For many, AirVenture is a weeklong celebration of aviation, but for Don, EAA 43797, and Karen Duck, EAA 617522, it’s a family tradition that spans generations and entails nearly a month of dedicated volunteer work each year. The Ducks have become a cornerstone of the volunteer community at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, contributing their time, skills, and passion to ensure the event runs smoothly.
The Ducks’ involvement in AirVenture is truly a family affair. Don and Karen, along with their children and grandchildren, have been volunteering with south maintenance and working for Steve Taylor for many years. Don is a longtime maintenance volunteer, known for his work putting up banners and assisting with numerous tasks around the event. His dedication is unwavering, having attended AirVenture almost every year since it moved to Oshkosh. Karen’s primary responsibility is managing the international flags. With a small team, she ensures that the flags are displayed correctly, adding a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere to the event. Their son Tim, EAA 617230, and their daughter in-law Karrie assist with setting up tables and managing the sewer system, taking on essential but often overlooked tasks that keep the event running smoothly.
The Duck family’s involvement spans three generations since their youngest son, Craig, EAA Lifetime 377090, and his wife, Bobbi, EAA 1481659, and their children CJ, EAA 1481661, and Felicia, EAA 1481662, joined the volunteer ranks. As part of the “Brat Pack,” CJ and Felicia handle power washing and other cleaning tasks, ensuring the venue remains clean and presentable. This multigenerational commitment highlights the family’s deep connection to AirVenture and their shared love for aviation.
Aviation runs in the Duck family’s blood. This passion for flying is a significant part of their identity and fuels their dedication to AirVenture. “Don’s a pilot. Craig’s a pilot. CJ’s working on it. And our other son that stays home is a pilot,” Karen proudly shared.
For the Ducks, volunteering at AirVenture is about more than just the tasks they perform. It’s about the friendships they’ve formed and the sense of community they experience. “The friends we’ve made and the group we work with is just like a family,” Karen explained. “We just all work together. And I’d say that’s — that’s the main reason why we volunteer is because we enjoy being with all of them. And it’s just a fun time.”
Now in their 80s, Don and Karen said the physical demands of volunteering are becoming more challenging. However, the rewards far outweigh the difficulties. The joy of being part of such a significant event, the fun they have, and the bonds they’ve formed keep them coming back year after year. Beyond AirVenture, the Ducks are active members of their local chapter (EAA 132). Don serves as an officer, and Karen has been the newsletter editor for many years, further demonstrating their commitment to the aviation community.
The Duck family’s contributions to AirVenture and their legacy of volunteerism is an inspiration. As they continue to volunteer, they set an example for future generations, showing that with commitment and a love for aviation, they can make a lasting impact.