06/15/2026
Thank you to everyone for a successful Pancake Breakfast. It was our 49th and we're still chugging along. After resting for a day and getting our feet back underneath us, we have some typing to do.
First, we would like to thank all of the EAA Chapter 15 volunteers. They sacrificed their time on a day that had great weather. We can't think of the last time the weather actually cooperated. Last year it was in the 90's and windy. If we thanked each one of them individually, this would be a long post. Our members know how much they are appreciated and this breakfast couldn't run without them. But we will thank a few that need to be recognized, we'll make it quick:
Julia: She's our decorated veteran who was overseeing multiple tasks on Saturday. Not only was she in charge of taking care of our guest veterans, she was also tasked with collecting toys for our Toy Drive. She didn't know she was going to be in charge until she arrived. But like a trooper, she stepped up and knocked it out of the park. Along her side, Mackenzie. Both of them together is something to be reckoned with. When our president was off doing other duties, Mack took charge of the hangar and took the organized chaos to a manageable level.
Then there's Jerry, the King of Coffee. Side history note: The coffee contraption used at the breakfast was decommissioned from an old aircraft carrier, the name slips the memory, but she's the Howitzer of coffee machines. Anyway, Jerry has been running that rig for years and, just like an airplane, he has a whole checklist on how to get that thing running. He's been afraid that if something happens to him, he wouldn't have a successor to take over his duties... that was, until last year. A shout out to Steve for taking on the task of being Jerry's partner and volunteering to carry the torch when the time comes. Steve was so involved with it that he's taking on the task of updating the checklist for future generations who venture in to coffee stardom. Plus, he also contributed in a huge way which will be explained later.
Then there's Tom, the main chef. Like he says, we'll keep it simple. Thanks Tom... we always make sure we stay out of your way and not ask dumb questions. And we know, if we look at you too long, you'll yell "What, you want to do this?"
Stearman Bob: Thank you for your generosity of sharing your beautiful plane... and offering rides to individuals that will never forget their experience. As you say, "I'm just the steward of Buzzy" and we couldn't think of anyone else that could fill those shoes.
Our airport: Chris and Mike. Thank you for your support over the years. Even though we took a break for a few years, we regrouped as partners to bring back such a great event for the community, we look forward to celebrating #50 next year.
Now, our guests:
Holiday Air: Thank you for making our event special by offering rides to the public. Having 2 Stearman grace the skies over Romeoville, Lockport, and Plainfield... it must have been a site for people enjoying the weather outside.
Civil Air Patrol (CAP): Thank you for taking part in the event... and helping with parking at the last minute. As we say, there's always something changing and we're glad you helped adapt. Patrick did an awesome job with the cadets, he literally stayed out on the street all morning directing the cars. He was out there so long, he missed his opportunity to take a ride in Buzzy. But rest assured, he has a raincheck for a future ride and hopefully he'll come out and break bread with us at a future cookout.
And finally, the Illinois National Guard Blackhawk helicopter crew, Tyler Robert and Garrett Henderson. You guys are absolutely awesome. When Tyler first arrived and everyone started to gather around, he stepped out with a smile... and the only words I remembered when he was speaking to the CAP cadets... "You can sit anywhere and play with the buttons". You gave them an experience of a lifetime and they'll cherish that moment for a very long time. The father of 2 of the cadets was smiling from ear to ear and he took some great pictures. We're very grateful for the time spent talking with everyone, taking pics, and hopefully enjoyed the food. We look forward to seeing you in the future and we'll save a seat for you at one of the cookouts. If you don't bring your wife and kid, you're more than welcome to bring them a doggy bag.
We didn't forget, we said we would come back to Steve. If he wasn't as crazy as the chapter president, this never would have unfolded. Our president pestered Steve to get in contact with the crew down at the ILLNG at Kankakee, as Steve had made several visits to them since they both are tenants at the airport. When our president heard Steve 'had a guy' at the guard, he kindly asked him to invite them up for the event. And without any doubt, Steve made it happen. Again, thank you Steve, you are the man. And... we know they still do more before 6am than YOU do all day!
OH... almost forgot. Our Toy Drive was a huge success. We will continue to accept toys the rest of the summer and will have the drawing at our Fall Fling event in October. We did make one mistake that has been fixed, each toy donated, you were suppose to get 2 raffle tickets. We are going over the tickets and are adding your name to a second ticket. That was our mistake on our end as the person who was schedule to handle those tickets was away on a personal matter. We will be accepting toys at our cookouts and some of the other events we will be attending. We will post them as we get closer to the dates. And for those of you outside of the area and plan to attend Oshkosh in July, we would be happy to accept any toys at our camp site. Not sure if you would be able to take advantage of some of the raffle items, maybe we'll offer you something from the 'slushy machine'.
Again, thank you to everyone who flew in or drove in. We hope to see you next year and we'll have more things to offer. We have a bunch of dangerous minds in our group and having a year to prepare is scary :)
If anyone has any pictures they would like to share, please add them on the thread. We know our Hollywood girl, Kamelya has some good ones along with some videos.
