After sharing the skies with a hundred or so other aircraft on their way into AirVenture, the first people encountered after landing are the volunteer marshallers on foot and scooter sorting out the arriving aircraft and sending them to their parking spot. The next encounter is with a volunteer flight operations arrival briefer, asking if we have turned off the mags and master switch, and reminding us to tie the aircraft down before we leave it. Next, to get from Vintage Aircraft Parking across the AirVenture grounds toward our lodging we ride a blue tram and a red tram; operated by, yes, volunteers. The tram takes us past forums and workshops led by volunteer instructors. Checking in at registration to get our admittance wristbands, we find several volunteers working that function. For weeks leading up to AirVenture, volunteers have prepared, landscaped, painted and repaired the grounds and facilities. Large cadres of volunteers keep the Ford Tri-Motor and B-25 Berlin Express rides going. The Vintage Red Barn, the Blue Barn, Homebuilders Headquarters, Warbirds and numerous other locations are powered by volunteers. Sure, there are paid employees at the food vendors and exhibitors and on the FBO fuel truck, but the engine of this great annual celebration is the thousands of EAA volunteers.
We have this same spirit of volunteerism right here at Chapter 186. Movie nights, IMC Club and VMC Club meetings, Tri-Motor and Bomber Air Tours, Young Eagles Rallies, membership renewals, cookouts, the directory, newsletter, website, Facebook page, tool crib, merchandise, Flight Advisors, Technical Counselors, the Chapter House and its repairs and many more functions are possible only because you make these Chapter functions possible. I often see 186 members helping each other with a tool or a part or advice, or an airplane or car ride to get one back into position.
Chapter 186 was again named earlier this year as a Gold Level Chapter. This is only because we do enough of the functions on the EAA checklist to attain that status. The new Gold Seal banner is on the wall in the Chapter House. Think of it as a thank you banner for our membership that keeps us going.
Speaking of keeping things going; every year at the Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV) Meeting a “Top Eagles” award is given to the three Board pilots flown Young Virginia in the past 12 months. Here is an excerpt from the speech by Greg who have the most Eagles in Campbell, of the DOAV:
“Many pilots would tell you that one of the greatest gifts they could give in aviation is sharing their love of flying with the next generation. The EAA Young Eagles program is designed to do just that…Today I have the honor of introducing three individuals who truly went above and beyond the calling of this wonderful program. These three ‘Top Eagles’ flew the most children in Virginia during the past 12 months. They gave their time and skills to help introduce and inspire kids in the world of aviation. The Top Eagles Award program is a way for all of us to give our thanks to these selfless volunteers. Chris Berg flew 51 Young Eagles in the Commonwealth. Thank you, Chris, and congratulations.”
Chapter 186 member Chris Berg has been flying Young Eagles since the program began in 1992. He not only inspires kids with his flights, but he also inspires us to keep volunteering. Chris has also served as our Chapter 186 Secretary. Thank you Chris, and all of our selfless volunteers who keep our programs going.
Bob Prange
