AAAA Info

Upcoming Flying Events

Jan. 10, 2009
Balloon Fiesta Park

Balloon Info Line

(505) 263-0222
Courtesy of Verizon

Upcoming Meetings

General Meeting
Oct. 28, 2008
7:00 pm
Garduno's on the Green
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Park

Board of Directors
Oct. 20, 2008
6:00 pm
Balloon Fiesta Offices

President's Corner

Sept. 2008

Lachendro & Sproul Balloon Memorial Fund

On October 10, 2008, the "Wings of Wind" balloon piloted by Keith Sproul with Stephen Lanchendro in the basket hit a power line while attempting to land. Keith was severely injured and Stephen was killed in the firey crash.

To make matters worse, the van that was driven by the balloon's chase crew was broken into at a local Albuquerque hotel. Radios, a laptop computer, and other valuable items were taken from a already distraught balloon family.

An account has been opened at Wells Fargo for the Lanchendro and Sproul families. Donations are being accepted and can be sent to the following address:

Attn: Debbie Sproul Account Wells Fargo Bank, NM 241 Washington Ave Santa Fe, NM 87501

More Info Via NM Business Weekly...

Stephen Lachendro Memorial Scholarship

Carrie Lachendro, wife of Balloon Federation of America member Stephen Lachendro, has established the Stephen Lachendro Memorial Scholarship to benefit the Balloon Federation of America Junior Balloonist Camp Program. Stephen's love of people and ballooning will live on in this memorial gift to our youth. Those wishing to honor Stephen may do so by contacting the BFA office at 515/961-8809. Mailed gifts can be address to the following address.

Stephen Lachendro Memorial Scholarship
c/o Balloon Federation of America Youth Program
P.O. Box 400
Indianola, IA 50125

Stephen perished in a ballooning accident in Albuquerque, New Mexico on October 10, 2008. Services are slated for 10 AM Thursday October 16, 2008. Please visit the following link for more information.
Lachendro Obituary & Funeral Information

Shelley Caraway
BFA Youth Program Chair