Ramblings

[Sonex1517]

I posted this on Facebook this morning - I wanted to share it here also.

On Friday, March 13th, 2015 I drove up to Oshkosh to pick up a part for my Sonex project. As usual, I was replacing something I screwed up. Part of building an airplane.

When I got to the Sonex Aircraft, LLC factory, I was lucky enough to get to chat with Joe Norris and Kerry Danger Fores for a bit, as well as the team in the office. It was nice to visit with them. As a customer I always enjoyed speaking with the folks there - they made me feel like a friend.

And then Jeremy Monnett came in - I think he had been up flying with his son -. He was all apologetic for not having been there when I arrived. (This from the CEO of the company, who had a zillion things going on at once)

I was able to spend some time touring the factory, where he introduced me to the staff members I didn't know, including Mike - one of the guys working on aircraft assembly. Mike and several other young men there were working on quick build kits, and just looking at the aircraft I could tell they did superb work and had top notch skills. I was envious of the workmanship.

It was an awesome tour and I really enjoyed meeting everyone and seeing what was going on.

The place was busy with lots of airplanes in various stages of construction. It was a really cool scene - lots of activity. Well organized but full.

But what struck me the most was during our walk around - the whole time - Jeremy was being a Dad. He talked about the factory, and about the projects they had going on, but he was always keeping an eye on Miles.

And it was obvious how much he not only adored his son, but how important it was to him that he gave his son not only attention but the love only a father can give.

At one point Miles smashed the toy glider he had. Jeremy looked at me, excused himself, and dealt with his son while I stood there smiling and watching. It was a very poignant moment as I also have a son and know what Jeremy was going through at that moment.

When he finished, he apologized - to which i reminded him I was the one who should apologize as I was not only taking time out of his business day, but also away from time with his son.

As my tour concluded, and I left to drive back to Chicagoland, Jeremy thanked me for visiting.

I don't know too many people that run a small business who understand their customers and the connections they make when they just talk to them. Jeremy got it.

I had other times when I talked to Jeremy, or was able to visit, but this one will always stand out in my mind as a special one.

Aviation is blessed with people like Jeremy Monnett. But he was a very unique, energetic, and happy person that i know we will all miss in so many ways.

Blue skies Jeremy and Mike.....may the sun shine down upon you and the breezes blow gently....

[aferddaberts]

Poem submitted by Gripdana today. This poem has been a favorite of mine
, a short one but really makes a pilot stop and think about what he can do, FLY.
This poem by John Gillrspie Magee Jr. is appropreate, I think, in light of what happened this week in Oshkosh
John Gillespie Magee Jr. was a young British Spitfire Pilot. He was killed in a crash during World War Two.
AL Roberts