While many aviation enthusiasts around the world are preparing to attend EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2021, others are already here.
Ron Lem, EAA 1159879, of Concord, California, is a volunteer at EAA’s print/mail center and owns the first homebuilt airplane that has arrived on the AirVenture grounds. Ron has been camping with his 2002 Van’s RV-6 since July 13, keeping busy with volunteer work in preparation for the convention’s official starting date of July 26.
“There’s a lot of activity going on in preparation for the air show,” Ron explained. “There’s an air of anticipation.”
What causes someone to want to camp under their airplane for a month, 2,000 miles away from their home?
“Through the volunteering process I have made new friends, formed new friendships with other volunteers,” Ron said. “I come early to spend time with them, renew old acquaintances, and, of course, help out around the air show.”
After missing a year of AirVenture, along with the hardships from the last year, Ron wanted to make sure one thing was clear.
“I am grateful to EAA for finding a way to facilitate AirVenture in 2021 after not being able to have this event in 2020,” Ron said. “I’m looking forward to this year.”