Story and Photography By Robbie Culver
Each year, I try to find something new to take away from EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. I do not know how many years I have attended, but I have been coming since I was a child and am about to turn 59. It’s safe to say I have been here often.
As it is often said, we come for the airplanes but return for the people. For many of us, these words ring true as we get older and see each other less, often dealing with some losses along the way. Take nothing for granted, as each day is a unique and precious gift. Personally, this point was driven home brutally this year.
On Saturday morning before AirVenture, my routine was interrupted by the kind of call no one wants to get. My good friend and fellow pilot, Jon Couch, was killed by a drunk driver the night before. We had been texting earlier that day, planning our Oshkosh adventures.
It would be easy to get caught up in sadness and grief, and I admit that I did for a moment. But then I realized once again we get to live exactly once, and my friend Jon would want me to do just that. I picked myself up and headed off to homebuilt camping to be among friends.
As the week went by, I ran into friends over and over again. Often random encounters in the endless crowd, sometimes a planned meeting during the air show. Each one reminded me of how precious these moments are. Most of them I see once a year — at Oshkosh.
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is truly one of a kind. There simply is nothing else like it on earth. Yeah, the aircraft are incredibly cool. Sure, the air shows are phenomenal. And absolutely, seeing the innovation and growth in the industry in one place is staggering.
But look around. The show grounds are filled with humanity. Each one a friend — some you may not have met yet — but we share a passion for aviation, flight, and the magic that encompasses every moment in the air.
On Friday, July 28, I made time to go hang out with my friends from EAA Chapter 461, my chapter in Bolingbrook, Illinois. Several of our youths were there as well, and watching part of the air show with them reminded me of how it all began in my youth, some years ago.
EAA Chapter 461 has a vibrant youth program, trying to inspire and mentor young people who clearly share the passion for flight that brings us together. As we watched the MiGs flying, I could not help but think about my friend Jon. I will truly miss him, but seeing the light in the eyes of our young folks made me realize that the best way to honor those gone before us is to remember them, and to share our passion with those making their own way into this adventure.
Blue skies, Jon. I will miss you terribly. And to all of you reading this, I will see you next year — walking the grounds, in the exhibit hangars, and yes, out on the flightline.
Come for the airplanes; come back for the people.