Thank you Jack Pelton along with the EAA board for making this tough decision. I will renew my membership with enthusiasm looking forward to 2021 with high hopes.
It is a rare to see decisive leadership especially in a situation with still so many unknowns, a situation still evolving, and so much at stake. Decisive leadership is a rare commodity these days. It’s a pleasure to see it displayed, even when that tough decision affects me personally financially , employment wise, and passionately just because I like airplanes. That is the kind of leadership combined with the hardworking volunteerism of the EAA I can whole hardheartedly support.
I, like many, renew my membership at Oshkosh. Sort of a yearly ritual, I look forward to. It would be easier to do it online…which I will be doing this year. But I enjoy the interaction with the volunteers. It is one of the last really personal public venues. And the EAA, year after year, has made these personal engagements a reminder of the importance, the value of engaging each other eyeball to eyeball, heart to heart, invariably with a smile.
No amount of online technology will replace that personal contact. Airplanes, aviation, and flying requires so much trust in other folks when you really think about it. It’s nice to get an idea who you are dealing with. Oshkosh allows many of us to solidify deals, investigate new technology, appreciate individual craftsmanship, attention to detail, witness the results of dogged determination, while getting to know the giants of aviation down to the backyard innovator. I will sorely miss those experiences this year. But will be ready to give and receive a double dose of handshakes, hugs , and smiles next year.