The Martins’ journey with EAA began in the late 1980s when Cindy Martin, EAA 288433, and her husband, Robert, EAA 1034583, first attended AirVenture. A few years later, they began bringing their younger children and started volunteering with Operation Thirst. A short time later, Robert began working with Dave Miller and Steve Taylor in maintenance, and the rest of the family followed suit.
This initial experience sparked a family tradition of volunteering that has spanned generations. Cindy’s son and his wife continue to volunteer, as do Cindy’s five grandchildren and granddaughter-in-law. “It’s like a family reunion,” Cindy said. “Not just for our family, but with all the people we work with. We’ve probably almost all been together for 25 to 35 years.”
The Martins’ commitment to volunteering has created a ripple effect, inspiring even their youngest family members to get involved. “When you get them hooked at [ages] 10, 11, and 12, they don’t ever want to stop. It’s infectious,” Cindy explained. Her granddaughter, who is turning 15, eagerly looks forward to the summer, as there is no place she would rather be than with friends and family at AirVenture.
Cindy’s passion for aviation extends beyond volunteering. As a flight instructor for nearly 40 years, she initially attended Oshkosh to improve her skills and learn from forums. “It has changed my life,” Cindy said. Her dedication led to a rewarding career at Flight Safety International, from which she is now retired.
For Cindy, the friendships and connections made through volunteering are invaluable. “The friendships we’ve made and getting to spend time with people we don’t see anywhere else … it’s just different to be there,” she said. The sense of community is strong, with about 90 people in their group, many of whom have been volunteering together for decades.
The impact of volunteering on the younger generation is profound. “In our group, one of the biggest things we all talk about is where our kids have gone,” Cindy said. Many have pursued careers in aviation, becoming aeronautical engineers, airline pilots, mechanics, and flight instructors. “They mature so quickly when they’re up there working like an adult and [being] treated like an adult. It puts a footprint on their life, whether it’s aviation or not.”
Cindy is proud to see more young people getting involved and appreciates the educational opportunities EAA provides. Her grandson now flies for an airline, her granddaughter is pursuing an aviation degree at Bowling Green State University in Ohio, and her son is learning to fly, Cindy shared with pride.
The Martins’ story is a testament to the power of volunteering and the lasting impact it can have on individuals and families. Her dedication and passion for aviation continue to inspire those around her, creating a legacy of service and community within EAA.