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.

Marty Steiner: Stringer

One might think that Marty Steiner was found in the lost baggage area of Miami’s old 36th Street Airport. That’s not quite true, but close. Marty grew up (physically) under the approach path to the airport. This was near the end of WW II with extensive military air operations supporting first the African campaigns and later the landings in Italy. Marty would ride his bike to the airport and watch all the activity.

After the war his bike rides took him to the flightline of abandoned military aircraft. He “flew” hundreds of missions sitting in these hulks.

Later came summer jobs with Eastern Airlines and then a thirty-year professional career with IBM as an “Airline Industry Specialist” (don’t throw me in the briar patch!”). These activities introduced him to many aircraft rescues, restorations, museums and aviation events across the country. Writing feature articles came naturally as did his role as an ICAS airshow producer/director, and President of the Georgia Air Show Group made up of warbird owners and enthusiasts. Later efforts included the rescue and restoration of an original WW II hangar, site coordinator for the Collings Foundation Georgia stops, aviation history presentations and coordination of aviation special events.

Marty’s aviation feature articles have been published across the spectrum of local, national and UK periodicals. He also is published in history, collecting, lifestyle, travel, food/beverage and even a music magazine! As lead writer, Marty contributed 75% of Georgia Flight the centennial history of flight in Georgia.

He is currently assisting Historic Souther Field in Americus, Georgia with their centennial. Souther is the only remaining WW I Army Air Service training field that is still an operating airport. It may be best known as the site where Charles Lindbergh bought a surplus Jenny and soloed. Historic Souther Field is planning a “Great War Aero Event and Fly-in” for October 21 – 22, 2018 with a focus on WWI aviation.         

(Image provided by the Author)

FMI: www.aero-news.net