All dressed up, linking arms with my beautiful grandsons, and anticipating a fun evening, we were excited to meet some of the passengers you all so generously transport and to pay tribute to those who contribute to volunteer pilot organizations. 

It was a treat to hear Harrison Ford share his special and heartfelt memories of Dr. Randy Sherman as he presented the Inspiration Award to Dr. Sherman’s son, Max.  As a part of this award, Angel Flight West created the Dr. Randy Sherman Access for All Fund, which will provide resources for the Mission Operations Team to purchase commercial tickets to back-up our pilot flown missions when weather or the availability of a pilot is a concern.  Our sincere thanks to Dr. Sherman’s family for this special fund.

Longtime AFW supporter and volunteer Cyrus Sigari presented Ross Perot, Jr., with the Inspiration Award for his dedication to philanthropy and aviation. It was an honor to hear about Ross Perot, Jr. and Hill Air’s commitment to our service members and first responders and how they’ve used aviation to bring some peace to families and friends of the fallen after tragedies.

Spending time with our passengers, Gloria and Corina, Ayden, Ayden (yep – there were two of them!), and Bradley and Luis was an affirmation of the need for Angel Flight West and how important you, our volunteers, are to their well-being.  It was exciting to have Sling Academy offer to give 13-year-old Luis flying lessons.  Luis was our 100,000^th Mission passenger and has been flying with us for seven years.  He has been saying for many years he wants to be a pilot. Thanks, Sling Academy!

I enjoyed seeing PALS volunteer pilot John Rochelle receive his Endeavor Award, presented to him by his passenger Olivia for his dedication and generosity.  I’ve known John for many years, and it was so nice to see him receive this award.  I know John was also honored to meet our guest astronauts and have his picture taken with them.

For me, the special award of the night was the one I presented to Arizona Command Pilot Dennis Phelan for his generosity and heart.  Dennis has completed over 900 missions and has driven Earth Angel trips more than 250 times.  He always goes above and beyond, and his ability to do so with such grace is something special to witness.  Honoring pilots like Dennis is such an important part of this spectacular evening.  Congratulations to Dennis on this special award. 

The combination of all these amazing events with the raising of more than $850,000 made it a win-win for all involved.  It was so fun to spotlight the achievements of the volunteers who are the lifeblood of this and other VPOs! 

Blue Skies and Ciao! 
Cheri

The post From Cheri’s Desk: A Recap of the Endeavor Awards first appeared on Angel Flight West.

Vince Mickens is the Founder and CEO of Private Air Media Group and a passionate aviation advocate, spearheading philanthropic support of general and business aviation. A U.S. Navy veteran, he spent nearly three decades as a broadcast journalist in radio and television and has served in various positions with the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association (AOPA), Bob Hoover Legacy Foundation, and Top Flight Media. A licensed pilot, Vince has flown more than two dozen types of aircraft and has been instrumental in honoring and promoting the Tuskegee Airmen pilots’ legacy.

Welcome to the board, Vince!

The post Meet AFW’s Newest Board Member, Vincent Mickens first appeared on Angel Flight West.

My name is Yohana and I’ve been working at Angel Flight West (AFW) as the spring Communications and Marketing Intern since last December (2023). My journey with AFW has truly been an enriching experience, allowing me to grow personally and professionally, while gaining insights on the intricate efforts that AFW undertakes to make a difference in people’s lives. 

Stepping into the world of nonprofit work has been a new and exhilarating experience for me. As a sophomore studying Marketing and Graphic Design at the University of Maryland, delving into this new field was uncharted territory. Prior to this internship, I had not fully grasped the complexity of the communications efforts behind an organization like AFW. It has been both enlightening and exciting to witness the dedication and passion that drives every aspect of AFW’s mission. 

I particularly enjoyed reviewing mission photos and crafting volunteer spotlights during my time at AFW. This opportunity allowed me to immerse myself in the storytelling aspect of marketing, where I could highlight the incredible individuals and passenger stories behind the organization. As I worked on different tasks, not only did my design skills improve, but I also developed a deeper appreciation for the invaluable contributions made by everyone involved with AFW. And, I must admit, the most enjoyable part of it all was reviewing the impactful photos sent in by volunteers! 

Witnessing firsthand the team’s dedication and passion towards their mission was inspiring, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a caring and supportive community. AFW isn’t just an organization; it’s a family that deeply values the well-being of its passengers, volunteers, and team working behind the scenes to make everything possible. 

As I close out my internship with AFW, I am filled with gratitude for the invaluable perspectives and experiences I’ve gained. Beyond the professional growth, it’s the shared moments of empathy and sincerity within this remarkable community that I will always treasure.  

Thank you, Angel Flight West, for giving me the opportunity to go on this unforgettable journey. It has been an honor to work alongside such a dedicated and amazing team! 

The post Intern Reflection: Meet Yohana first appeared on Angel Flight West.

We dedicate this fund in loving memory of Dr. Randy Sherman, our trailblazing leader and friend, to further his vision for access to health care for all.

Dr. Sherman was an inspirational force in the aviation and healthcare communities. He joined Angel Flight West as a volunteer 10 years ago and served as an amazing advocate, mentor, and champion for our cause. The care he showed his patients, combined with his passion for flying, made him a tremendous asset to Angel Flight West.

We’re proud to announce the Dr. Randy Sherman Access for All Fund in honor of his unwavering dedication to healthcare accessibility for all. Dr. Sherman’s profound commitment to our mission resonates deeply with us, and this renaming serves as a tribute to his legacy of compassion and advocacy.

The Dr. Randy Sherman Access for All Fund will continue to provide vital travel resources and assistance to individuals in need, ensuring that no patient is denied essential transportation to medical care due to financial barriers.

Join us in honoring Dr. Sherman’s remarkable legacy by supporting this fund and helping us continue to make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

Honoring Dr. Randy Sherman at the 10th Annual Endeavor Awards

Dr. Sherman will be honored posthumously at the 10th Annual Endeavor Awards in Los Angeles on May 10. Proceeds from the event benefit Angel Flight West and the passengers we serve. If you’re not able to join us, please consider making a donation to the Dr. Randy Sherman All Access Fund.

The post Dr. Randy Sherman Access for All Fund first appeared on Angel Flight West.

Don has been a volunteer with AFW for years with 14 missions to date in his Cessna T210. We’re thrilled to welcome him to this new volunteer leadership role.

Don says, “I am passionate about many things from helping others to exploring the great outdoors. As the Founder and President of Echelon Group, I channel my passions into my professional life. Born, raised, and educated in Boise, I have been in the employee benefits and insurance industries for over 30 years.

“I am an avid mountain biker, backcountry pilot, and whitewater rafter. I have scoured the mountains hiking and have seen breathtaking landscapes by flying my plane through the back country. While I love the outdoors, I thoroughly believe in connecting with the community around me.

Caption: Don on a mission to fly California Condor egg from The Peregrind Fund World Birdsbof Lrey Center in Boise to the San Diego Safari Park.

“I combined my desire to serve others and love for flying by donating my time and airplane to nonprofit organizations. From donating backcountry flights to auction off at their charity auctions, to flying birds of prey and eggs for The Peregrine Foundation, to flying missions transporting patients for medical treatment for Angel Flight West, using my pilot skills and airplane for charitable work allows me to feed my flying habit while flying with a purpose.”

We send a sincere thank you to Idaho’s outgoing Wing Leader Steve Laflin for years of service as a volunteer pilot and wing leader. Steve will remain highly involved with AFW as an Area Lead.

The post Wingspan: Meet New Idaho Wing Leader Don Reiman first appeared on Angel Flight West.

Richard is retired and lives with his wife Adrienne in Anacortes, WA. A UK/US dual citizen, he spent his career in the automotive and powersports industries. Richard’s most recent position was Chief Operating Officer for Kawasaki Motors Corp., USA, responsible for marketing, sales and service for all of Kawasaki’s recreation and utility products. Prior to that he was Executive Vice President for marketing and sales at Jaguar Land Rover North America and spent 34 years at Ford Motor Company in the UK, Germany and in the USA, reaching VP level.

Richard owns and flies a Jaguar-edition A36 Bonanza and is an active Command Pilot for Angel Flight West. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Experimental Aircraft Association in Oshkosh, WI.

Welcome to the board, Richard!

The post Meet AFW’s Newest Board Member, Richard Beattie first appeared on Angel Flight West.

We also share our gratitude and thanks to our outgoing wing leaders, including Steve Bollinger (Utah), Tim Barrios (Arizona), Barbara Ausherman (Nevada), and Jeremy Katz (Washington).

If you’re interested in supporting recruitment and outreach initiatives in your area, please contact the Angel Flight West team or your local wing leader.

Lou Rossi – Utah

We announced last fall that incoming Utah Wing Leader, Lou Rossi, would be working directly with long-time and dedicated UT Wing Leader, Steve Bollinger, on all day-to-day Wing Leadership activities. As of the beginning of 2024, Lou has officially taken over the role.  

Lou says, “My enthusiasm for aviation was sparked in Southern California back in 1986. As I watched the MCAS El Toro Air Show, I knew my current career as a computer programmer wasn’t going to satisfy me. Thus, my aviation journey began.

“At that point, I decided to make a career out of it. Over the years, I’ve worked as a flight instructor, charter pilot, and ultimately an airline pilot for several different airlines. I am currently a Pilot with Delta Air Lines based in SLC. 

“The aviation community has given me so much in life, and angel flights seem like the perfect avenue to return the favor while also giving a lift!  So, I joined Angel Flight West in 2015 as a Command Pilot. In 2017, I helped start the Sopwith Camel Flying Club in SLC.  

“It’s an honor to be a part of such an incredible organization, and I look forward to serving the Utah Wing going forward.”  

A resident of Park City, Lou flies a Cessna T210 and has been an AFW volunteer pilot since 2015. 

Thank you, Steve Bollinger, for being an amazing leader and volunteer, both by flying patients to care and by co-leading Utah’s Santa Flight, ensuring children in Title 1 schools receive supplies, donations, and cheers each holiday season. 

Alan Underwood – Arizona

We’re also pleased to announce that Alan Underwood will being taking over as Wing Leader in Arizona.

Alan Underwood, Arizona Co-Wing Leader, is a real estate developer and investor. Throughout his career, Alan has built a reputation for launching & scaling successful businesses in a variety of industries, including restaurants, automotive, insurance, aviation, & real estate. A resident of Mesa, he joined AFW in 2022 and flies a Beechcraft Bonanza. 

Alan says, “One of my most rewarding endeavors has been my involvement with Angel Flight West. As a Command Pilot and Arizona Wing Leader, I have had the opportunity to use my love of flying to provide free air transportation to patients and their families who require specialized medical treatment far from home. Whether it’s through my work with Angel Flight West, my real estate development projects, or my involvement in the community, I am always striving to make a positive impact in the world. I am also committed to sharing my knowledge and experience with others, whether it be through mentoring, public speaking, or writing.”

A resident of Mesa, AZ, Alan flies a Beechcraft V35B and has been an AFW volunteer pilot since 2022. 

A sincere thank you to Tim Barrios, outgoing Arizona Wing Leader, for years of dedicated service to connect pilots and passengers to our mission.

Shawn Linch – Nevada

Moving further northwest, we’re excited to announce that Shawn Linch will being taking over as Wing Leader in Nevada.  

Shawn says, “I’ve been a pilot for ten years, nine of which I’ve had the privilege of being a command pilot for Angel Flight West. Based out of Reno, NV (KRNO), I’ve been obsessed with aviation since my first introductory lesson. Whether it’s low and slow in a Cub or blasting off across the Atlantic Ocean in a single-engine turboprop, I absolutely love the adventure, freedom, and beauty of the world looking down from the sky.  

I’ve met some incredible people over the years, both by flying missions and by working with individuals within the organization. AFW has always been near and dear to my heart, and I’m excited for the opportunity to help promote and grow the Nevada region.” 

A resident of Reno, NV, Alan flies a Socata TBM 860 and has been an AFW volunteer pilot since 2015. 

A sincere thank you to Barbara Ausherman, previous Nevada Wing Leader, for years of dedicated service, including her leadership and outreach at aviation airshows and events.

Ricardo Lagos – Washington

Next up, we’re thrilled to announce that Ricardo Lagos will being taking over as Wing Leader in Washington.

Ricardo says, “For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a fascination with flight, and I was one of those kids who always wanted to see the cockpit whenever we flew somewhere as a family. That fascination eventually turned into a passion, but not until later in my life.

“I am a software engineer by trade. My career and young family brought me to Seattle in 2014.  In 2021, during the COVID epidemic, my attention turned to dreams I’ve always had, but never thought I had the time to accomplish. Soon, though, I was flight training at Rainier Flight Service out of Renton, WA.

“My desire to complete a lifelong dream of becoming a pilot turned into a passion, and I was instrument rated in 2022. Since then, I’ve spent as much time as I can in the Pacific Northwest skies in my 76 Piper Cherokee.

“I prefer to fly for a purpose, and early during training, I became aware of Angel Flight West. I made it a goal to reach the hours required to do my first mission, and by the end of 2023, I had completed 7 missions. I feel a connection to Angel Flight because of my own personal experience as a father of a special needs child. The kindness of strangers when we are dealing with a crisis in our lives goes a long way.

“As the wing leader for the WA region, I am here at your service. I look forward to getting to know as many of you in our aviation community and helping us serve as many families as we can.”

A resident of Seattle, WA, Ricardo flies a  Piper PA-28 and has been an AFW volunteer pilot since 2022.

A sincere thank you to Jeremy Katz, previous Washington Wing Leader, for years of dedicated service, both through gifted flights and by helping AFW make important connections throughout the Washington wing.

Dave Lombard – Central California Area Lead

Finally, we’re also delighted to share that Dave Lombard, AFW Command Pilot for more than 20 years, will be assisting NorCal Wing Leader Gil Takemori by taking on the role of Central Calif. Area Leader. “Dave has been a key contributor for AFW and is the first of several area leaders we hope to recognize in the coming months,” says Gil.

A resident of Mariposa, CA, Dave flies a Cessna 172 and has been an AFW volunteer pilot since 2003.

The post Wingspan: Announcing New Wing Leaders in UT, AZ, WA, and NV. first appeared on Angel Flight West.

Q + A

Could you tell us a bit about yourself?

I was born and raised in Southern California and still reside here in Oceanside. I grew up surfing and golfing. I am a private pilot with about 250 hours total time. I am married to my best friend Alison, and we have three kids (Reid 10, Archer 8, and Lola 6) as well as a dog named Ziggy and two cats, Lucy and Junie! In my spare time, I try to get in a little driving range time, basketball practice and games with Reid, and going to the beach with the fam as much as possible!

How long have you been with AFW?  

I have been at AFW just under a year and a half now. 

What’s your role with Angel Flight West? What does your day-to-day look like? 
I am the Volunteer Services Manager. My day to day consists of helping volunteers navigate through orientation, working with Outreach and our Wing Leaders on various initiatives within their wings and working with Mission Operations to help fulfill missions. Currently, Volunteer Services is also working on building/implementing a volunteer recognition program and looking to build more of a community and closer engagement with our volunteers! 

Describe AFW in three words.
Compassionate, motivating, fulfilling 

What’s your favorite part of working with AFW? 

Working with the amazing team at AFW and seeing how our volunteers help change our passengers’ lives for the better! 

The post Staff Spotlight on Volunteer Services Manager Troy Troxel first appeared on Angel Flight West.

Meet our new Volunteer Services Coordinator, David Nathan! 

David holds a master’s degree in sociology from the University of Cincinnati. He joins our team with more than 12 years of experience in aviation and holds a pilot license and instrument rating through Sporty’s Academy.

Before joining AFW in 2023, he served in roles as Lead Flight Coordinator & Charter Sales Representative. Additionally, David served as an International Flight Dispatcher for five years.

In his free time, David enjoys snowboarding, camping, and exploring the great outdoors near his home in Sacramento, California, and beyond.  

Welcome to the team, David!

The post Introducing AFW’s New Volunteer Services Coordinator first appeared on Angel Flight West.

With a longstanding interest in aviation, Eric went on a discovery flight in 2018 and was instantly hooked. “Angel Flight West was on my mind from the very first day of flight training,” says Eric. “I knew aviation was not accessible to everyone and that learning to fly would be a great way to further my philanthropic ambitions. During training, I was focused on building time to meet the 250-hour AFW requirement for Command Pilots.”   

Eric has been an active volunteer pilot since 2020. In the last three months alone, he’s flown an incredible 13 times to help passengers travel to their far-off care, bringing his current lifetime missions to 38.  

Each flight has reinforced Eric’s decision to share his aviation skills and resources with the rest of the world. “My first flight was with a child battling cancer,” Eric recalls. “He’s had an incredibly tough journey, and I had the honor of flying him and his family to his medical appointment and back home.”  

As an owner of a TBM 940 aircraft, Eric often signs up for long-range missions that would typically require one or two stopping points. Just last month, he flew a passenger from Burbank back home to Hamilton, Montana — more than 1,150 miles when traveling by car. Knowing missions with multiple legs can be difficult to fill, Eric looks for missions in which he can combine both legs. “Eric has been invaluable to our mission, always willing to go the extra mile,” says Associate Executive Director Cheri Cimmarrusti. “Just this year, he has flown missions from his home base in Southern California to Boise, ID, Medford, OR, Ogden, UT and Globe, AZ. Our entire team appreciates the contributions he has made, both as a board member and as a volunteer pilot.”  

As a volunteer-driven organization, AFW looks to its board for leadership and guidance in all areas of operations. In his role as a board member, Eric utilizes his business background to serve on the finance and audit committees. 

To the extent they’re able, Eric believes all pilots should include compassion flying in their list of reasons to take to the skies. “Flying is a privilege,” he says. “Once you complete your first mission, it’ll be contagious. AFW is a way for me to serve others, even if I’m only touching their lives in a small way. These passengers do as much for me as I do for them.” 

The post Spotlight on a Board Member: Meet Eric Chadwick first appeared on Angel Flight West.

Russell holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree from California State University. As Director of Outreach with AFW, Russell oversees strategic planning and initiatives related to volunteer recruitment and healthcare collaborations. Russell is excited to be part of the organization and is looking forward to building new relationships with volunteers and healthcare partners across the West.

Residing in Monterey, California, Russell has 10 years of experience in community outreach, serving in the roles of Strategic Communications Manager at the Naval Postgraduate School’s Center for Homeland Defense and Security in Monterey, California and West Coast Operations Manager for Education First in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

In his free time, Russell enjoys exploring California history, travel, film, music, and hiking with his dog Sprinkles along California’s Central Coast.  

Welcome to the team, Russell!

The post Introducing AFW’s New Director of Outreach first appeared on Angel Flight West.

Until January of 2018, Tiffany and her mom Shelly drove the long trip from Redding to Palo Alto, CA so Tiffany could make her appointments at Stanford.  Unfortunately, she had a social worker who thought she didn’t qualify for our services.  Once that was straightened out, they started using Angel Flight West (AFW).  Over the next five years, Tiffany had 90 flights with our amazing volunteer pilots and numerous ground trips from our Earth Angels!

Shelly told me that the drive was a huge burden on them, especially financially, as they had to make that drive with all the expenses. The constant trips led to wear and tear on their vehicle and on their well-being.  Once AFW started providing flights for Tiffany, Shelly didn’t need to take time off work because Tiffany was now an adult and could go to many of the appointments by herself.  Shelly says that the pilots showed such kindness to her daughter, who was so grateful for the flights.

During that time, Tiffany began to develop friendships with so many of our pilots.  One special relationship was with Northern California Volunteer Pilot Chris Bennett. Chris flew Tiffany 45 of those 90 trips.  “Tiffany was one of my regular passengers,” says Chris. “I first flew her five years ago. She touched a lot of people and was relentless in her zest for life. I enjoyed her friendship, but it was also centering to spend time with her. I’ll be telling people about Tiffany for the rest of my life.”  While Chris flew her many times, Tiffany’s relationship with other pilots and drivers was special to her, too. 

Unfortunately, about two and half years ago, Tiffany began to reject her second set of lungs. I know from following her on social media, where she was an active champion for those with CF, that she tried multiple treatments and options… all to no avail. Tiffany was an inspiration to many on Facebook. Even today, the “cysters” she communicated with still post on her page.  After looking at the possibilities, it became apparent that Tiffany was not eligible for another transplant and the other treatments were not working.  Sadly, Tiffany passed away at home on March 7 with her family by her side.  

I tell you this story with a sad ending, not because of the sad ending, but because of all that our volunteer pilots and drivers did to make Tiffany’s life richer and easier.  These dedicated volunteers not only gave her the gift of time by shortening her travel time significantly, but they also gave her every opportunity to receive the treatment she needed.  This was time she could spend at home with her friends and family.  Please know that as a volunteer for Angel Flight West – your generosity and your heart can make a huge impact on the lives of the passengers who come to us every day.  Thank you for being you and thank you for making a difference to Tiffany and those like her. 

Blue Skies – Ciao – Cheri

A Celebration of Life will be held for Tiffany if you are interested in attending:

Date: June 3 at 12:00 p.m. PST
Location: Anderson River Park Scout Building, Anderson CA.
Hot dogs and hamburgers will be served. Please bring a lawn chair, and if you can, a salad or chips to share. Please notify Cheri at cheric@angelflightwest.org if you plan to attend.

The post From Cheri’s Desk: Spotlight on an Angel first appeared on Angel Flight West.

My name is Alexi Stavropoulos and I am deeply honored to be serving as AFW’s Safety Officer along with Bruce Poulton. I am grateful to own a Cirrus SR22T.  Without a doubt, my favorite flying activity in my Cirrus is to fly for AFW when my work schedule and weather permits. Both have been a challenge as of late. Otherwise, I love staying in the pattern, humbling myself! And of course, flying with my family.

Bruce and I have big shoes to fill in this role. Rich Pickett has served this role honorably and with great commitment. He has graciously offered to remain as an advisor, as his schedule permits.  I fully intend to capitalize on his offer and tap into his knowledge for advice and counsel. Thank you Rich!

I have worked for United Airlines for almost 31 years.  I am currently a B777 Captain and Line Check Airman/Evaluator. For the last 20 plus years, I have been serving and continue to do so, as the SFO ALPA (Air Line Pilots Association) Safety Committee Chairman. I have also served in the past as an Incident Responder and Mishap Investigation Committee Chairman for the entire United Airlines pilot group through the Central Air Safety Committee for ALPA. I have also served as the Domicile Safety Officer for the SFO Chief Pilot’s Office.  I started in GA, at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where I also graduated with an emphasis in Aviation Safety and Accident Investigation. 

There is an abundance of extremely valuable experience among many of AFW’s pilots.  This safety structure belongs to all of us, and we all have valuable input to offer.  I am looking forward to acting as a liaison to the wonderful staff of AFW to the absolute best of my ability.  We all share one common goal: to function in our flying within Safe Operations. And this will be the theme of our first communication.  I am looking forward to meeting as many of you as possible, learning from you and helping in any way that I can.

Meet Bruce: 

I’m honored and humbled to be selected for this volunteer position.  

I’ve been a general aviation pilot for almost 45 years, and I’ve been lucky enough to be a part owner of a Beechcraft Bonanza A36. Prior to owning the A36, I was a partner in a 1954 E35 Bonanza for 28 years. I love flying Angel Flight missions and getting to assist some amazing people.  

Although I’ve wanted to be a professional pilot since forever, I instead had a career at Lockheed Martin Space as a Satellite Engineering Manager. My career allowed me to stay involved in GA and enjoy the benefits of owning an aircraft.  I regularly participate in formation flying with the NorCal Beech Boys, Bonanzas to Oshkosh, and the Memorial Squadron, and I’m an FFI certified Formation Flight Lead. I love to coach other pilots on how to safely fly formation. 

I retired from LM a couple years ago, and I somehow got to fly FedEx Cessna Caravans for a few months. Then the most amazing thing happened – I was hired on with a small jet charter company in Hayward, CA to fly the Citation XLS+. I finally met my goal of being a professional pilot! 

Although I lack Alexi’s formal safety credentials, I have always been focused on safety. The formation community has excellent protocols and procedures for training and practice, and I’ve been lucky enough to participate in forming some of those procedures and training new and advanced formation pilots. Although it may seem that Angel Flight missions and formation flying have little in common, I believe that they share many safety and risk management principles.

I see this as a learning opportunity for me to work with the AFW volunteer pilots and understand their safety concerns. I look forward to working with Alexi to serve the AFW pilot community.

We look forward to welcoming and supporting Alexios and Bruce in their new roles as AFW Safety Officers. 

The post Meet AFW’s New Safety Officers first appeared on Angel Flight West.

Help us welcome Daniel and Emily to the AFW Board of Directors!

The post In the Hangar: Meet Our New Board Members! first appeared on Angel Flight West.

Mark Haakenson – Montana Wing Leader

Mark Haakenson joined Angel Flight West as a Command Pilot in August of 2016. He is an 8,200+ hour ATP pilot with his CFII/MEI as well as an A&P with Inspection Authorization (I.A.). He works out of Great Falls (GTF) flying a Citation V (560) for a couple of brothers. He also flight instructs and flies contract in twin Cessnas and various Citations. When he’s not flying you will probably find him working on his old FJ40 Landcruiser or hanging out with his wife and three kids.

Growing up, Mark’s dad was a small-town doc and his mom was a nurse. Dinner conversations were often about the medical needs and challenges of those around them. The awareness of those needs prompted Mark to get trained as an EMT while he was still in college. Although his career never took him to the field of medicine, serving those around him has always been a focus for Mark and he has found that his skill set and love of helping others has been a perfect fit for Angel Flight West.

Mark’s love of aviation, knowledge of medical needs, and passion to help others has led him to pursue ways he can assist Angel Flight West. He looks forward to working alongside our volunteers to further our goals and expand our mission as Montana’s new Wing Leader.

Ace Ellinwood – Hawaii Wing Leader

Ace has been a Command Pilot with Angel Flight for many years, completing over 40 missions. His decades of experience in aviation make him a true asset to our Hawaii wing. He retired from flying fighters for the Air Force and the Hawaii Air Guard. He has flown other missions, in L-39’s and Alpha Jets, as a military contractor for the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps. 

He also spent years flying 737’s for Aloha Airlines. He has flown inter-island, as a charter pilot, in Cessna and Piper aircraft. He let me know a highlight in his aviation adventures was flying a C-182 around South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe with his son. He and his wife have lived in Kaneohe for the last 39 years.  It is truly an honor to have Ace as our fellow Aviator and now as Wing Leader for the Hawaii Wing. I hope you all take the time to give him a warm Aloha.

The post Wingspan: Winter 2022 first appeared on Angel Flight West.