Hardin volunteers his time, services, and the use of his personal aircraft, to fly patients for specialized medical treatment at otherwise unattainable locations.  As the recession has worsened, many patients find that they are unable to afford the transportation to their medical treatment facility, such as Duke or Shriners hospitals.

Hardin’s many flights have included transporting children and adults who are terminally ill.

“Every flight is memorable,” Hardin said. “I make each patient take a picture and sign my book. When I’m having a tough day, I look through the book. It cheers me up.”

Hardin has been flying for six years. His interest in aviation was the result of a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon. “After the ride over the Grand Canyon, I was hooked,” Hardin said. He took his introductory flight at Gray’s Creek Airport in North Carolina.

After hearing about Airlift Hope from his peers, Hardin decided to volunteer in the summer of 2007. “It’s a neat way to give back to the community, plus I enjoy flying. It’s a win-win situation.”

Hardin, like all Airlift Hope pilots, uses his own aircraft and pays for fuel, maintenance, and repair out-of-pocket. During 2009, Airlift Hope assisted 2,154 clients for a total of 1,284 flights. In North Carolina, Airlift Hope assisted 393 clients for a total of 244 flights.

Pictured in the photo above (back row, left to right) are Ron Calugar, Doug Robinson, Kenny Hardin, Dan Dedona, John Pilkins, and Jan Greenberg, Dale Shymkewich. Middle row: Chris Noonan, Jim Loncella, John Sullivan, Samuel Pais, Cleve Benedict. Front row: Tony Schmidt, Charlie Poll, Dave Pride.

For outstanding service in their respective states in 2008, the following were named Pilots of the Year: Cleve Benedict (WV), Dale Shymkewich (VA), Doug Robinson (MD), Charlie Poll (OH), Dan Dedona (PA), Dick Lawrence (MI), Brett Lunger (DE), Tony Schmidt (KY), Huston Simmons (DC), Kenny Hardin (NC), and Dave Pride (TN). Pride was also named Pilot of the Year for the Mid-Atlantic region. Congratulations to all of our volunteer pilots—both named and unnamed—for their selfless service in helping patients to find “the shortest distance between home and hope.”

PSA was produced by Cross and Flag Productions.

Beginning their Saturday morning with coffee, doughnuts and a brief tour of the Angel Flight headquarters on Haygood Road, the pilots had an opportunity to meet with the mission coordination team for the briefing, led by CEO and President Ed Boyer. This was followed by a discussion period during which pilots related concerns about fuel costs and shared best practices as to how to find fuel discounts from supportive FBOs. Volunteer pilot Ron Calugar from Midlothian, Virginia, explained the new, improved mission coordination program that he developed for Angel Flight (see the January/February Angel Flyer).

Jim Smith, vice president of operations, said the most significant aspect of the weekend was for pilots to spend personal time with the mission team. “These are the go-to pilots. For them to be able to meet us —many for the first time—will go a long way in forming that special bond. And to see the environment we work in was important.”

MJ Sablan, the director of mission coordination, said she welcomed “the personal opportunity to thank the pilots and their spouses for their support.”

During the afternoon, volunteer coordinator Mary Ellen Wernimont and vice president of programs, Lee Duckworth, conducted a training session for prospective Community Representatives “to equip them for public speaking about our programs,” said Wernimont. “Almost all in attendance were pilots. We gave them some supplies and asked them to notify us of events in their region.” Typical events are air shows, health conferences, civic meetings, military gatherings, and others.

The weekend climaxed with a banquet at the beautiful Virginia Beach Resort Hotel and Conference Center on the Chesapeake Bay. Some 60 guests in attendance enjoyed a buffet dinner of such specialties as she-crab soup, crab cakes, sirloin roast and a variety of delicious desserts. After the meal, Jim Smith announced the Angel Flight and Airlift Hope pilots of the year for each state as they came forward to receive their plaque awards.

The top pilot of the year for the entire Mid-Atlantic region was Frank Gulledge from Brandenburg, Kentucky. This was his second consecutive year to be so honored. He was also the pilot of the year for his state. Others receiving awards were Cleve Benedict (West Virginia), Doug Robinson (Maryland), Joe Federico (Virginia), Huston Simmons (Washington, D.C.), Dick Lawrence (Michigan), Jim Brady (North Carolina), and Dave Pride (Tennessee).

Another award winner was John Hoffmann, a pilot and Community Representative who received the distinction for the second year in a row of being Mid-Atlantic’s Community Representative of the Year.

The night ended with remarks by Steve Craven, chairman of the Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic board and a volunteer pilot since 1995. Steve said that transporting patients and families with unbelievably difficult medical problems makes him appreciate the many blessings he and his family have received. He praised all the pilots for their devoted service and mentioned the resourceful efforts of Steve Patterson, Angel Flight’s former executive director, to manage the 2,600 relief missions flown during Hurricane Katrina.

“They’re good people,” Jim Smith said of Angel Flight and Airlift Hope pilots. “Hopefully, they’ll continue to serve and maybe even give a bit more.”

One hundred fifty-six runners and walkers gathered at the start line the morning of the 5K race. The event is a fund- and friend-raiser for Airlift Hope. This year’s race netted over $5,600. Major sponsors included Landmark Aviation, Food Lion, Farm Fresh, Freedom Ford, Long Jewelers, and TI Associates, Inc.

Virginia Beach Mayor Meyera Oberndorf greeted the crowd, mentioning that her husband, Roger, is a volunteer pilot, and praising the organization for its service to people in need.

The race was hosted by Tidewater Striders.

Trophies and medals were awarded for the top three male and female walkers and the top male and female runners of various age categories.

Special drawings were held for pilots, runners, and the general public and included such gifts as a transceiver, gift certificates for fine jewelry, clothing, and two- night stays for two at the Sheraton Oceanfront and Courtyard Marriott hotels.

Astro DJ’s kept things rocking with their upbeat tunes, and a colorful cheerleading squad from Bayside Baptist Church’s Upward sports ministry dazzled the crowd.

Event coordinator Sanovia Baxter said the race was a big success. “It was a bright and sunny day. I enjoyed the crowd enjoying themselves. We appreciate all the participants, friends and supporters.”

The Princess Anne Women’s Club (PAWC), founded in 1925, is the oldest club of its kind in Virginia Beach. As a service organization, the members undertake various projects as a way to “give back to the community,” says Madeline Winfrey, Second Vice President and Ways and Means Chairman. She learned about Angel Flight from her daughter Lynn Matthews, who sells ads for Cox Media. “Airlift Hope was doing some ads and Lynn stopped by the office to check on the account. She said Airlift Hope was such a wonderful organization.” Madeline, who lives close to the Airlift Hope office on Haygood Road in Virginia Beach, decided to see for herself. “I went by and got pamphlets and other materials, then presented Airlift Hope to the club.” The women were impressed with the charity and decided to adopt it for its benefit fashion show.

Fashions by the Bay was held at Westminster Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay, a retirement community. It featured winter and spring styles by Coldwater Creek as well as a luncheon prepared by Westminster Canterbury’s staff. “We had 237 in attendance and a waiting list of 20,” Madeline said. “Tickets went for $25.”

In a write-up about the luncheon fashion show appearing in the Beacon, PAWC President Gayle Paradiso was quoted as saying, “We are very proud to have Airlift Hope here. It so deserves recognition and support. We must keep it a part of our community.”

If the FAA’s proposal for a user fee were implemented the negative impact on volunteer pilot organizations would be huge. Please click on the graphic below to prepare a personalized letter encouraging your Members of Congress to oppose the FAA’s user fee proposal.

The following information is provided to assist you in completing the form:

For company name type the name of your VPO (ie, Airlift Hope)

For title, type in the words “volunteer pilot.”

When the text comes up you can edit it, delete it, write your own message – or cut and paste the following recommended text into the space.

About 10,000 volunteer pilots using their own planes, organized through Volunteer Pilot Organizations, provide American’s with:

• a charitable medical air transportation system second to none…
• a compassionate charitable transportation option in times of family or community emergencies….
• the established emergency blood and blood product transport system for use when commercial services are grounded or can’t meet the need…..
• the Homeland Security Emergency Air Transportation System (HSEATS) which is the volunteer pilot component of the Civil Aviation Response to Disasters System – the CARDS system.

These volunteer pilots pay all of the expenses to operate their own small aircraft serving as listed above:

• most such small plane owners in America use their aircraft for business purposes when not flying for charitable purposes…..
• volunteer pilots are part of the general aviation (non-airline) economy which supports American business in an annual amount of $150 billion annually.

Last year (2006) these volunteer pilots flew about 25,000 charitable missions serving 38,000 clients – a gift from them to those in need in our society. The commercial value of their donation was in excess of $20 million.

The proposed 300-percent increase in fuel taxes, coupled with new user fees, will cost these volunteers an additional amount of well over $1 million dollars annually – just for their charitable flying where they already pay all expenses involved.

Participants must be registered and at the start line by 8:45 a.m. The race will begin promptly at 9:00…

Registration fees are $22 or $25 if paid after Feb. 1 or on the day of the race.

To register online, go to www.angelflightrun.org or www.active.com.

Besides trophies and medals for winners, there will also be special drawings for race participants and the general public, including a two-night stay and dinner for two at an exclusive Oceanfront hotel, two gift certificates from a Virginia Beach jeweler, valued at $250 each, and many more.

The first 250 runners/walkers registered by Feb. 1 will receive an official race tee shirt.

The race is sponsored by the Tidewater Striders, Road Runners Club of America, Chick Fil-A, and others.

For additional information, call Sanovia Baxter at 757-318-9174, ext. 214 or Tidewater Striders at 757-627-7223.

The night began at 6 p.m. with a social hour and silent auction, followed by a delicious buffet dinner. Special highlights were the Color Guard, a solo performance of the National Anthem, and a keynote address by U.S. Congresswoman Thelma Drake, who commended Airlift Hope for its extraordinary service and reported on the Volunteer Pilot Organization Protection Act of 2006 which she sponsored and which passed the House. The bill is now in the Senate (S.929), with Sen. Allen expressing confidence of its passage.

Two special guests were Leanne and Cristina Powell, both Airlift Hope patients and frequent fliers, who gave a moving account of their medical and financial difficulties, and the blessings of flying with Airlift Hope.

Throughout the evening, guests were treated to the beautiful piano music of our friend in aviation Jerry Wilson, who has played for us at past Airlift Hope banquets.

Ed Boyer, CEO and President of Mercy Medical Airlift, and winner of the National Aeronautic Association’s Elder Statesman Award, spoke briefly of Airlift Hope’s continuing growth and expansion. Another highlight was announcement of pilot awards, with several volunteers present to receive the plaque awards. These included Keith Taylor of N.C., David Wylie of PA, Michael Johnson of MD, and Dick Lawrence of MI. The event’s emcee, pilot Mark Farris, of Virginia, was also recognized as Virginia’s Finest Pilot. A new award was established this year for Community Representative of the Year and given to pilot Rich Badaracco of North Carolina.

Next came an announcement of the silent auction winners, with the top item being a week’s vacation in a fabulous seven-bedroom beach house in the Outer Banks..

The evening closed with Lisa Hernandez singing a beautiful rendition of “God Bless America,” followed by a benediction from Rev. Larry Crowell of Galilee Episcopal Church.

Other weekend events included a Continental breakfast on Saturday morning along with a tour of the Mid-Atlantic regional offices and a trip to see the newly-refurbished Bonanza aircraft at Landmark Aviation. Joint board meetings and training for community representatives occurred during the afternoon hours.

Plans are already underway for next year’s banquet. We look forward to seeing you there!

Silent auction drew enthusiastic bidders with items ranging from beach house vacation to teeth whitening!

Leanne (L) and Cristina P., frequent flyers with our program, were happy to be with “angels” and to share Cristina’s colorful paintings.

MaryJane (MJ) Sablan, missions director, presents David Wylie of Pennsylvania with his “Finest Pilot” award.

Dick Lawrence of Michigan receives his plaque award.

Mark Farris of Virginia was also the emcee for the evening

Michael Jones from Maryland is recognized for his achievement as a devoted pilot.

Keith Taylor, a dentist from NC, won both the Mid-Atlantic Pilot of the Year and NC state awards.