Warm Thoughts and Great Memories
By Jeff Skiles
August 14, 2014 - I am writing this the week after EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2014 – my last week as an EAA employee. It has been a true privilege to work for EAA and for you, the members - both as a volunteer chairman and later as an employee - but it is time for me to move on to other challenges.
These last five years as Young Eagles co-chairman and vice president of Communities and Member Programs have been a time I will remember always, and I intend to stay actively involved with the organization as a volunteer, a member, and a supporter of EAA. I can think of no richer experience in my life, and I leave with warm thoughts and great memories.
Paul Poberezny’s vision, understanding, and humility built an organization that stands alone in aviation, and his belief in the chapters was like a rock in a tempest. The chapter network is the foundation of EAA, and each and every chapter displays the values of inclusiveness, community, education, and love for aviation that Paul instilled in all of us. Communicating Paul’s message to future generations now falls to us, and I know that the EAA members and chapters are more than equal to the task.
As Paul often said, the chapters are EAA’s churches, because even if Oshkosh ceased to exist, the chapters would continue on spreading the word of aviation. I have enjoyed working with you all and will continue to do so in new capacities. I very much appreciate the support and friendship that you have shown me.
Thank you all so much.
