A Job Well Done: Bev and Frank Weiss

March - Some longtime AirVenture volunteers may think there’s more than one Bev Weiss, because through the years they’ve seen her helping in many different areas. From Pioneer Airport to helicopter flights to the volunteer kitchen to courtesy car organization, Bev has been there. She wrapped up her regular volunteering at AirVenture in 2014, but her story – and that of her husband, Frank – is worth noting.

Bev and Frank aren’t pilots, but they love the time they’ve spent at EAA. It all started when they moved to Oshkosh from La Crosse. Frank started volunteering at Pioneer Airport because he loves airplanes. Bev soon followed. Soon she found herself organizing helicopter flights during AirVenture. She never planned on taking a ride in the helicopter but after building up the courage she really enjoyed it and convinced many others to also take a ride. From that point, and with available time after full retirement, her immersion in EAA’s volunteer spirit really grew.

Bev became a helper with Audrey Poberezny and Bonnie Parnall with hospitality or, as Bev puts it, a “gopher” who helped move courtesy cars and fetch golf carts. When Audrey and Bonnie stepped away from the duties, Tom Poberezny asked Bev to fill in for a bit. That became 13 years as she and Frank handled the distribution of the Ford cars and trucks each year. That came with its perks, of course, such as when Harrison Ford dropped by to pick up his courtesy car…

Before the cars would arrive each year, Frank had some spare time, so Steve Taylor asked if he could mow some grass one year. He must have done well, because he found himself on the pre-AirVenture grounds crew for several years after that.

Bev, meanwhile, began also helping in the volunteer kitchen. She became known for her hard work and great attitude while feeding the weekend work parties. Bev also learned valuable lessons, such as not to wear a white shirt when making pickled beets.

Bev and Frank began volunteering because of airplanes but kept coming back, as Paul Poberezny often said, because of the people. EAA has been a highlight for a perpetually busy volunteer schedule for Bev and Frank. During the winter, they’ve been volunteers at their resort for RVers (the motorhomes, not the airplanes) instructing water exercise, coordinating the taco salads and working in the wood shop. They are also active at their church. In the summer, Bev has also volunteered at Peninsula State Park in Door County in the spring and fall.

More importantly, Bev and Frank have been examples to all of us for EAA spirit and dedication. Even though they are stepping away from active volunteering, they look forward to stopping by and seeing their EAA friends this summer. They are just one example of our superb volunteers through the years and a couple to which we want to send a special thanks.