Amarillo, Lubbock, and Clovis, New Mexico. In addition Lauretta (a Pharmacist) and I own a pharmaceutical consulting business that guides small hospitals, nursing homes, etc, in staying compliant with the myriad of rules and regulations from the FDA, DEA, TSBP (Texas State Board of Pharmacy), JCAH (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals), and TDHS (Texas Department of Human Services). Lauretta supplies the medical expertise in this venture, while I handle the administration.

I hold a BBA with minors in Accounting and Personnel Management.  Lauretta started at Texas A&M, finished her degree at the University of Houston, and is now completing her Doctorate at Texas Tech. Now, at this point, you are probably wondering, who is running for a BOD position, Pat or Lauretta? Well, we both are, so to speak. With us, your vote buys two for the price of one. Lauretta, an active rocketeer in her own right, brings a lot to the table, as I depend on her strong points to supplement my weak points, and vice versa. Without that support, I would never consider running for the BOD.

I have flown rockets nearly all my life. In the middle 80's I was building BP H motors [nope, it was not me that flew the G at LDRS 1?(BG)] and experimenting with zinc/sulfur, AN, and candy propellants. Early in 1998 I resorted to a search on the Internet and found out that there where others flying high power rockets and actually had an organization called Tripoli. And they had vendors even!! I remember telling Retta, "Holy Cow, I done hit pay dirt, check this out, we are not alone!!)

In August of 1998 we joined Tripoli and went to our first TRA launch in Argonia, Kansas. In May of 1999, I co- founded Tripoli Amarillo, which today boasts a membership of over 65 members.  In 2001, I achieved my L3, and was nominated and approved as a TRA TAP member. Tripoli Amarillo #92 successfully bid and hosted LDRS 21, July 2002, the first time in Tripoli history this event was held in Texas. 

As I look back on what brought me to this dance, I wonder what my world would be like without rockets and the people I fly them with. I would never have experienced the thrill of seeing a project built from scratch roar into the sky on a column of flame and thrust and do exactly as planned. I would never have had the opportunity to convert my failures into foundations of success that I never dreamed possible. Possible because of you my friends, and the help, advice, knowledge and camaraderie that exists more in this hobby and Tripoli than any endeavor I have ever experienced.

Now, more than ever in our history, we face challenges that threaten our hobbies' very existence. I am no stranger in dealing with governmental agencies. I am goal oriented, am not allergic to rolling up my sleeves and getting to work, and I don't sweep problems under the carpet. I feel my experience would be an asset to Tripoli, and I believe that I can be an effective team player in your BOD. If you agree, I am asking for your vote as your organization's BOD member.

Sincerely,

Pat Gorzelik
President 
POTROCS INC  
Prefect Tripoli Amarillo
TRA 5746 L3  TAP  
NAR 70807  L3CC