Introducing Staff, Stringers, Videographers, And People Who Make It All Work

Anyone who's ever been to Oshkosh knows that there are hundreds of events and activities as well as tens of thousands of people that descend (some quite literally) on Wittman Regional Airport in mid-summer. While we have a very hard-working and dedicated staff, ANN could not provide you with the extensive information we do without the help of some equally ... some might say more ... dedicated volunteers who give a week of their time to make sure you have the best possible coverage of the show. As we lead up to this year's edition of AirVenture, we'll be introducing you to the people that make all of that possible.

Maria Morrison: Stringer

Maria Morrison will be a news stringer for Aero-News.Net for AirVenture 2014, having filled this position for two years previously, and says she looks forward to continue doing so in the future. "I have never found a more exciting thing to do at Oshkosh then get a “behind-the-scenes” look as a reporter for ANN," she says.

In her own words:

"As a young child, my parents and I moved to Port Townsend, a Victorian town 40 NM northwest of Seattle. This little seaport is where I began school, and will become a freshman in high school this fall. As a presidential scholar's award recipient, I have always enjoyed Language Arts (English) in school. I strongly consider following a career in journalism as my education progresses.

"My family has always been oriented towards aviation. My mother is a local flight instructor, and my father flies for a large freight company, as well as flying EAA'S B-17. Since my flight training started in earnest about two years ago, I have accumulated over 150 hours of flight time. Most of my time is logged in a T-41 Mescalero, the military version of a Cessna 172. Along with the Cessna, I also fly a Taylorcraft with the Port Townsend Aero Museum (PTAM). At PTAM, youth volunteers like myself restore and maintain vintage aircraft, centered around the late 30's and early 40's. Volunteers also keep PTAM and the grounds in impeccable condition. It is challenging but rewarding work.

"Outside of school, I enjoy dancing, playing volleyball, and riding my horse, Tigger. Tigger and I have shown together for 6 years and now ride on the local trails. I also play the piano and am my schools first-chair violinist in our orchestra.

"This will be my third year reporting for Aero-News.Net, but I have been coming to Oshkosh with my family for all my 14 years. I enjoy providing readers with a younger person's perspective, seeing Oshkosh through different eyes than adults. I have written about KidVenture, fun events and opportunities, and even where to find the best ice cream. Additionally, I have gotten to interview amazing people such as Kermit Weeks, Bud Anderson, and Bob Hoover. I am one of the only ANN reporters who goes to the Reno Air Races every year, gaining me prize interviews, such as one that I got with multiple-time race winner Steve Hinton Jr.

"As a member of the ANN team, I hope to bring a new perspective to AirVenture, filling in the public with information about interesting exhibits and aircraft. Stay tuned for more of my articles coming up on ANN this AirVenture, year, and for years to come."

FMI: www.aero-news.net