Decades ago a Plant City eight-grader secretly saved his lunch money to fuel his passion-radio controlled (R/C) airplanes. That passion smoldered during the development of his career and family, when there was little time or extra resources available for such a hobby. Then, Christmas 1985, his loving wife Joy surprised him with a gift that re-ignited his long smoldering passion-a R/C plane. But neither he nor his wife could have predicted what would evolve over the next 15 years. 

Today, Elwood Caldwell, Marketability Team, Technical Services, a 19-year Lakeland Electric employee, is founder and long-standing president of Prop-Busters R/C Club. This club had its beginnings in 1987 with three members-Elwood, Malcolm Ricks, a Lakeland Electric welder, and Jimmy Logue of Logue Plumbing Company--and has soared in numbers to 140, representing one of the largest flying clubs in Central Florida.

With a lot of help from City Manager (Gene) Strickland, Lakeland Electric Director Bob Siegel, (Asst- Director) Ron Tomlin and (Asst- Finance Director) Greg Finch, Elwood was able to form his R/C club. He graciously points out that these individuals were instrumental in helping him obtain needed space where his club members could fly. 

Tiger Town baseball stadium became Prop-Buster's first home, but once a fence was erected, the club was homeless. While they were looking for a more permanent location, Carpenter Home Church and its parking lot served as a temporary site. With Ron's support, Elwood approached the City manager for more permanent space. Tomlin asked me to write a letter to him about the flying club. Then, he put the request in for me downtown, which was later given to both Mr. Siegel and Mr. Strickland. They approved the use of vacant land across from our plant and the City agreed to allow us to use it at no cost," said Elwood. "We were there from about 1987 until 1991." 

But, as the club grew and the liability became greater for the club, in 1991 it was time to look for more land. The northeast well land off Old Polk City and Tomkow Roads seemed to be the perfect location. "It's a very beautiful area for flying," says Elwood. 

"I talked to Mr. Tomlin again and he told me that it was actually under the Water Department's management, under director Wayne Combee. So we had to develop a proposal to use the land." Elwood presented his proposal, met with the Water Department and with Mr. Combee's approval they agreed that the site would become the next and current home of Prop-Busters R/C Club. 

City support didn't end with the providing of flying locations. The third Thursday of every month Prop-Buster members meet at the Lakeland Electric plant for their monthly club meetings. 

The evolution of Elwood's generosity of time and devotion to the club, complemented by the City's generosity of land and meeting space, now sees the club growing into more than a hobbyist's club. It has become a service club, too. In the past members put on flying events for Big Brothers Big Sisters. "This year we're going to put on an event for the Boy Scouts," added Elwood. "What we're trying to do as adults is to be sure we have future flyers and involve our youth." At some events the children are able to join R/C pilots in what is called the "buddy box" where they actually help fly R/C planes. "That puts a little spark in their heart for later on," says Elwood. "Our youngest member, who is now 13, started when he was eight." 

Sun 'n Fun and Wings and Things are two other area events where you'll find members of this flying club participating in model demonstrations. "We've also provided demonstration flights at Fantasy of Flight," says Elwood. "We've been pretty active." 

The evolution of Elwood's passion has touched many lives, his family's included. Sometimes you'll catch him out flying with the next Caldwell generation of family flyers; his eight-year-old grandson. It looks like Elwood may have passed on to his grandson the same passion sparked in him decades ago as a Plant City eight-grader, but what's clear is that his passion is still evolving. 

If you're interested in learning more about Prop Busters contact Elwood Caldwell at 863-834-6626.