Hello EAA Chapter 179 Members and Friends – Join us!
The February 2023 Chapter Gathering
is scheduled for Tuesday, February 21st
At M’tuccis Moderno Restaurant
Join us – in person! Visitors Welcome!
5:30 PM — No Host Dinner
6:15 PM — Program – Speaker Mark Chappell
GIS Analyst/Remote Sensing Coordinator
NM Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
The Program: Mark Chappell (23) first gained his interest in aviation at the first Double Eagle Aviation Adventure in 2014. Mark continued his interest in aviation when he joined the New Mexico Civil Air Patrol as a cadet. Through his CAP career, Mark rose to the rank of Cadet Major while serving as the wing Director of Training for Unmanned Aircraft.
Mark was deployed to Puerto Rico in January 2020 as part of an interdisciplinary team of UAS (unmanned aerial systems – drone) operators with the Federal Emergency Management Agency in response to major earthquakes. Mark graduated with his Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Emergency Management from Eastern New Mexico University.
In March of 2022, he joined the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management as an Operations Officer. During the 2022 New Mexico Wildfire Season, the worst in New Mexican history, Mark served as the Director of the State Emergency Operations Center, coordinating the state’s response to the wildfires. In June 2022, President Biden visited the New Mexico Emergency Operations Center, where Mark briefed him on the current status of the wildfires and what the state was doing in response to them.
During “blue skies” Mark used geographic information systems (GIS) to maintain statewide situational awareness, creating maps, apps, and dashboards to track what is happening around the state. He also manages the agency’s public safety UAS Program and satellite imagery and intelligence program.
Each month, these “Chapter Gatherings” offer time to network with programs centered on exchanging experiences and ideas about aviation – airplanes, flying, and flying activities – rather than the chapter business which is addressed in bimonthly Board meetings..
Where: M’tucci’s Moderno Restaurant (Preview MENU here)
1908 Wellspring Ave SE, Rio Rancho (Wellspring and Unser)
Directions: From I-25, take Paseo del Norte westbound to Unser Blvd.
Turn right (North) on Unser Blvd, then LEFT on Wellspring Ave SE
(Located in shopping center just west of Presbyterian Rust Hospital)