By: Ella Lucas, EAA 1518806
Do you dream about living forever or becoming a legend, like Davy Crockett? I think many people do. There is something instinctive inside of us that craves glory, fame, and to be known. Who wouldn’t want to be remembered forever? It’s probably a bit different than the desire in everyone that wants to fly (which is more of a freedom thing) or build their own house (which is more of a security or financial thing). It’s a desire to be bigger than we are on this earth, and to have our lives “mean something.” I think I’m starting to learn how it happens.
When I first decided I wanted to become a commercial airline pilot, I had no idea how I was going to do it. I joined a bunch of organizations (EAA, CAP, WAI) and asked lots of questions. Each organization has a variety of scholarships and grant opportunities, which a ton of people apply to.
I applied to them all and didn’t get any of them. In hindsight, it is completely reasonable. The people issuing the scholarships saw these as an investment. Yes, some of them do it out of the goodness of their hearts, and some of them probably do it for advertising purposes. They want their hard-earned money to go somewhere and be productive. They didn’t want my sob stories of not being able to afford it. They want to see that I’m invested as well and have a strong interest in aviation already, and that it isn’t a fad. They want to know that I’ll make it to the finish line. They want to see “skin in the game” as well as an ability to execute.
So I started working with the purpose of paying for flight time and instruction. The best job for that was waitressing. The good tips and flexible hours have helped me get some hours in. I found a tempo, and it was working for me. I wasn’t on the fastest track, but I was going to get there. I wrote off scholarships as a bad investment of my time. It’s like trying to hit the lottery. You start to feel like you should give up the more you fail. So at one point I completely stopped applying for scholarships and decided that I would just figure out how to pay for it myself.
And as soon as I stopped trying, I was nudged by Peter Hurley, EAA 184952, who is a vice president of EAA Chapter 96, to apply for a scholarship. I had never met or talked to him before, but he had read my article in the January 2024 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine and thought that I would be a good candidate. He was willing to recommend me despite barely knowing me. Because of that I felt I had a higher chance of receiving the scholarship, so I applied and I can happily say that I received this scholarship thanks to him and his motivation. I’ll be attending the EAA Air Academy Advanced Camp during AirVenture 2024 thanks to the Cajun Dream Scholarship.
A few things:
First, I’m super excited. I’m going to Oshkosh. I’m going to Oshkosh. I’m going to Oshkosh. This isn’t a dream. AirVenture is going to be epic. I’ve been reading about the activities and events. I am so excited to be able to meet people my age interested in aviation, and explore aircraft construction activities like welding, sheet metal work, and the list goes on. And, of course attending THE Oshkosh, I can’t wait. I already know I need to save up so I can bring back some fun merch for friends and family.
Second, this is a bit cynical. There is an irony that reminds me of Catch 22 (a great book that coined the same phrase). It features a pilot who is trying to get out of his military duty because he doesn’t want to die. He tries to get out by telling the medical officer he is going crazy (he said that he believes everyone is out to kill him). The medical officer tells him that he isn’t crazy for not wanting to die, so he can’t release him for that reason. He then tells the medical officer that he isn’t worried about being killed. The medical officer then tells him to continue his duties. The ironic catch I’ve noticed is that the people who win scholarships generally don’t need them. My passion and path for aviation are established; nothing will change that. This will inspire, reinforce, and (hopefully) accelerate my path, but there is a small part of me that can’t help but think that it should go to someone else who maybe hasn’t had the opportunities that I have been blessed with.
Third, I’m insanely curious about the people who have made it possible for me to go to this. It’s like having a secret admirer (or “secret detractor” if you’re a Calvin & Hobbes fan).
Stephen “Cajun” Del Bagno, whose legacy the scholarship carries, worked (like me) to pay for flight hours in high school. He went on to become a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot who flew aircraft like the F-35 Lightning II, and became part of the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds. He would give back to the community by inspiring others through presentations; who isn’t amazed by high-intensity aerobatics? On April 4, 2018, Maj. Del Bagno got into an aerial accident and passed away. His friends and family recognized and wanted to continue Stephen’s legacy by helping young Americans pursue their aviation dreams.
Stephen “Cajun” Del Bagno, you are occupying a place in my heart and mind. I hope someday I can be like you.
So, how do you become immortal? More irony: fame and immortality will come, in my opinion, by helping others reach their goals and dreams. The more you focus on others, and the less you focus on yourself, the more famous you’ll become… but then you probably won’t care about fame or immortality but rather encouraging the future generation. Another “Catch 22.” This one is good.
Stephen Del Bagno, Peter Hurley, and everyone else involved with the Cajun Dream Scholarship, thank you!!! May your apathy for glory continue to flourish. I’ll let you know how the Oshkosh adventure goes. Hope to see you there.
“Yossarian Lives”