University Students Volunteer with EAA

On October 11, EAA benefited from a dozen people connected with the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and the university’s "Hands On Oshkosh" volunteer program. Hands On Oshkosh puts UWO students, faculty and staff into the community to volunteer and make a difference. This was the 14th semi-annual event for the university, which made service and involvement in the Oshkosh community a key element for the school.

Most community volunteer chores are fairly standard fare, but the university volunteers got a whole different experience at EAA. Some UW-Oshkosh students polished the AirVenture Museum, while others sanded, polished, and cleaned aircraft at the Weeks Hangar.

Eric Sippel, student at UW-Oshkosh, has volunteered four times with Hands on Oshkosh.  In the past Eric has raked leaves, and cleaned elementary schools.  This semester, however, he is helping sparkle up the AirVenture Museum at EAA. 

“I love volunteering because it’s fun, I enjoy the opportunity to give back, and people appreciate the help,” he said.

There was a youthful enthusiasm from the entire group as they proudly represented UW-Oshkosh and their own campus organizations.

“I love the help Hands on Oshkosh brings to EAA,” said Tony Hansen, who has been part of EAA’s museum maintenance staff for 30 years. “I can’t wait to have the volunteers back in the spring.”

The group at EAA was among the more than 240 volunteers who were involved throughout the community on October 11. Thumbs up and a big thank you to these UW-Oshkosh volunteers for making a difference at EAA!