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The breadth and depth of good works
accomplished by general aviation will be in the spotlight at EAA
AirVenture Oshkosh 2009, as a weeklong "Fly for Life" program
will recognize those who fly to serve others around the world. The Fly
for Life program will highlight both public-benefit aviation activities
and mission-based flight operations, with EAA working with the Air Care
Alliance and the International Association of Missionary Aviation, among
others, that represent more than 200 organizations. Activities will
include a major display adjacent to EAA AirVenture's showcase AeroShell
Square, aircraft displays, numerous forums and presentations, an evening
program, and other events.
"There are so many ways that general
aviation serves people around the world - even people who don't have a
direct involvement with flying," said Tom Poberezny, EAA president
and AirVenture chairman. "Aviation is used to meet basic human
needs and bring hope in so many ways, including medical and dental
missions to remote regions of the world, famine relief, and a wide range
of other humanitarian projects. We are looking forward to recognizing
those people and organizations during EAA AirVenture 2009."
Many humanitarian organizations have been
longtime participants at EAA AirVenture through individual exhibit areas
and presentations. The Fly for Life program marks the first time all
these public-benefit and mission flight organizations have come together
to highlight the ways that general aviation serves people worldwide.
"There is an incredible story to
tell of the hundreds of airplanes and thousands of dedicated people,
including many, many EAA members, who generously devote themselves to
using their flying abilities to make our world a better place,"
said former EAA vice president Bob Warner, who is serving as the
program's volunteer chairman. "It may be a flight that carries
relief supplies to a disaster-stricken area, or flies transplant organs
to waiting recipients, or supports faith-based missions.
"This is a story that we want to
share not only with the aviation community at EAA AirVenture, but to the
public that does not always understand the depth of aviation's
contribution to our world."
Warner said the program welcomes those
engaged in humanitarian, public-benefit and mission aviation efforts to
participate in the weeklong activities. Those groups interested in
participating may contact Bob Warner at bob@aviationlifestyle.com.
The exact schedule of activities will be announced as it is finalized.
The 57th annual EAA convention will be
held July 27-August 2, 2009, at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.
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