Rocketry Planet

Candidate for the Tripoli Rocketry Association Board of Directors:

Pat Gordzelik

• Age 54
• TRA 5746, L3, TAP
• NAR 70807, L3CC Committee Chair
• Founder and past Prefect/President Potrocs (Panhandle of Texas Rocketry Society) Inc., Tripoli Amarillo # 92
• BOD member, Tripoli Rocketry Association, Inc.
• Married to Lauretta Gordzelik, TRA 7217, L2

I was born in Amarillo, Texas. My father died when I was six years old, and I was raised on a ranch by my grandmother in northeastern New Mexico, and then returned to Amarillo in the 60's.  I recently sold my fastening systems company (PGP Inc. with branch locations in Amarillo, Lubbock TX, and Clovis, New Mexico, which I founded in 1982), and moved to a working ranch near Cross Plains, Texas.

In addition, Lauretta (Doctor of Pharmacy) and I own a pharmaceutical consulting business that addresses needs of small hospitals, nursing homes, etc, to keep them compliant with the myriad of rules and regulations from State and Federal agencies. I also consult as an alternative energy professional. Further professional background and education specifics can be found here: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/pat-gordzelik/18/774/2b6.

Gordzelik worked on Tripoli's behalf at the Wirefly X PRIZE Cup in Las Cruses, New Mexico, providing event management, muscle and even rocket propellant for the event's static rocket motor test firing exhibitions and rocket launches.

My efforts as a TRA BOD member in the last seven years have been rewarding to me, as well as productive for you, the members. I have represented TRA with the BATFE not only in regional meetings but also in Washington, DC. I was proud to see our long lawsuit with this entity come to a positive conclusion during my tenure on the BoD. I have attended every BoD meeting during my service, either via teleconference or at national conventions. I was able to maximize my influence in the SCI FI TV series Masterblasters to veto possible "harmful to our hobby" scenarios.

I have represented Tripoli in a professional manner with the FAA, NASA (NASA/Dryden Aerospike tests), the Pecos County Spaceport, and the X PRIZE/X Cup foundation held in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Recently I built facilities at my ranch in Texas to conduct motor testing for Tripoli Motor Testing (TMT). As negotiator and liaison for TRA insurance I have been successful in reducing premiums by tens of thousands of dollars over the years.

As a Tripoli Research enthusiast, I was thrilled that the Board unanimously voted to permit commercial motors at Research launches here in the United States. This tremendous step forward began with my proposal to allow David Wilkins' prefecture in Australia to combine "Experimental" with commercial motors.

My pet project, and one that I plan to continue as a TRA board member, is involving Tripoli with academia. This effort has brought credibility to our organization that will open doors for us in the future. As an instructor at Texas Tech University, I use rocketry to excite and entice America's future engineers. This effort has educated college and high school teachers in the application of rocketry as a learning tool, and has resulted in underprivileged high school students realizing their dreams and goals, culminating in a Texas State Resolution.

Gordzelik is pictured here with students from Estacado High School with their Matador 1 rocket, which launched the class into history. The students, with help from the Texas Tech University College of Engineering, became the first high school students to break Mach.

Four years ago you elected me to serve another term on the Tripoli Board of Directors. My intent then was to serve that term, then step down in July 2009, which I did. However, fate struck all of us a blow in December, with the loss of our beloved brother and director, Erik Gates. The board asked me to consider filling out Erik's term, which I accepted. And after I was "drafted", I realized that my work was not done, and how much I enjoyed serving with the team that you, the members of Tripoli, elect to lead and represent you. With your permission I would like to continue that service.

In my professional life I have built winning teams for over 30 years. I have succeeded and even thrived as a small business owner, in an increasingly hostile environment where "Big Boxes" and large corporation conglomerates threaten the little company's very existence.  I've been able to do this by recognizing and utilizing the strengths of my teammates, handing them the ball when the call demanded their particular expertise. And although I certainly cannot take credit for everything the Board has accomplished in the last seven years, I believe that my business acumen has been a significant asset in the process.

So the decision is yours, TRA member. But let me offer some final observations. Is the person for whom you are voting the one you want to represent your interests, not only within Tripoli but also to regulatory agencies, academia, and private enterprise? Do you feel that the candidate can work well with the rest of the Board? Does the candidate have service to the TRA membership as his/her primary agenda? Do you think that the candidate is capable of rational, logical decision-making?

I feel that my service of the last seven years has demonstrated these capabilities. If you agree, then I would appreciate your support and your vote for three more years.

Sincerely,

Pat G.

Reader comments:

#1 Re: Article: Gordzelik announces his candidacy for Tripoli BOD seat

Pat, you sure as hell have my support! You are more than qualified, as you have proven to us all over the last several years. Good luck Pat!!

Dan Michael
NAR #80273 L3
L3CC Member
TRA #8737 L3
President, NEPRA Section #614
MDRA Member

APCP 1 on 03-14-2010 03:29 PM

#2 Re: Article: Gordzelik announces his candidacy for Tripoli BOD seat

I'm not sure how he does it, but I'm glad Pat dedicates his time this way. He's the go-to guy for TRA insurance, NAR L3CC chair, and now back on the board. I considered running for the board one time and wrote to Pat to ask what kind of commitment was needed. He answered frankly and I had to reverse my course. I'm thankful for people like him.

Steve_Shannon on 03-14-2010 07:29 PM

#3 Re: Article: Gordzelik announces his candidacy for Tripoli BOD seat

Quote:

I'm not sure how he does it, but I'm glad Pat dedicates his time this way. He's the go-to guy for TRA insurance, NAR L3CC chair, and now back on the board.

I hope Rick or some CA guy wins that seat. I am glad Pat is doing NAR L3CC, and I was a bit surprised.

I hope he doesn't take too much on.

Jerry

Just Jerry on 03-14-2010 07:57 PM

#4 Re: Article: Gordzelik announces his candidacy for Tripoli BOD seat

I believe there are three seats each election year, so Pat and Rick could both end up there.

Steve_Shannon on 03-14-2010 08:02 PM

#5 Re: Article: Gordzelik announces his candidacy for Tripoli BOD seat

Pat Gordzelik is hands down the hardest working man in hobby rocketry. If we could clone a dedicated hobby rocketry volunteer, he would look just like Pat.

ddmobley on 03-14-2010 09:29 PM

#6 Re: Article: Gordzelik announces his candidacy for Tripoli BOD seat

Quote:

Pat Gordzelik is hands down the hardest working man in hobby rocketry.

So, Pat is like the James Brown of rocketry, eh?

Squrble on 03-14-2010 10:05 PM

#7 Re: Article: Gordzelik announces his candidacy for Tripoli BOD seat

I officially declare the moderation excessive now.

Just Jerry on 03-14-2010 10:09 PM

#8 Re: Article: Gordzelik announces his candidacy for Tripoli BOD seat

Quote:

I officially declare the moderation excessive now.

OOOWWWWWWWWWW... I feel good...

Squrble on 03-14-2010 10:16 PM

#9 Re: Article: Gordzelik announces his candidacy for Tripoli BOD seat

In a rare appearance, Gordzelik spakes thusly:

I can handle it. I have handled it. And will continue to do so.

Over.

Pat

Dealing with people reminds me that ever once in a while I need to neuter the cattle that should not be allowed to breed.

Pat G on 03-14-2010 10:44 PM

#10 Re: Article: Gordzelik announces his candidacy for Tripoli BOD seat

I think I hear some moo-ing coming from inside RP.

*hides from ddmobley*

DAllen on 03-15-2010 06:36 AM

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