The X-Men have the Blackbird and the Avengers have their Quinjet. Spider-Man has a Web-Jet in the distant future and Squirrel Girl even has a Squirrel-a-Gig helicopter to help her fight the bad guys. Given Marvel’s rich history of creating unique aircraft for its many characters, it’s only fitting that Stan Lee, the creator of beloved heroes from Spider-Man to the Incredible Hulk, would team up with EAA to help promote aviation through the Young Eagles program.
On Thursday, the comic book legend arrived at AirVenture 2017 in Oshkosh to announce that the Stan Lee Foundation is partnering with the Young Eagles to help promote aviation to children across the world. Lee was the guest of honor at Thursday’s Gathering of Eagles fundraiser, and he will add to Friday’s already spectacular lineup by making a public announcement with a special guest.
“I’ve always believed in encouraging children to read, think, imagine and do,” Lee said. “Nowhere do these positive actions come to life more than in EAA’s successful Young Eagles program. As Young Eagles celebrates its 25th anniversary, I want to donate a special gift to this wonderful program, and I’ll be bringing a new friend to Oshkosh to help me do it.”
The friend is not expected to be Doctor Doom, whose flying fortress has never received certification from the FAA.
The 94-year-old will also sign autographs and pose for photos with fans beginning at 2 p.m. on Friday at the AirVenture Welcome Center, with proceeds being split between the two nonprofit organizations.
“We cannot express deeply enough our appreciation to Stan Lee and The Stan Lee Foundation for their support of Young Eagles,” EAA Chairman and CEO Jack Pelton said. “With their commitment announced at Oshkosh on July 28, we will bring Young Eagles even more visibility and participation in the next quarter-century.”
Lee is the latest celebrity to offer some star power to the Young Eagles. Most recently, Harrison Ford was honored with the Aero Club of New England’s Godfrey L. Cabot Award for his work with EAA’s program, which included serving as the pilot for the 2 millionth flight.
