By Campbell Harrod, EAA 125214
To celebrate 50 consecutive years of fly-in conventions in Oshkosh, we’re featuring Stories of Oshkosh told by attendees remembering their special moments at EAA’s long-standing home. If you or someone you know would like to share your own Story of Oshkosh, email editorial@eaa.org.
In 1994 I attended my first EAA Oshkosh, as it was called back then. I went with my aviation mentor/employer Ken Gamble, who was very good friends with Paul Poberezny and his family.
So the first night there, Ken takes me to the Warbirds party where I get to meet Paul. Many warbird owners and celebrities were there. During dinner, I look over at the food line, and I see Ken talking with another guy while they scoop up the beans. They are both laughing and singing the song “Beans, beans are good for your heart, the more you eat the more you fart!” Ken sees me and calls me over and says “Hey Cam, meet my friend Chuck Yeager!” That was my intro to Oshkosh, and I’ve never missed a year since.
I have way too many fond AirVenture memories to recount, but I know a few of my favorites were meeting Bob Hoover, Chuck Yeager, Bud Anderson, and Jimmy Leeward and not to mention all the wonderful aircraft and performances I have seen over the years.
I have made many friendships over the years, friends from all over the world, and we all enjoy camping together every year. These friendships I have are every bit as important to me as the event and the airplanes. Oshkosh is the mecca of aviation; there is no other aviation event that compares!