Successful "Gathering of Eagles" Event Raises Funds In Support of EAA's Mission

Actor, pilot and EAA member Harrison Ford will serve as EAA Young Eagles program chairman for another two years, after announcing his intentions to an enthusiastic crowd and resounding applause during a Theater in the Woods presentation on July 27 at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. The 53rd edition of "The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration" continues through Sunday.

When asked by EAA Young Eagles Executive Director Steve Buss during the onstage presentation whether he would consider another two-year stint, Ford responded, "Nothing would please me more."

Ford has chaired the EAA Young Eagles program since 2003 and given more than 200 young people their first exposure to the joy of flight as a volunteer pilot for the program.  

"Our mission is to use aviation as a way to inspire and educate young people. Harrison Ford is a great ambassador of the program because he shows that he believes in it and, as a pilot volunteer, he lives it," Buss said. "His passion for aviation and its beneficial influence on young people comes through every time he speaks about the program. I'm delighted that he accepted my invitation to continue as Young Eagles chairman for an additional two years."

Among Ford's roles as EAA Young Eagles chairman, he helped lead the July 28 EAA Gathering of Eagles dinner and auction, an event that raises funds to support EAA Young Eagles and the organization's related youth-inspiration and -education initiatives. Cessna Aircraft Company serves as the presenting sponsor of the Gathering of Eagles event.

Founded in 1992, the EAA Young Eagles program has provided more than one million free demonstration flights to young people around the world through the efforts of 39,000 volunteer pilots and 50,000 ground volunteers.

FMI: www.youngeagles.org