Wed, Jul 29, 2009
Three Physically Challenged Pilots Receive Their Wings At
Oshkosh
By Jennifer Staretorp
As visitors of EAA's AirVenture
wander among the hundreds of aircraft that have flown in for the
event, they often do not give any thought to those who might not
have the pleasure of being able to fly. "It's easy to take flying
for granted," said Michael Goulian at the Able Flight Wings
Ceremony at Oshkosh this afternoon.
For the three young aviators who were honored at the ceremony
flying is no small task. What makes Mal Zakery, Jeremy Maddox and
Jessica Cox unique is the physical disabilities that they face.
This, however, has not stopped them from attaining their dream of
becoming pilots. Able Flight's mission appropriately states that
they are"Changing lives through the challenge and freedom of
flight." The organization is aimed at offering people with
disabilities the chance to fly. This is exactly what they did for
the three young pilots. Through the generosity of other pilots and
companies such as Cessna Aircraft, Jet Aviation, Bombardier and
many others, Able Flight has been able to help these aviation
enthusiasts attain their goals.
Jessica Cox
"Aviation is hope," said Miles O'Brien, a former CNN
correspondent, at the ceremony recognizing the tremendous feat of
the new pilots. "This shows that hope does indeed triumph," he
continued, as he pinned Jeremy Maddox with wings symbolizing his
accomplishments. Patty Wagstaff joined Michael Goulian and Miles
O'Brien in recognizing the three inspirational aviators. Mal,
Jeremy and Jessica were each recognized and awarded their wings by
one of the three keynote speakers.
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