A Heart for Helping: Meet AFW Volunteer Pilot Joseph Zammit August 28, 2024 Growing up on a farm in Michigan, the Earth beneath his feet was more familiar to Joseph Zammit than the sky. But even as a kid, Joseph found himself looking up toward the blue, dreaming of one day becoming a pilot or astronaut. “I always wanted to fly,” he says. Twenty years ago, Joseph achieved his goal, earning his private pilot license. But it wasn’t only about flying, it was about becoming a better, safer pilot, capab… Jessica Hayes Read More »
7th Annual Run for the Angels 5K August 15, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 7th Annual Run for the Angels 5K – Benefiting Angel Flight West: Participants to gather at Rocky Mountain Regional Airport to run for a cause. DATE OF EVENT: 9/28/24START TIME: 8:30 a.m. LOCATION: Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport11755 Airport Way, Broomfield, CO 80021 Press Notes: We invite press to join us at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport in Bro… Jessica Hayes Read More »
Thomas’ Thank You to Alaska Airlines August 8, 2024 Thank you to our partner, Alaska Airlines, for helping us support incredible passengers like Thomas. Through this partnership, Thomas has been able to travel annually from his home in Anchorage to Denver for essential follow-up care for 20 years. For more than 20 years, Alaska Airlines has partnered with AFW to help people in Alaska access treatment in the Lower 48. Their ongoing help, both through donated tickets… afw_web_admin Read More »
Intern Reflection: Meet Manal August 7, 2024 My name is Manal, and I’ve had the privilege of interning at Angel Flight West this summer. It’s been a very rewarding experience, filled with learning opportunities that will significantly impact my professional growth. This internship has been an excellent opportunity to sharpen my marketing skills. I’ve learned the art of storytelling, and I’ve practiced crafting messages that resonate with differe… Manal Chaali Read More »
From a Volunteer: Driving the Last Mile August 5, 2024 Written by Clay Ross, AFW Area Leader for the Bay Area What do Angel Flight West (AFW) missions and the Internet have in common? The Internet is built to move data extremely quickly from one city to another. But that short segment between the nearest router and your home or business is much slower. The networking industry refers to this challenging, less-efficient segment as, “The Last Mile.” For… afw_web_admin Read More »
Meet New Area Leader for the Bay Area: Clay Ross August 5, 2024 Clay has been a volunteer with AFW since early 2021 with 45 flight missions to date in his Bonanza G36, in addition to 13 ground missions. He is passionate about encouraging pilots to join AFW and encouraging pilots to also drive ground legs after missions into their home airports, to provide our passengers with a more “chauffeured” experience. He looks forward to his role as the Area Leader for the Bay Area to help in… Jessica Hayes Read More »
August Safety Update: What ATC Can Do for You August 5, 2024 My opinion of ATC has matured over my flying experience of over 45 years. Just like every new pilot, I was intimidated by talking on the radio and felt like ATC was the authority which must be obeyed. I’m not sure any instructor in my training taught me about the benefits and limitations of ATC. This Safety Article will provide you with suggestions on how to get the most utility from interacting with ATC. Routine operatio… afw_web_admin Read More »
Spotlight on an Angel: Meet Phillip Council August 5, 2024 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… afw_web_admin Read More »
Transforming Lives: Donate Your Alaska Airlines Miles July 29, 2024 Alexandro Ramirez, AFW’s Operations Manager, shares the importance of the Alaska Airlines CARE Miles program. Read about Alexandro’s first hand experience below and consider giving the gift of miles today. Donated air miles have helped a mother and her seven children who are desperately fleeing an abusive and dangerous situation. They’ve flown a veteran with severe PTSD who finds healing moments at a sp… Alexandro Ramirez Read More »
Passenger Spotlight: Nubia’s Journey With Angel Flight West July 23, 2024 Cancer doesn’t just affect your body — it touches every aspect of a patient’s life. Nubia knows that experience well, sharing both the challenges and encouragement she’s come across during her healthcare journey. After battling metastatic breast cancer for nearly six years, Nubia says she feels “immense gratitude” for each new day she’s been given. Her battle hasn’t been easy, but she’s glad to have found a networ… Manal Chaali Read More »
Meet AFW Board Member, Dr. George (Tony) Woodward July 15, 2024 We’re thrilled to spotlight AFW Board Member Dr. George (Tony) Woodward. Dr. Woodward is the Chief of Emergency Medicine and a Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Washington. He practices as an emergency department physician at Seattle Children’s, where he also serves as the Medical Director for Emergency and Transport Services at Seattle Children’s. He is the Pediatric Medical Director for Air… Jessica Hayes Read More »
When Cancer Care is States Away: Meet Frank July 3, 2024 Denise and Frank were college sweethearts. They met while attending school in Costa Mesa, Calif., enjoying their lives as young musicians. Today, celebrating 45 years of marriage, the couple lives in Meridian, Idaho, only a few houses away from their adored children and grandchildren. And just as talented in the world of musical theatre as he was decades ago, Frank knew something was off when he felt his lips weaken… Jessica Hayes Read More »
Shine’s First Camp Adventure: Flights for Burn Survivors July 2, 2024 Like most toddlers, Shine was filled with curiosity, eager to discover the world, often reaching up high for things she wanted to see up close. In the blink of an eye, one-year-old Shine reached for a bowl of freshly made hot soup sitting on the kitchen counter, pouring the hot liquid onto her upper chest and right arm. “My husband Patrick rushed Shine into the bathroom, and I remember saying ‘cold water, cold water,’’ s… Jessica Hayes Read More »
Remybelle Flies with Angels: Attending the National Organization for Rare Disorders Forum July 2, 2024 Earlier this month, AFW’s volunteer pilots Mariya Anderson and Sanjay Saigal flew AFW’s passenger Remybelle and her mother Belinda to the The 2024 NORD® Living Rare, Living Stronger® Patient and Family Forum in Los Angeles, Calif. NORD stands for the National Organization for Rare Disorders, and gives people affected by rare diseases an opportunity to discover resources and compassionate support. Jaime Pache… Jessica Hayes Read More »
Volunteer Spotlight: Dan Hangs Up His Wings June 25, 2024 Meet Dan Marks, a dedicated volunteer pilot whose aviation journey began when he was in his 40s. While working at Torrance Airport in Southern California, Dan started taking flying lessons and quickly fell in love with the thrill of soaring through the clouds. He acquired multiple aircraft, with his latest being a Cessna T210, and earned multi-engine rating. His journey took a meaningful turn when he joined… Manal Chaali Read More »
