American Legion Palisades Post 283 took to the skies this past March to host an introductory drone class to both captivate and educate members of all ages, showing that technology can transcend generations and bring people together.

“The youngest person in this class was 8 and we’ve got all the way up to senior citizens,” Commander Jim Cragg said.

Despite their varied backgrounds, attendees quickly developed proficiency.

“A lot of them start developing that muscle memory…it took some time getting used to, but a lot of them got used to it in about 10 minutes,” said Matt Louie, one of the class’s instructors.

But this event was more than just fun and games. For some, it presented opportunities for career enhancement.

“We’ve got a couple of real estate people in this class,” Cragg said. “They’re learning drones so they can use them in their jobs.”

Dan Fetterly, president of Super Pro Aerial, shed light on this dual nature of drone usage, saying, “There are two aspects to drones. There’s the commercial side and the recreational side.”

The class offered a stepping stone to both paths, allowing participants to dip their toes into drone operation without hefty investments.

“It’s something you can do with your kids,” Cragg said. “Any opportunity to help kids and parents get together, stay together, is awesome.”

“This is better than Disneyland. You’re having fun,” said Hagop Tchakerian, a Post 283 member. “This is a good class.”

The drones cost about $20 each and were purchased by Post 283, along with the rechargeable batteries.

“So for 20 drones and the batteries, this is a $400 to $500 class and you charge $10 per student, you’re doing okay,” Cragg said. “And somebody suggested, make it $30 per student and they take home their own $20 drone. So, this kind of a class is a really neat opportunity for anyone who wants to get involved with the Legion.”

Author: Jared Morgan

Jared is the senior editor and web team lead for the Department of California and chair of its Media & Communications Commission. He became a member of the American Legion in 2014 when he joined Palisades Post 283 to find stories about veterans issues for a local newspaper while working as its news editor. He was soon brought in as 283's assistant adjutant and historian to help produce the post's award-winning community newspaper. Since then, Jared has used his media skills to help further the efforts of The American Legion in its advocacy of veterans and their families. Jared has also worked for several years to help revitalize the 100-year-old Santa Monica Post 123, formerly as its adjutant and as a member of its executive board, before transferring back to Post 283.