Volunteer Patch

This year’s EAA AirVenture Oshkosh volunteers received a unique thank you patch, reflecting this year’s tribute to our founder, Paul Poberezny.  The patch to honor EAA’s volunteers, for whom Paul always had a real affection, stands out with the blue-and-yellow color scheme that reflects the colors Paul often used on his homebuilt aircraft. It also includes the EAA AirVenture logo with its emphasis on the word “Oshkosh.”

Volunteer patches have a long history at EAA.  A chapter president recently shared he had more than 31 AirVenture volunteer patches and looks forward to adding more to his collection.  That piqued my curiosity: what do volunteers do with all their patches they have collected over the years?  I have seen jackets, hats, vests, sweaters and more with numerous patches sewed on them.  Perhaps AirVenture 2015 should have a volunteer patch celebration during the Volunteer Park ceremony.  A revival of patch trading could take place.

EAA’s tradition of sending volunteer patches is a thank you for all the assistance and support during your convention.  How many volunteer patches have you collected over the years?  What are your thoughts on the 2014 patch? 

I would love to hear from you!  Drop me an email at jdiana@eaa.org and let me know your ideas and suggestions.