[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 124 (Tuesday, July 26, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S3689]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                       REMEMBERING TOM POBEREZNY

 Mr. INHOFE. Madam President, today, I would like to recognize 
and honor the life of my friend and fellow aviator, Tom Poberezny, 
after his passing earlier this week. It is no coincidence that this 
week is the annual Experimental Aircraft Association--EAA--AirVenture 
air show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, an event that Tom was monumental in 
propelling to a world-level aviation event.
  Tom and I got to know each other at this event, and I am grateful for 
the fellowship we built over a shared love of aviation. Like his 
father, the founder of EAA Paul Poberezny, Tom was first appointed 
chairman to EAA AirVenture in 1977. At the time, it was simply a 
national gathering of small plane enthusiasts. Under his leadership, it 
grew into an international event with hundreds of thousands of visitors 
every year.
  Like me, Tom was a lifelong aviation enthusiast. There is no doubt 
that Tom had a long-lasting impact on the aviation community, from his 
involvement with the U.S. National Unlimited Aerobatic Team to his 
presidency of EAA. As president of EAA, Tom had a leadership role 
advocating for sport pilots and light-sport category aircraft, and he 
spearheaded the construction of the current EAA Aviation Center 
headquarters and museum complex in Oshkosh, WI.
  Tom recognized the importance of growing the next generation of 
aviators. In 1992, he led the creation of the Young Eagles program 
designed to give young kids an opportunity to experience flight in a 
general aviation airplane while educating them about aviation. In 2003, 
Tom played a pivotal leadership role as a member of the Centennial of 
Flight Commission to commemorate the Wright Brothers' historic first 
flight.
  When Tom retired from EAA, his work wasn't finished. He served on the 
boards of several organizations including Angel Flight West, which 
provides free air transportation for passengers in need of medical 
treatment far from home.
  Throughout the years, Tom was recognized for his notable 
contributions to the aviation community. In 1996, he was inducted into 
the Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame, and 20 years later, he was 
inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame. Tom's dedication to 
aviation serves as an example for us all, and his legacy will stand the 
test of time.
  Most aviators know Tom's history, but what they may not be aware of 
was his close relationship with individuals in the aviation community. 
I was with Tom at Oshkosh since 1979, the very first year I went with 
my two young aviator sons. We didn't miss a single Oshkosh in 43 years, 
and each reunion was one of my happiest moments. We are part of the Tom 
Poberezny family, and for that reason, the relationship is very 
special.
  Kay and I join his family in their grief and in celebrating the life 
of Tom Poberezny, a remarkable champion of aviation.

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