Thank You, Volunteers
By Jack J. Pelton, CEO and Chairman of the Board
April 26, 2021 – To all EAA volunteers:
As we recognize National Volunteer Month in April, it brings to mind so many stories of EAA members who have stepped forward through the years to make the EAA organization the most engaged aviation group anywhere. Whenever I visit EAA chapters or talk with members who are involved with our many programs, I am humbled and a mere "thank you" seems to fall far short, but it expresses the feelings of everyone who benefits from your efforts.
The past year was challenging, not only because many of EAA's usual activities were put on pause, but so many of you asked the same question: "When can we get back to what we love to do?" The dedication and eagerness remains and 2021 is when we can again make a difference in aviation. That's true for the 5,000-plus volunteers at AirVenture, for those who fly Young Eagles, all who volunteer on the local chapter level, or are with us year-round in Oshkosh. We're ready to reconnect people with aviation in all the amazing ways it inspires dreams and fuels accomplishments.
EAA founder Paul Poberezny truly understood and embraced the power of volunteers and in 2021, the 100th anniversary of his birth, we're reminded how his dream became the dream of so many who stepped forward to build EAA. We salute all of them, as we salute all of you who continue to make a difference.
Thanks for keeping that dream alive and being an example of what dedicated volunteers can do. I'm proud to serve as the leader this organization and represent all of you.
Thanks again,
Jack
