Recalling the pioneering spirit of Wisconsin's earliest aviators, Eric Oxendorf is representing the State of Wisconsin in the EAA-, Ford Motor Company- and National Park Service-sponsored "50 Flags to Kitty Hawk" initiative. An EAA member from each state was selected to fly their respective state flag to Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, in tribute to the Wright Brothers and in recognition of aviation's valiant history and ongoing worldwide impact. "50 Flags to Kitty Hawk" is part of EAA's Countdown to Kitty Hawk program, created to commemorate the 100th anniversary of powered flight.

The Milwaukee pilot flew to Madison, Wisconsin, on October 17 to collect his valuable cargo; the Wisconsin State Flag and a proclamation from Wisconsin Governor James Doyle. Wisconsin Department of Transportation Bureau of Aeronautics representative Keith Gerard presented Oxendorf with the materials, while state officials, Dane County Airport management, and members of the media were on hand to record the event.

Oxendorf recalled several of Wisconsin's aviation pioneers such as Steve Wittman, Billy Mitchell, and Richard Bong upon accepting the items and said he felt privileged to represent Wisconsin and its citizens. "Undoubtedly, I am taking the spirit and wonder of all the pilots, citizens, and Wisconsin pioneers with me on this flight," said Oxendorf. "They'll be sitting in the back seat, and riding on the wing guiding me along to represent all of them at this great moment in Man's brief history on planet Earth."

The Vietnam vet volunteered for the historic mission because he loves the challenge and inner peace of flight. He wants to continue the legacy of his great uncles and his father, as well as friends who flew during peace or at war. His father was a member of the Army Air Corps, while Oxendorf's two great uncles flew seaplanes in France in WWI.

A professional photographer, Oxendorf believes that aviation is an exercise in freedom and in our rights as free people. "Moving through the air, talking to no one, knowing the basic rules and adhering to them, landing pretty much where you want. We can't let governments take this away from us."