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 »
Run for the Angels 5K: Eight Years of Impact June 18, 2024 Join us in-person or virtually for the Run for the Angels 5K, taking place on September 28, 2024. Visit angelflightwest.org/5K to register and learn more. Each year, HDR hosts the Run for the Angels 5K in Broomfield, Colorado on an airport runway in support of Angel Flight West. The family-friendly event has enabled AFW to arrange hundreds of missions over the years while raising awareness about our services in the C… Jessica Hayes Read More »
National Cancer Survivors Day: Meet AFW Passenger Cheryl May 31, 2024 As part of National Cancer Survivors Month, June 2 is National Cancer Survivors Day (NCSD). According to the NCSD Foundation, it’s a day of “celebration for those who have survived, an inspiration for those recently diagnosed, a gathering of support for families, and an outreach to the community.” AFW Volunteer Pilot Phillip Council flies Cheryl and her companion Brian home after Cheryl’s surgery No matte… Jessica Hayes Read More »
From Cheri’s Desk: A Recap of the Endeavor Awards May 30, 2024 Just a few weeks ago, the Mission Operations Team, along with the entire Angel Flight West staff, was honored to participate in the 10th Annual Endeavor Awards. I thought the volunteer newsletter would be a great way to highlight the volunteer aspect of this incredible event. All dressed up, linking arms with my beautiful grandsons, and anticipating a fun evening, we were excited to meet some of the pas… Cheri Cimmarrusti Read More »
