Strawberry - John Leisek

Both enjoyed the excitement of a balloon rally and we're usually able to score in the competitions. In a Las Vegas event, John competed against dad with a sponsor's balloon and won 1st. Dad took 2nd. It was time for two balloons in the family.

One of John's most challenging balloon activities was a filming project in the "slick rock" country near Arches National Park. Pilot skills we're pushed to the limits with six weeks of parachute and hangglider drops, limited landing sites, weather, helicopter retrievals, and Brazilian film producers. Balloons were being repaired almost daily.

From challenges comes experience. Although John focuses on the social and fun side of ballooning, he isn't above putting a bean bag on the target and has won numerous events.

One of his more noted activities was the "National Guard" recruiting balloon flown from 1994 - 1997.

John has made his home in Central Oregon and works with his two sons developing Strawberry Heights Townhome Community in Madras.