Happy Holidays, EAA Chapters and Squadrons

December 2022 – As we near the end of 2022 and look forward to 2023, I want us to reflect on the many good times we as EAA chapter members had this year. 2022 provided our chapters the opportunity to re-ignite their activity at the local level and many of our chapters turned out in a big way. Thank you to all chapters who carry the torch no matter how big or how small, to bring The Spirit of Aviation to your community.

Perhaps now is an appropriate time to also reflect on those EAA members we lost in 2022. EAA chapters bring people together, creating tight bonds and relationships lasting many years and at times for decades. Let’s remember and honor members who have gone west, and consider honoring those members with a special yearly volunteer recognition award at the local chapter level. What better way to make a forever memory for these special EAA chapter members who dedicated so much of their time to their chapter? Please consider finding a way to show appreciation to these important chapter members by recognizing your current members.

As mentioned, in 2022 our chapters continued to grow The Spirit of Aviation locally through many programs and activities. Whether it was watching or participating with a member to complete their aircraft project and fly it for the first time, holding a successful fly-in, seeing the excitement in a young person’s eyes as they experience flight for the first time through a Young Eagles flight, or showing an adult that learning to fly is not out of reach through a Flying Start event, your chapter has done much to grow participation in aviation and that is worth being proud of. Thank you for your hard work and effort, and be sure to share the EAA-provided chapter service award pins to your program leaders, along with special chapter-designed recognition awards where needed.

EAA chapters have always been the leaders in program development, and we here at staff are always thrilled to swipe chapter-designed programs, develop them further, and roll them out to all chapters. Be sure to consider hosting an EAA Young Eagles Workshop (day camp for kids), an EAA RC Build & Fly kit, and EAA’s newest offering AeroEducate, designed to offer aviation education to youth.

We know that you work hard and for that we are grateful. Chapters are what make our organization unique and are comprised of our most dedicated members. Thank you for being one of them and for your diligent efforts to guide and improve your chapter. It is truly a pleasure to serve you!

From each of us here in the chapter office, warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas and a healthy and Happy New Year!