AirVenture -West Ramp Chairman Receives Preston Little Award

According to EAA a ramp rat job description could be simply a series of action verbs: push, pull, tug, tote, coordinate, cajole, steer, sweat, and switch. Through 25 years, this area has been known as the Convention Taxiway (with "The Fingers"!), West Ramp, AeroShell Square, ConocoPhillips Plaza, and most recently Phillips 66 Plaza. But one group that stays the same is the 50 to 60 volunteers who move and place the aircraft and a variety of other things from stages to satellite trucks.

 

They're known as the West Ramp Rats, a name that's stuck for more than 20 years. It began in 1987 by the late Marion Gregory - an EAA and Warbirds member - his wife Fay, and current chairman Mike Williams, along with one military pickup truck and a few assorted tow bars. This year Mike Williams, West Ramp Phillips 66 Chairman is honored with the Preston Little Award of Excellence.  Williams of Madison WI, remains in charge of the West Ramp- Phillips 66 Plaza and the safe movements in his area.

The annual Preston Little award is named after Clanton, Alabama native and retired "Red Shirt" or Air Operations volunteer, Preston Little. Now ninety-two years young, this former volunteer completed over 25 years of service as a Red Shirt for AirVenture. His efforts included many years of arriving two to three weeks in advance of the airshow to construct or make repairs to many buildings at the EAA site. Preston embodies an exemplary spirit of dedication as a volunteer and that spirit is recognized annually with this award.

More than 1,000 towing operations will occur during the 12 days before, during and following AirVenture. All those airplanes on display in the vendor area must come in and go out. Throw in an enormous stage for the opening day concert, continual presentations, various TV crews, and who knows what else on the daily assignment list.

 

There are people who drive tugs, those who walk with wingtips to ensure safety, and those who make sure their fellow volunteers are fed and watered. The average volunteer experience is more than 12 years, which makes them skilled and knowledgeable.

Why do the West Ramp Rats do it each year? Because for 25 years they are a family that has created a display containing aircraft that people will see together no place else in the world. Their efforts may not be known personally by AirVenture attendees, but it is recognized the world over in every photo that shows the big airplanes at Oshkosh.  Congratulations to Mike Williams who help it all start and whose dedication helps it all work. 

Preston Little Award of Excellence: An award presented annually to the individual who demonstrates selflessness, cooperation, and professionalism in support of the air operations during the annual EAA Convention, which has become recognized as one of the most significant aviation events in the world-

2013	Mike Williams
2012	Debbie Gast Jim Mynning
2011	Zonnie & SAM (Zonnie Fritsche and Shirley McQuillan) Noreen Moen
2010	Ron Scott Roscoe Morton
2009	Deke Holman
2008	Gen. Ted Crighton
2007	Maggie Brady Shari Jobst
2006	Starr Thompson
2005	Blair Conrad
2004	Jim Brady
2003	Mark Erickson