SPECIAL EVENTS

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Ed Lachendro is a seasoned aviation professional, mentor, and former airline captain who has spent decades flying, teaching, and promoting aviation. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and raised in Arlington, Virginia, he began his aviation career in 1975 flying an Aeronca Champ he helped restore with his father. After serving in the U.S. Army in Mannheim, Germany, as a CH-47 Chinook mechanic and crew chief, he earned his Commercial Pilot certificate in 1986 and his Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate in 1987. Throughout his career, he has flown charter and airline operations, served as Young Eagles Executive Director at EAA, worked as a technical writer for Honeywell and USAir, and later flew for JetBlue Airways as a captain. Based in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, since 1991, Lachendro remains committed to mentoring young pilots and supporting the preservation of vintage aircraft.

Mark C. Lee watched Alan Shepard's historic spaceflight as an 8-year-old in Wisconsin, inspiring his desire to be an astronaut. Inspired by the space program and astronauts like Deke Slayton, he pursued a career in aerospace, attending the Air Force Academy in 1970, majoring in civil engineering. After graduation, he trained as a fighter pilot, earning awards and serving at bases in Texas, New Mexico, and Japan, where he also attended MIT, earning a Master's in Mechanical Engineering in 1980. Back in the U.S., he worked at Hanscom AFB before returning to fighter pilot duties. NASA selected him as an astronaut candidate in 1984, and after training, he was assigned to spaceflights. His first flight was on STS-30 in 1989, deploying the Magellan probe to Venus. His second was STS-47 in 1992 on Endeavour, acting as Payload Commander. 

Caroline “Blaze” Jensen is a distinguished U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and a member of the Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame, celebrated for her groundbreaking achievements in military aviation. A Wisconsin native, Jensen flew the F-16 Fighting Falcon in combat before becoming one of the first women to fly as the right wing pilot (#3) with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the Air Force’s elite aerial demonstration team. In that role, she performed precision formation flying at airshows worldwide, inspiring millions and helping open doors for more women in military aviation. Her skill, discipline, and leadership have made her a role model for aspiring pilots and a proud representative of Wisconsin’s aviation legacy.

Tom Poberezny was a trailblazing aviation leader, airshow performer, and longtime president of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) who helped turn Oshkosh into the world’s top aviation gathering. The son of EAA founder Paul Poberezny, Tom served as EAA President from 1989 to 2010 and played a key role in growing EAA AirVenture Oshkosh into the world's largest aviation event. An accomplished pilot, he also performed at air shows with the Team Eagles aerobatic team, demonstrating precision formation flying to audiences nationwide. Recognized for his significant contributions to aviation education, homebuilt aircraft, and the aviation community, Poberezny was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame, securing his legacy as one of the most influential figures in modern aviation.

Ron Alexander was a Vietnam veteran, former Delta Air Lines captain, and highly respected leader in the homebuilt aircraft community. After serving in Vietnam, he had a long career as an airline pilot with Delta while becoming widely known for promoting amateur aircraft building through workshops and builder assistance programs. Alexander was also the founder and owner of Candler Field Museum in Williamson, Georgia, a unique aviation destination dedicated to preserving the spirit of the 1920s “Golden Age of Aviation.” Through his teaching, mentorship, and preservation efforts, he inspired thousands of aviation enthusiasts and restorers across the country.

Dr. William “Bill” Harrison was a renowned hand surgeon, accomplished pilot, and owner of Warbird aircraft whose passion for aviation matched his distinguished medical career. A Vietnam-era physician and highly respected surgeon, Harrison gained widespread recognition in aviation circles for his extraordinary experience flying historic military aircraft. Over the years, he owned and operated an impressive collection of Warbirds, earning a reputation as a pilot with exceptional skill and a deep respect for aviation history. In recognition of his efforts to preserve and fly historic military aircraft, he was inducted into the EAA Warbirds Hall of Fame. Reflecting on his remarkable flying life, he once said, “I’ve flown more warbirds in my life than other people can only dream about.”

Warren Pietsch, recipient of the ICAS 2025 Sword of Excellence, is widely respected in the airshow community as an exceptional stick-and-rudder pilot and Warbird operator. He is best known for restoring and flying the historic P-51C Mustang “Thunderbird,” the aircraft that won the 1949 Bendix Air Race, and for keeping this legendary racer flying for modern audiences. Pietsch has also flown other notable warbirds, including the P-51D Mustang “Miss Kitty III,” and has performed airshow demonstrations with a replica Japanese Zero. Earlier in his career, he gained recognition flying a clipped-wing Taylorcraft on the airshow circuit, demonstrating the precision flying skills that would become his trademark throughout decades of performances.

The Blue Angels, officially known as the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, are a flight demonstration team of the United States Navy. Established in 1946, they are the second oldest formal aerobatic team in the world, after the French Patrouille de France, which was formed in 1931.

Sean D. Tucker was a legendary figure in the airshow community, known for his innovative performances, leadership, and lifelong dedication to aviation excellence. A respected pilot and airshow producer, Tucker maintained a close friendship and professional relationship with famed aviator R.A. “Bob” Hoover, often regarded as one of the greatest stick-and-rudder pilots in history. Inspired by Hoover’s extraordinary flying skill and character, Tucker has worked to carry forward that legacy through his involvement with the Bob Hoover Legacy Foundation, helping preserve Hoover’s influence while supporting aviation education and mentoring the next generation of pilots. Through both his flying and his advocacy, Tucker has helped ensure that the spirit of Bob Hoover—and the highest standards of aviation professionalism—continue to inspire aviators worldwide.