FMCA Member Profiles

By Doug Beatty, F153G July/August 2025 Some of my fondest memories growing up revolved around my grandparents’ motorhome. The shiny stainless-steel exterior, the scent of the interior, the steady rhythm…

Chance meetings at FMCA conventions resulted in some remarkable discoveries. By Gillian Raye, F481952 September/October 2024 We’ve all experienced “it’s a small world” meetings, but we’re finding they seem to…

This internationally known exposition attracts more than a million people each year to America’s heartland, among them fun-loving families who return year after year. By Crystal Hammes, F508127 June 2024…

Not every dog can be as lucky as the pups on the front cover — these dachshunds love to travel! By Lisa Merrill, F512570 December 2023 Hello, fellow RVers! We…

One RVer discovered fun, friendship, and self-confidence when she participated in a recent pageant. By Gina Maus, F510163 February 2023 It’s funny to imagine that a mature camper would compete…

RV life leads to endless adventures, beauty, and joy.  By RonnieSue Ambrosino, F328569 Icebergs, whales, snowy mountaintops, owls, and northern lights — do these words conjure up any images? RVing…

What happens when a family of five shifts their work and school routines and goes mobile. By Skip Tate, Associate Editor April 2021 Dan and Jaime Piening, F515009, were living…

Former big-league pitcher Kevin Jepsen hopes his new outdoor game is a hit. By John Johnston, Associate Editor November 2020 Kevin Jepsen, F510810, made his Major League Baseball debut as…

A motorhome carries special memories for three generations of an RVing family. By John Johnston, Associate Editor October 2020 Merriam-Webster defines an RV as “a vehicle designed for recreational use,…

Over a seven-year period, Dick and Debbie Newbert visited all 50 U.S. statehouses. By John Johnston, Associate Editor August 2020 It was not only a capital idea — as in,…

The RV Doctor leaves a legacy of lessons, love, and laughter. By John Johnston, Associate Editor July 2020 Everybody knew him as the RV Doctor. The nickname fit Gary Bunzer…

Traveling to dog shows led Glen VanderHart and Les Stallings to buy an RV that they now use to transport their canine trio during their blue-ribbon quests. By Sharon Scott…

A family steps out of their comfort zone for an RVing journey that offers wide-ranging experiences. By John Johnston, Associate Editor June 2020 The children’s smiles. That’s what stands out…

RVers Chris and Joy Adiletta and their dogs enjoy this competitive team sport. By John Johnston, Associate Editor May 2020 Many FMCA members travel with pets. Some buy an RV…

RVing offers a welcome respite for a hardworking farm family. By John Johnston, Associate Editor April 2020 We spread it on toast, plop it on baked potatoes, and place pats…

Rocky and Julie Naylor’s converted Greyhound packs the “wow” factor. By John Johnston, Associate Editor February 2020 Whether they’re attending a classic car show, visiting a national park, or hanging…

Motorhome travel has helped fuel a life-changing transformation for this Arizona couple. By John Johnston, Associate Editor January 2020 Most people can point to specific moments that changed the trajectory…

RVing makes new adventures possible for a family of four, including their 16-year-old with disabilities. By John Johnston, Associate Editor December 2019 A few years ago, when Donn Hensel first…

Russ and Laura Hines, F493195 Home: Glen Rock, Pennsylvania. Occupations: Russ: Retired police officer; now a mobile RV service technician. Laura: Registered nurse. RV: 2019 Tiffin Phaeton motorhome. Pets: Axel,…

Former big-league pitcher Milt Wilcox makes a splash with dock-jumping dogs. By John Johnston, Associate Editor November 2019 Milt Wilcox, F483994, considers himself fortunate that significant portions of his life…

A couple from Omaha, Nebraska, now displays FMCA membership number F500000. By John Johnston, Associate Editor October 2019 Stacey and Shari Froemming bought a motorhome in April 2016, and before…

An act of violence hasn’t stopped these FMCA members from helping others unlock their inner creativity. By John Johnston, Associate Editor September 2019 Richard and Michele Fritz, F464306, knew early…

FMCA has benefited from Bill and Deanie Hendrix’s lifelong association with RVs. By John Johnston, Associate Editor August 2019 FMCA membership number F761 has a long, proud history. It encompasses…

Alan and Paula Grissom, F484042 Occupations: Retired. RV: 2013 Winnebago Journey. Full-timing since: January 1, 2016. Before that, home was Redding, California. Full-timing’s appeal: The freedom to be wherever we…

Larry Deese turns humble golf carts into eye-catching vehicles. By John Johnston, Associate Editor July 2019 Let’s say you’re in the market for a golf cart. Not just a run-of-the-mill…

Bill and Cheryl Conrod, F489157 Home: Grand Junction, Colorado. Occupations: Retired from federal and education work. RV: A 2008 17-foot Casita travel trailer. RVing since: October 2008, but both of…

Frank Harrison has devoted much of his life to the water sport he loves. By John Johnston, Associate Editor April 2019 Getting older is a beautiful thing. Just ask Frank…

Pam Balentine and her daughter, Brittany Davis, C13626. Occupations: Artisans (PamsPoshDesigns.etsy.com, BrittaBellaShop.etsy.com) and pet marketers (#CrazyPetChannel, #BellatheBeaglesAdventure). RV: 2003 Four Winds Hurricane motorhome. Pet: Bella the beagle. RVing since: February…

At age 30, RVers Jason and Rae Miller choose to live untethered. By John Johnston, Associate Editor March 2019 A couple of years ago, Jason and Rae Miller, F486241, told…

Bob and Janet Prince transformed a vintage GMC motorhome. Then they gave it away. By John Johnston, Associate Editor February 2019 Someday, Bob and Janet Prince, F305683, will make their…

This competitive sport combines safe marksmanship with a nod to Western history and lore. By Bruce Murray, F361709 January 2019 My wife, Deborah, and I started our camping adventures 30…

Eric and Gina Babins’ online radio station plays tropical rock around the clock. By John Johnston, Associate Editor January 2019 When wicked winter produces meteorological mayhem, some FMCA members evade…

In need of a life reset, a widow turned to full-time RVing with her children. By John Johnston, Associate Editor December 2018 At age 52, Susan Davis, F457287, has lived…

Nicholas, Maria, and Anastasia Meremianin, F474868 Home: Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Occupations: Nick works for a New Jersey state agency; Maria is a home infusion field nurse supervisor; Anastasia, 11,…

FMCA member Annette O’Neil made it her mission to skydive in every state. By John Johnston, Associate Editor November 2018 We won’t call Annette O’Neil, F485930, a daredevil, because that…

Hagen and Mary Streckel, F479958 Home: Kempner, Texas. Occupations: Retired secondary educators. RV: 1999 Safari Serengeti motorhome. RVing since: July 2012. Most unusual place visited: Hagen enjoyed a trip to…

Bill and Julie Bannister, F480763. Answers by Julie. September 2018 Occupations: Bill is a musician and a veteran of the U.S. Navy and Kansas Army National Guard. Julie is a…

A bond that began at an FMCA gathering blossomed into a lasting relationship. By John Johnston, Associate Editor September 2018 Something special happened at FMCA’s 1982 summer convention, which took…

An FMCA couple’s avocation allows them an insider’s view of filmmaking. By John Johnston, Associate Editor August 2018 Paul and Randa Silva, F349302, often have stars in their eyes. As…

Faced with a grim diagnosis, David and Julie Palmer embrace life on a bucket list tour. By John Johnston, Associate Editor July 2018 It started with lower back pain. David…

Ollie Hill’s love of the outdoors has influenced his family and work life. By John Johnston, Associate Editor June 2018 Ollie Hill, F159603, received a phone call a few years…