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 »
Meet AFW’s Newest Board Member, Vincent Mickens May 21, 2024 We’re thrilled to introduce AFW’s newest board member, Vincent Mickens of Potomac, MD. 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 Bus… Jessica Hayes Read More »
Intern Reflection: Meet Yohana May 9, 2024 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 ha… YohanaG Read More »
Dr. Randy Sherman Access for All Fund April 25, 2024 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… YohanaG Read More »
Wingspan: Meet New Idaho Wing Leader Don Reiman March 1, 2024 Please help us welcome Don Reiman as AFW’s new Idaho Wing Leader! 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… Jessica Hayes Read More »
Meet AFW’s Newest Board Member, Richard Beattie January 19, 2024 We’re thrilled to introduce AFW’s newest board member, Richard Beattie! 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 recreatio… Jessica Hayes Read More »
Wingspan: Announcing New Wing Leaders in UT, AZ, WA, and NV. January 19, 2024 We’re thrilled to announce new wing leaders in four states, including Lou Rossi (Utah), Alan Underwood (Arizona), Shawn Linch (Nevada), and Ricardo Lagos (Washington). Additionally, we’re excited to share that Dave Lombard will take on the role of area leader for Central California. We also share our gratitude and thanks to our outgoing wing leaders, including Steve Bollinger (Utah), Tim Barrios (Arizo… Jessica Hayes Read More »
Staff Spotlight on Volunteer Services Manager Troy Troxel October 17, 2023 AFW Volunteer Services Manager, Troy Troxel, with his wife Alison and their three children. 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… Jessica Hayes Read More »
Introducing AFW’s New Volunteer Services Coordinator July 25, 2023 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,… Jessica Hayes Read More »
Spotlight on a Board Member: Meet Eric Chadwick July 25, 2023 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 Com… Jessica Hayes Read More »
Introducing AFW’s New Director of Outreach May 1, 2023 We’re thrilled to share that Russell Stearns has joined Angel Flight West (AFW) as our Director of Outreach! 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 organizatio… Jessica Hayes Read More »
From Cheri’s Desk: Spotlight on an Angel May 1, 2023 Tiffany S. was born in 1993 and a mere six days later she was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Tiffany’s condition was manageable for many years, but when she was 17, she was listed for a double-lung transplant. Tiffany received that surgery the same year and before she was 18, she had two new lungs – and a new lease on life. However, five years later, Tiffany’s body began to reject the orga… Cheri Cimmarrusti Read More »
Meet AFW’s New Safety Officers April 12, 2023 Meet Alexios: 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.… Jessica Hayes Read More »
In the Hangar: Meet Our New Board Members! February 14, 2023 Angel Flight West is proud to welcome two new board members to our team: Daniel Cheung and Emily Deaton. Both Daniel and Emily join AFW’s Board of Directors with a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and passion for charitable aviation. We’re thrilled to have them serve as we continue to deliver health and hope throughout the Western states. Daniel Cheung is a CPA and he co-founded Aviation Tax Consultants… Jessica Hayes Read More »
Wingspan: Winter 2022 December 6, 2022 Welcome new Montana and Hawaii wing leaders! Mark Haakenson – Montana Wing Leader Mark Haakenson on an angel flight with his sweet co-pilot, Evelyn 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 brothe… Ivan Martinez Read More »