| My name is Kirk Gray. I am 32 years of age and reside in Florence, S.C. I have a wife Cindy and two wonderful boys Brandon age 6, and Jason age 2. I attended Francis Marion University and Florence-Darlington Technical College where I received the training for my current occupation as a CNC Machinist at ESAB Welding and Cutting Systems in Florence. As far as model planes are concerned I guess I have been around them for a great deal of my childhood. My father Wilda Gray got me interested in flying RC, and when I started flying I really fell in love with the hobby. In my spare time when I am not practicing, I also enjoy having a good hunting or fishing trip.
I began flying Pattern in 1990. Since then I have won numerous local, state, and regional events. In 1992 I had the honor of being the Advanced class National Champion. In 1994 I entered my first F3A contest at N-PAC. I placed 4th and was pleased with the result. In 1996 I again had the honor of being the F3A National Champion. The year of 1998 and 1999 gave me two 2nd place finishes at the Nats. in F3A. I have also been a part of two USA world teams. In 1997 I placed 9th in my first World Championships in Warsaw, Poland. In 1999 I placed 7th in Pensacola FL. The 1999 team also won the gold medal which I am most proud of. I have been invited to the Tournament of Champions since 1996. In 1999 I placed 7th at the TOC and have been invited to compete in the 2000 edition. I also had the honor of flying in the Japan Aero Pageant or ( IAM ) where I placed 6th in 1998. What does the future hold for 2000? I feel like I am flying better than I ever have and look forward to competing in various events this year as well as seeing old friends and meeting new ones along the way.
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