PILOT SOARS AGAINST DRUGS

NAMPA -- The tragic death of his son has prompted a nationally known
precision aerobatics pilot to dedicate his life's calling to the fight
against drugs.

Greg Poe, whose Edge 540 is a familiar sight at air shows locally and
across the country, kicked off his new program to reduce teen drug abuse
Thursday at the Nampa Airport. Poe performed a private air show for a group
of students and then shared his anti-drug presentation.

"When you pair my travel schedule with the aerial acrobatics, you have a
natural attention grabber for young people," he said. "I want to use this
incredible opportunity to share personal stories -- and hopefully have a
meaningful impact on the lives of kids."

Natural highs and lows formed the theme of Poe's show for the group of
Nampa youth.

Poe stressed to the local students that by focusing on their goals and
exploring their passions, they can have an exciting lifestyle by doing what
they love.

"I'm just like you," Poe said to his audience of teenagers. "I'm a kid from
Idaho."

Now, the pilot performs across the country and overseas. His aircraft,
which bills a top speed of 265 mph -- is built specifically for him and is
designed to do tricks other planes can't handle.

Thursday's performance was Poe's first time working with the Drug Abuse
Resistance Education program. Poe had his plane painted with the D.A.R.E.
logo for the show and kept the focus on staying drug-free.

Poe lost his son to drug abuse about a year and a half ago. He was 20.

"My son Ryan was very interested in flying. We would go back-packing and
fishing together, we would watch sports together," Poe said. "Ryan went in
a direction I wish he hadn't gone in."

Poe said Ryan chose to become involved with drugs. When he tried to quit,
he was unsuccessful.

In the months that have passed since his son's death, Poe decided to take
an active approach to prevent other youth from facing the same tragedy.

"At your age, in our society, you've got it very tough," Poe said. "If you
can get through those tough times, there is a positive light at the end."

Poe noted that he had no advantages given to him in his efforts to become a
pilot and that he considers himself average.

Poe earned his pilot's license as a teenager at the old Strawberry Glen
Airport, near the Boise River. He attended local area schools and graduated
from Boise State University in 1985.

He told a story of one flight where he was by himself and witnessed a ray
of sunlight hitting the face of a cliff. "I flew back a few times to look
at it, it was just incredible," he said.

The pilot also said he feels closer to his son when he is in the air.

"Ryan would just be thrilled to see me flying these air shows."