July 14, 2026 | Operation Airdrop | Chuck Larkin | chuck@operationairdrop.org | 469-777-5360 Ext. 302
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Operation Airdrop to Recruit Disaster-Relief Pilots at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
OSHKOSH, Wis. — Operation Airdrop will recruit volunteer pilots and raise awareness of aviation-based disaster relief during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026, July 20–26, at Wittman Regional Airport.
Operation Airdrop is a national nonprofit that mobilizes volunteer pilots, privately owned aircraft, ground teams, and community partners to deliver food, water, medical supplies, and other critical aid when damaged roads and infrastructure isolate communities following natural disasters.
Volunteer pilots are essential to the mission. Their aircraft can provide rapid, flexible transportation into airports near affected communities—helping critical supplies reach families, first responders, and local relief organizations within hours rather than days.
Briefing Appearance
Who: Russ Keith, Executive Director, Operation Airdrop
What: Volunteer pilot briefing hosted by Air Care Alliance
When: Tuesday, July 21, 2026, AT 2:30 P.M. CDT
Where: Workshops Plaza, Classroom A, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, Wittman Regional Airport, Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Russ Keith will discuss how general aviation supports disaster response, what Operation Airdrop needs from volunteer pilots, and how qualified aircraft owners can prepare to serve during future missions. Operation Airdrop will also be represented throughout AirVenture at American Legend Aircraft’s booth #379.
Interview Availability
Russ Keith and the Operation Airdrop team will be available for interviews before or after the briefing and throughout AirVenture by appointment. Interview topics may include disaster-response aviation, volunteer pilot recruitment, previous missions, and preparations for future disasters.
Learn more: https://operationairdrop.org
Volunteer registration: https://missions.operationairdrop.org/volunteer
