Council Lauds Local Aviation Legend with Unusual Resolution

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Hugh Oldham, who was inducted into the International Council of Air Shows Foundation Hall of Fame in December received another honor Tuesdsay night, one which recognized his contributions to the Anderson Regional Airport and the community.

It was an award from Anderson County from those who know Oldham well, as is reflected in the good-natured wording of the resolution honoring his work.

Written by Oldham's friend, Anderson County Governmental Affairs and Special Projects Director Steve Newton, the resolution notes the aviator's reputation as a "troublemaker" and "gadfly," stating that Oldham's invaluable services to his community, ranging from volunteer work at local schools, ongoing advocacy for his fellow veterans, and support for local aviation interests, including the manager of Anderson Regional Airport are, in part, "perhaps in hope of earning atonement for his sins."

Oldham smiled broadly as the document was read aloud at the council meeting.

The resolution reads:

WHEREAS, Anderson resident Hugh Oldham has been referred to by many as a “gadfly”, “troublemaker”, “pot-stirrer”, “specialist in subterfuge”, and various other epithets which decorum prohibits describing in this forum; and

WHEREAS, in spite of his shortcomings, of which there are many, Mr. Oldham has managed to amass a measure of goodwill among his fellow Andersonians; and

WHEREAS, perhaps in hope of earning atonement for his sins, of which there are many, Mr. Oldham has provided invaluable services to his community, ranging from volunteer work at local schools, ongoing advocacy for his fellow veterans, and support for local aviation interests, including an involuntary term of service as the manager of Anderson Regional Airport; and

WHEREAS, today we honor Mr. Oldham for his 60 years of work in the Air Show industry, for which he was recently inducted into the International Council of Air Shows Foundation Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, in their recognition, for which they no doubt received unreported financial consideration, the ICAS Foundation noted Mr. Oldham’s work as a safety advocate, columnist, mentor and leader in the air show community, and thanked him for his passionate and consistent advocacy for a stronger, more sustainable and safer air show industry; and

WHEREAS, over the years, tens of thousands of Anderson County residents have been thrilled by the sounds and spectacle at one of the many shows held at Anderson Regional Airport courtesy of Mr. Oldham’s generous contributions of his time, talent, and treasure;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Anderson County Council hereby offers its congratulations to Mr. Hugh Oldham for receiving the highest honor awarded by an industry he worked so long and hard to support, and by way of this resolution does hereby authorize the display of Mr. Oldham’s ICAS Hall of Fame plaque in a place of honor in the Anderson Regional Airport terminal.

RESOLVED in a meeting duly assembled this 17th day of January, 2023.