Volunteer Spotlight: John Vining
By Katie Meyer, EAA 1133651, HR Business Partner
May 2015 - John Vining, EAA 1058034, of Mount Vernon, OH was a teacher with a passion for aviation. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh was a destination on his bucket list. Once he was finally able to cross it off that list, he kept coming back, but as a volunteer. For the past four years, John has been arriving about a month before the show to help in EAA’s Print/Mail department, the museum, communications and transportation for the Fun Fly Zone, getting the Ultralight field ready to go, and any other needed chores or duties. AirVenture could not happen without the dedicated volunteers, such as John, who come weeks in advance.
When asked about why he volunteers, John replied, “There are so many reasons to volunteer. Fundamentally, the show could never happen without volunteers. Personally, I like the people I meet through EAA. They become friends that I look forward to seeing every year. The volunteer kitchen is a real plus, because when you find a seat, you get to meet a whole new group of people. It builds an esprit de corps.”
When John is not volunteering at EAA, he continues to teach and volunteer at with his Chapter, 233 of Knox County Ohio.
John’s message to all volunteers?
“I can't wait to see those I know, and meet new friends at Oshkosh,” he said. “It is the highlight of my summer.”