The Rattler/Firebird Jesus Nut Award
What is a Jesus Nut?
The so called “Jesus Nut” is the nut that holds the main
rotor hub on the mast of a helicopter. The name is derived from the last
word a helicopter crew member might utter if this nut were to depart
the aircraft in flight. Without the Jesus Nut, the main rotor would leave
the aircraft, giving the helicopter about the same flying characteristics
as an anvil.
What is the Award?
The Jesus Nut Award was conceived before our first reunion in Memphis,
Tennessee in 1993. A chrome plated Jesus Nut was awarded to the person
who came the longest distance from their home to be at our reunion. That
tradition, started in 1993, has been continued. You can only win the
award one time. Repeat winners are not allowed.
Our Previous Jesus Nut Award Winners
| Year | Winner | From | To | Miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | Will Hingston | Jefferson, OR | Memphis, TN | 2,404 Miles |
| 1995 | Jim Arnout | Anchorage, AK | Dallas, TX | 4,162 Miles |
| 1998 | Jerry Shirley | Okinawa, Japan | Orlando, FL | 8,199 Miles |
| 2000 | Randy Billings | Eddington, ME | Las Vegas, NV | 2,966 Miles |
| 2002 | Steve Lively | Everett, WA | St. Louis, MO | 2,175 Miles |
| 2004 | Kelly McHugh | San Ramon, CA | Washington, D.C. | 2,411 Miles |
| 2006 | Brian Araki | Kailua, HI | San Antonio, TX | 3,709 Miles |
| 2008 | Wendell Freeman | The Netherlands | Denver, CO | 4,822 Miles |
| 2010 | Bob Gardiner | Wilsonville, OR | Nashville, TN | 1,969 miles |
| 2012 | Ron Taylor | Salkum, WA | New Orleans, LA | 2,614 miles |
| 2014 | Mike Curry | Talent, OR | Ft. Worth, TX | 2,107 miles |
| 2016 | Fred Biermann | Waterville, ME | DFW Airport, TX | 1956 miles |
| 2018 | Rich Lohman | Madras, OR | Nashville, TN | 2269 miles |
| 2021 | Bob Wade | Sunnyside, WA | Mobile, AL | 2527 miles |
| 2023 | Roger Theberge | Hallowell, ME | San Antonio, TX | 2192 miles |