Congresswoman Kat Cammack visits Speer Aviation

During a tour of one of the hangers, the team stopped long enough for a photo opp. L-R: Maria Rivera, Jeff Hurley, Richard Kollmar Sr (Pops), Tiffany Smith, Stephanie Speer, Congresswoman Kat Cammack, Chris Speer, Rafal Kucharski, Jonathan Haley and Sarah Haley. -Photo: Speer Aviation

By Tami Stevenson

Congresswoman Kat Cammack visited Speer Aviation in Live Oak earlier this month, continuing her efforts to help small businesses in her district.

Owners Chris and Stephanie Speer gave her a tour of multiple hangers and the variety of craft they work on.

  “We discussed Speer Aviation and bringing a flight school to Suwannee County and expanding in that direction,” said Chris Speer, who has 35 years experience in aviation.

     Cammack is no stranger to the aviation world. She took lessons in a Cessna 170, to become a private pilot.

     “We talked about the challenges we face being a small business and other challenges we face day to day,” said Stephanie Speer.

     They also talked about the growth of the airport and Speer Aviation partnering with other businesses and organizations to grow together.

     “She said she would see if she could put us in touch with some of the educational programs for the area that are interested in aviation programs and get us together to discuss partnerships of any kind that we could help each other and the community to have an aviation program brought to Suwannee County.” He added. They also discussed the positive impact it could have on the area to benefit the younger generation.

     They talked about the EAA Chapter 797 Young Eagles program.

    Stephanie Speer is the Young Eagles Coordinator, and her husband, Chris Speer is the EAA Chapter 797 president.

     They gave her a tour of the facility and the amazing aircraft that their chapter members are building in the hangar.

     Cammack told them she is very interested in seeing Speer Aviation thrive and is looking forward coming back in the future.

     “We appreciate her taking the time out of her busy schedule to come meet with us.” Chris Speer added.

Congresswoman Kat Cammack touring the hangers. -Photo: Speer Aviation

L-R: Richard Kollmar (Pops), Congresswoman Kat Cammack, Sarah Haley, Chris Speer, Stephanie Speer. -Photo: Speer Aviation