EAA Aviation Foundation, Inc.

About This Campaign

This campaign celebrates the life and legacy of Tom Poberezny by helping create a bronze sculpture of Tom, and founding a special scholarship fund in his name. The sculpture will be placed permanently in the EAA Museum near an existing sculpture of Tom’s father, Paul, who founded EAA. Future gifts will expand a named scholarship to sustain the spirit of EAA exemplified by Tom far and wide in a new generation of aviation enthusiasts. Tom Poberezny was responsible for funding, designing and building the Museum, expanding the annual AirVenture Oshkosh Fly-in and launching education initiatives like Young Eagles that take place around the world every day. Contributions will extend the story of a founding father’s dream and the son who made it a reality—and inspire young people to fly it into the future. Gifts are tax-deductible and restricted to the above purposes within the EAA Aviation Foundation. Note: Please scroll below to see a list of leadership donors who have launched this “Tribute to Tom” project with gifts already totaling almost $200,000.

More about the Sculpture and Scholarship

Renowned sculptor George Lundeen has been commissioned to create a life-size bronze sculpture of Tom in the museum entrance gallery, gazing upward at the Red Devils and Christen Eagles aircraft he flew for 25 years suspended overhead. Lundeen has created aviation sculptures for world-class museums, airports and public facilities, including Jack Swigert and Amelia Earhart in Statuary Hall of the U.S. Capitol. The scholarship in Tom’s name will be administered by the EAA Aviation Foundation in conjunction with the EAA Young Eagles Program, providing opportunities for some of nearly 2.5 million Young Eagles worldwide to follow in his contrails. The sculpture and scholarship will be installed and celebrated at AirVenture Oshkosh in July 2023.

About Tom

Tom Poberezny left a tremendous aviation legacy with his achievements as an aerobatic pilot and the growth of EAA, where he worked for 42 years. He served for 34 years as Chairman of the annual Oshkosh fly-in (now called AirVenture) as it doubled in size and became widely recognized as the world’s premier aviation event. In the early 80s, Tom led the campaign to build the EAA museum and the world-class exhibits that are in it. As EAA President from 1989 to 2010, Tom nurtured the organization’s unique culture of participation and grew its mission in countless ways. Perhaps most notable was his emphasis on youth initiatives to secure a positive future for aviation. Tom started the Young Eagles program, which is now on its way to taking three million kids for their first airplane ride. He also oversaw the development of the EAA Air Academy and KidVenture. In addition to his contributions to EAA, Tom was an accomplished pilot. With Charlie Hillard and Gene Soucy he won the 1972 World Aerobatic Team Championship, beginning an unprecedented 25 years of air show flying with the same aerobatic team members to worldwide acclaim and without a single incident. Tom was also the 1973 U. S. National Unlimited Aerobatic Champion.

About the Sculptor

• Contributions are tax-deductible
• Tom's wife Sharon is contributing to the vision for the statue design
• It is anticipated the statue will be unveiled during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023
• The proceeds from this GoFundMe are supplementing private fundraising efforts. Any funds raised beyond the cost of the statue will be added to a youth aviation scholarship fund in Tom's name within the EAA Aviation Foundation.

Brad "Launchpad" Marzari  was a larger than life friend to all in aviation, who was taken from us much too soon. He loved aviation, his wife Gabby, kids, and sharing with people, especially his "contraband" chocolate. Read the obituary by Rob Mark at Flying Magazine and listen to Max Trescott's analysis of the accident and why we think he went out a hero. 

One of the causes he was passionate about was the EAA Young Eagle program, and he'd fly kids in his beloved Focke-Wulf, making them part of the crew, because warbirds don't have passengers! We've started this campaign to honor Launchpad with bricks at the EAA Brown Arch at Oshkosh and donate to the EAA Aviation Foundation. Please join us in making a difference!

 "I have figured out AirVenture
It is Brigadoon
A city that rises out of the mist once a year.
No one ages, Every one is happy, You can eat, sing, fall in love, But you step out of the gate and turn around it is gone.
Only an empty field is where this mythical place once stood. Until next year where it will magically appear again."
Launchpad Marzari. July 29, 2016 Facebook post

More information about EAA Aviation Foundation, Inc.: Our mission is to grow participation in aviation. EAA is a membership organization that, through programs, experiences, and an annual convention, introduces people of all backgrounds to the opportunities of flight. EAA serves to build enthusiasm and passion for all aspects of flight, enhance safety and efficiency, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit.

"Frequency change approved, g'day"