Meet AFW Volunteer Pilot Council
I’m a first-generation pilot and got my start in aviation as a mechanic. How I ended up in the front of airplanes is a long story, but it started in the Air Force in 2008, when I was a crew chief on F-16’s. After some time doing that, I wanted closer to the action, so I changed my job and started flying as an enlisted crew member in the C-130J.
Looking at options for my future, I learned that I was able to use my military education benefits to learn to fly. The rest is history from there! I’m now lucky enough to say I do this for a living. My company is in business aviation management, contract pilot services, consulting, and maintenance management/light maintenance as a mechanic (A&P).
Getting Involved with Angel Flight West
I’ve been involved with General Aviation for a handful of years, central to Arizona. I knew that AFW existed, but outside of knowing that people that owned airplanes could use them to help people, I didn’t know much. In late-2021, I was offered access to an airplane (from a volunteer pilot, himself) to fly missions for AFW as I wished, so I jumped on the opportunity to start volunteering for the cause in early 2022.
I am honored to be such a part of my passengers’ journeys. It is truly a pleasure to be able to help in such a unique way — one that marries my passion and profession with a tool and resource to help. I simply couldn’t be luckier.
I keep a folder of selfies I’ve taken with my passengers, and it’s something I cherish. Most recently two flights stand out: First, being the lucky gentleman to bring my passenger Cheryl home on her last angel flight…. cancer free! And the other impactful moment I’ve had was organizing the collaboration between AFW and the Southwest Kids Cancer Foundation (SWKCF) to arrange transportation for their kiddos to/from a summer camp they host.
Building a Partnership with Southwest Kids Cancer Foundation
In 2019, I lost my 16-month-old son to an aggressive form of blood cancer. During our journey, I met a LOT of people — in and out of the hospital —and our journey isn’t over, and I believe it will never be over.
This was the driving force for my outreach to the Southwest Kids Cancer Foundation. My wife and I attend several charity fundraisers throughout the year, mostly central to pediatric cancer. Last year, I found myself at an event and thought I’d talk to each of the vendors there about the mission of AFW and in a general sense how it works. This is where I met Shannon Collins, Board Chair for SWKCF, and explained that AFW might be able to help.
I had the opportunity to fly these first few missions in support of the camp(s) and I was able to clearly communicate to the families what AFW does and why we do it. Being the first to fly these missions was a gift. The kids had a blast, the parents were less stressed, and they got an extra bit of adventure for their week at camp. I really expect more to join next year!
The Gift of Flight
The value AFW offers is multifaceted. No matter, there is always a gift — whether from the honor of serving, experiencing a freedom from earth’s gravity, or simply one less stressor to think about. It is an unbiased, wholesome experience that is the perfect match for someone in need.
In a practical sense, we’re moving VIPs. In an emotional sense, we’re impacting lives that will counter the negative ripple-effects of a dangerous or life-threatening situation. Certainly, each hurdle in life creates its own ripple effect. I like to think that I can mitigate some of that by flying for AFW.
Whether you’re a pilot, driver, or passenger, through AFW you’re offered the power to change a life. My life has certainly been changed from my passengers, and I know it goes both ways.
