Story and photos courtesy of EAA Chapter 1204
Just like the Starfish Story by Loren Eiseley, EAA volunteers take pride in making a difference “one future pilot at a time.” The story tells us that a man was walking along the beach one day when he noticed a boy picking up and gently throwing things into the ocean.
Approaching the boy, he asked: “Young man, what are you doing?” The boy replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up, and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”
The man laughed to himself and said, “Do you realize there are miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make any difference.” After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the surf, then smiling at the man, he said, “I made a difference to that one.”
At EAA Chapter 1204 in Norwich, New York, stories like this often solidify the organization’s commitment to sharing The Spirit of Aviation. Since the dawn of time, men have looked to the sky with hope and wonder. For those who love to fly, that passion is meant to be shared. In the summer of 2014, 10-year-old Jonathan Ryan, EAA 1174301, made his way to the Chenango County Airport Days. By chance, pilot and EAA volunteer Dr. John Garzione, EAA 298941, was designated to take Jonathan on his first Young Eagles flight experience.
Jonathan’s mother shared with us that her son stepped down from that airplane, smiling from ear to ear and determined to be a pilot. Every year after that, Jonathan participated in various summer flight camps to help prepare for his future. John became his mentor, and for many years after, the two of them enjoyed Young Eagles flights together. Jonathan became a youth volunteer and helped at EAA events. He also volunteered at school career exploration events and presented on the fascinating career opportunities in aviation. John’s influence kept the young man engaged with the organization supporting others to discover new career opportunities in aviation.
John’s aviation story begins with a sweet gift from his wife. Early in their marriage, his wife Anita made arrangements for him to fly at a local airport. The rest is history! His aviation career has led to many advancements, including his involvement with the EAA chapter. John recalls other mentoring stories. “Ben was a 12-year-old young man who is now working in Cincinnati as a regional jet pilot. His passion for aviation began at one of our EAA Young Eagle flights.”
John also shared that he took the young man to Oshkosh. “These types of experiences allow students to explore new horizons. If the kids show interest in aviation, our job is to help them see the possibilities,” said John.
“Paying it forward is my passion,” said John. He is quick to add that the joy of flying should always be tempered by the job’s seriousness at hand. “You have to be serious because there is no room for forgiveness,” says John to his young explorers about the commitment to piloting an airplane.
In September 2020, in the act of kindness he has become known for in local aviation circles, John flew Jonathan to Ithaca Airport to pose for his senior photo in front of a particular aircraft, the Hawker Jet 850XP. The meaningful trip allowed for the exchange of advice and wishing Jonathan success as he begins his journey to become a commercial pilot starting next fall. For Jonathan, John’s mentorship ignited his career search.
“The first flight led to me dreaming of becoming a pilot,” Jonathan said. “Dr. Garzione helped me love to fly. I can’t wait to start my aviation career at college next year and one day return to EAA to volunteer as a pilot to pay it forward.”