Eddie, 90, from the Emeritus of Oakridge in Stevens Point, Wisc. believes that a passion for planes has always been in his blood. Eddie has been a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) for many years, reading their magazines and keeping up with current EAA events. Unfortunately Eddie has been unable to attend the EAA AirVenture for the past 6 years. As a result, Eddie’s Wish of a Lifetime is to attend the 2015 EAA AirVenture.
Eddie has spent the majority of his life putting others’ needs in front of his own. As a World War II veteran, Eddie was a graduate of the Army Air Corp and able to fly piper cubs. Eddie wanted to learn to fly a B29; however, Eddie was moved to an artillery unit and spent the rest of the war in the ground forces in Europe. When Eddie was not fighting in the artillery ground forces, he guarded the German prisoners of war. After returning from war, Eddie took flying lessons at Stevens Point and received his pilot’s license. Soon after, Eddie and his wife began a family, once again putting his passion for aviation on hold. Eddie and his wife had two girls, and adopted a boy, Dave. During this time, Eddie worked as a mechanic. Rather than make neighbors and friends pay for his services, he would simply help them out of the kindness of his heart. Eddie also volunteered at church, sacrificing his time to work on construction, committees, or funerals. Eddie has always enjoyed helping others, brightening their day and always placing others’ needs above his own.
Today, Eddie is known in his community as the “energizer bunny” because he just keeps going and going. His kind heart combined with his passion for airplanes can light up a room, evoking feelings of warmth and happiness for those around him. On July 24, 2015, Brookdale and Wish of a Lifetime sent Eddie and his son, Dave to the EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Daughters Debbie, Diana and son-in law Jim also accompanied Eddie to AirVenture. Eddie loved having his family with him throughout the day. While Dave and Eddie were walking to the Ultra Light flight line Eddie saw a piper cub, which is the plane he learned to fly while in the Arm Air Corp. Eddie said “I see a Piper Cub! I got to go over and see that plane. This is incredible!” After the Ultralights, Eddie and Dave had the opportunity to fly in a B17. Eddie said, “being on the B17 was incredible. It was loud, rickety and invigorating. I loved it!” Although tired after the B17 flight, Eddie and family attend the Friday Airshow. According to Eddie, “the War Bird performance was the best war bird performance I have ever seen.” Eddie and family made many lifelong memories while spending the day at the 2015 EAA AirVenture.
Photo credit: Tom Krueger Photography
