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Ann Devers |
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| About the Author ... |
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Ann Devers serves
as AVweb's Marketing Manager and works closely in this position with AVweb's
sponsors. In addition, she is responsible for developing and managing AVweb's
presence at various trade shows throughout the U.S. Ann has been closely
involved with the aviation industry for more than 35 years, including work as
an editor for the World Aviation Directory and in advertising and production
for Commuter Air magazine. Ann is also a veteran of the Washington, D.C.,
trade association industry, having held managerial positions with the National
Business Aviation Association, the AOPA Air Safety Foundation and the National
Air Transportation Association (NATA). In addition to this experience, she
also played a major role in the NATA's "Learn To Fly" program during
the mid-1990s before it grew into today's Be A Pilot organization. Among other
current activities, Ann serves as a board member of the Clark County (Nev.)
Aviation Association. Ann earned her Private Pilot certificate in the early
1980s and is the very proud owner of a highly-modified, 180-HP, 1975 Cessna
172M: "Honey."
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Watching the faces of 39 new aviators provided the
assembled crowd of seasoned veteran flyers with new hope for our
industry's future. As the youngsters and dignitaries assembled
the noon day air was filled with pride. The pride was in both
the accomplishments of the students and of those that have given
of their time and finances to build the EAA Foundation Air Academy
Lodge. The 10,600 square foot Lodge will house students, year
round. The building is constructed of British Columbia spruce
logs and field stones with 53 beds, quarters for house parents,
a commercial kitchen, and a great room that can double as a mess
hall providing meals for more than 50 people at a time. the two
story great room also features a lounge area with a field stone
fireplace. Overlooking the Pioneer Airport this is a very impressive
building.
No matter how impressive the building itself the
real story is in the dedication of those who worked to see this
dream come true. The dream was that of EAA member James Ray who
wanted to insure youngsters would have an opportunity to follow
their dream of flight. Mr. Ray shared his dream with the EAA
staff and the wheels of the organization were turning. The entire
$2 million cost was donated by Mr. Ray, the Ray Foundation, the
Clay Lacy Professional Pilot Endowement, 25 corporate sponsors,
and private individuals. Mr. Ray was presented with a picture
of the Lodge signed by the graduating students and staff by Chuck
and Diane Larsen.
Foundation director, Chuck Larsen remarked that "this
facility will grow the leadership of tomorrow. This program sets
a tone and level of behavior we can be proud of." Student
Diane Hoover of Winchester, Virginia who wants to join the Air
Force and then become an airline pilot spoke for the student body.
She commented that she had gained not only a knowledge of welding,
composites, woodworking, academic and actual flying but had acquired
friendships that will last a lifetime.
Tom Pob EAA president, said that the Foundation took
a leadership role in setting up this program 15 year s ago. The
Lodge with the year round program shows an investment in the future.
However, results will not be overnight. Ultimately the Air
Academy program will be available worldwide.
Among the corporate sponsors were Sporty's Market
and Associated Aviation Underwriters. "This is a dream come
true for all of us, but especially for Jim Ray", stated Hal
Sheivers of Sporty's. Clay Lacy said, "I am proud to be
a part of this project. I have been flying all my life. It's
a pleasure to help young people become a part of flying as a career.
This project has taken EAA to a new level. Thank goodness for
the Poberezies".
The Air Academy was established 15 years ago with
an unsolited endowment of $1 million from Dick and Joanne Hansen.
Jim Ray matched this gift with a $1 million donation to establish
the Cliff Robertson scholarship so youngsters would have the opportunity
to experience airplane building and flying.
Speaking to the audience, Cliff Robertson read the
following composition he wrote for this rededication:
This special place—
This place—this eagles rest
for eagles young—
will strengthen some to soar on high
to fly above
life's clouds that lie ahead.
This place—
this place to learn at day and night
the rules that govern flight
and forever be a rest for eagles
young
where wings have just begun to spread—
to reach for skies
above—
to soar—
to fly—
to love—
to grace this eagles nest—
this special
place.
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