Will Continue In Role Through 2009
The Experimental Aircraft
Association announced Tuesday Jack J. Pelton, chairman, president,
and CEO at Cessna Aircraft Company, has confirmed he will extend
his chairmanship of the EAA Gathering of Eagles Committee for two
more years -- in line with Cessna’s pledge to serve as
hosting sponsor of the EAA Gathering of Eagles event through
2009.
The event takes place each summer concurrent with EAA’s
annual AirVenture Oshkosh convention. People representing all
corners of the aviation community come together at the gathering to
affirm and raise funds supporting EAA’s mission. EAA applies
the funds raised toward its youth-inspiring, educating, and
history-preserving work.
"EAA’s programs use aviation to benefit young people,
encouraging them to believe in themselves, apply themselves, and
achieve. Cessna wants to continue to be a part of that work by
hosting the event. My personal commitment to EAA drove my decision
to stay on as the Gathering of Eagles Committee chairman throughout
this time," Pelton said.
"Some of the kids participating in EAA’s youth programs go
on to become aviation leaders — pilots, engineers, mechanics,
executives and more. By supporting EAA’s programs, Cessna is
investing in the future of the general aviation community," Pelton
added.
EAA President Tom Poberezny welcomed Pelton’s
announcement. "Jack, who is a lifetime EAA member, brings the
highest level of leadership and dedication. Most importantly, he
has a true understanding of, and passion for, our work to enhance
the role of aviation in enriching people’s lives," Poberezny
said.
Given the diversity within EAA,
Poberezny characterized the organization as the ideal venue for
congregating and rallying various constituencies within general
aviation.
"EAA’s essence lies in its ability to bring together, in a
single community, aviation’s most passionate participants.
It’s a community made up of individual enthusiasts, corporate
interests, philanthropists, and more -- all of whom believe in
keeping the spirit of aviation alive," Poberezny said.
Pelton also focused on the common ground shared among diverse
participants. "As the people who live and love aviation, we
can’t afford to take it for granted. Aviation’s future
depends on our ability to collaborate and build a legacy to carry
forward," Pelton said.