Gary Baker, EAA Lifetime 251742, a retired airline pilot from Medina, Ohio, has selflessly given his time and expertise to EAA and Chapter 846 for the past 32 years.
Just a few of his contributions include coordinating Young Eagles flights and flying more than 175 kids, serving on the Homebuilt Aircraft Council, holding positions as president and treasurer of Chapter 846, and volunteering as EAA flight advisor and tech counselor. Dedicated to his mission of bringing people into the aviation community, he’s put in countless hours, never giving up, but he realized it wasn’t a one-man task.
Gary said he noticed that the more effort and time he invested in his chapter, the more he understood the power of teamwork. As more people began to participate, Chapter 846 experienced significant growth in numbers, including younger future pilots.
Reflecting on this, Gary explained: “An individual can’t do everything. You might have a vision for what you think you’re going to be doing, but when you get more people involved, more good things happen.”
“It just goes back … to keep introducing people [to aviation],” he said.
Michael Dooley, EAA 834638, grew up in the Midwest. At age 9, a Civil Air Patrol airplane ride sparked his passion for flying. He began saving for flight training, earning his private certificate in 1973 and an instrument rating in 1983.
After serving 30 years in the Army, which limited his flying opportunities, Michael joined EAA upon retirement to rekindle his passion for aviation.
“I did a restart in aviation in 2007 and joined Chapter 91 … and went to AirVenture for the first time,” he said.
By 2010, he was fully volunteering and eventually became chairman of the Homebuilt Headquarters and served as chapter president for six years.
Michael believes strongly in what EAA can do for others and loves being a part of that.
“I think it’s a chance to give back to what, in my mind, is a very special organization,” he said. “The opportunities are amazing right now for young people in particular to get involved in aviation and aerospace. And so, anything that I can do to help further that mission makes me feel good if I’m doing it.”
Tim, EAA Lifetime 317633, and Liz Popp, EAA Lifetime 1486815, are one of EAA’s husband/wife power couples and have been since 1988 when they attended their first AirVenture together. Since 1993, they’ve dedicated their time volunteering and are most known for their work with vintage aircraft judging.
Their commitment to EAA goes beyond just volunteering; it’s about being a part of a community and contributing to something they love. For the past few years, they’ve arrived in May and stayed through September living on the grounds, far away from their hometown in Arizona, immersing themselves in their work. Whether it’s helping out with Vintage, South Maintenance, facilities, convention admin, or something else, they always go where they are needed, spending hundreds of hours to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Liz’s willingness to contribute is evident. “Whatever they need me to do, if I can physically do it, I’ll do it. I don’t [mind],” she said.
Tim said he enjoys being part of the behind-the-scenes work that goes into AirVenture.
“Anybody that comes the first time, just they have no idea what they’re in for. And that’s just coming to the show,” Tim said. “Then when you start volunteering and you kind of find out all the things that go on behind the scenes to make it happen and to be a part of that, it’s just pretty incredible.”
