Welcome, 2021!

March 10, 2021 – I, like many of you, took a very deep, therapeutic breath when I was able to turn the calendar to January. 2021 brings so much excitement, not only for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, but also to find out what "normal" will look like in the coming months. 2020 was full of so many challenges and forced everyone to go back to some basics. It also led to a deeper feeling of gratitude and appreciation for all our blessings.

January also brought EAA's first Volunteer Chairmen call to start the AirVenture volunteer planning process. Taking the current pandemic into consideration, EAA and AirVenture won't be the same; it will be even better and completely worth the wait! More details will be released in the coming months so stay tuned for more details.

I am receiving several calls and emails each week of past AirVenture guests who are now interested in volunteering. We'll start posting volunteer opportunities in March to our volunteer website, so if you're looking to volunteer in a new area this AirVenture, check out the site for more options. Likewise, if your area is in need of additional volunteers, reach out to your area Volunteer Chairman with your ideas and suggestions.

Our teams haven't taken time off! Even though the snow keeps coming in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, we are all buzzing with excitement at the new projects and changes that we are making in preparation for AirVenture. If you have some time, check out EAA's LinkedIn page. We have begun to spotlight EAA staff members, introduce new staff, and share some fun things we're doing in the offices.

I am very grateful to you all for your hard work, dedication, positive attitude, and excitement. Each volunteer I've spoken to over the past several months has brought such positive energy and excitement about returning to Oshkosh. If your volunteer group has done unique things to stay in touch, feel free to send me a note. I'd love to feature your team in an upcoming article.

Until next time, stay safe and healthy!