CURRENT ENDEAVOR AWARD NOMINATIONS

Nomination Criteria

1. A volunteer pilot who has gone above and beyond in giving back to his or her community through donated flights.
2. Flies on behalf of one or more registered 501(c)(3) non-profit based in the United States.
3. Operates aircraft within Federal Aviation requirements, including if flying Part 91, no compensation for fuel or otherwise without exemption.
4. Special consideration will be given to a total number of lifetime flights, philanthropic impact, and compelling or extraordinary flight(s).

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DAVID KNIES

Huntsville, Alabama

23-24 years

David began flying for Angel Flight Southeast and Angel Flight Soars in 2001-ish. He commonly flew after work and would make several flights before returning home late at night. Initially, he viewed this as a way to log time but also give back after the "$100 hamburger" had worn itself out. When missions of long distances go unfilled or the weather is bad, he's often covering mission legs with commercial airline tickets.

He flew 50+ flights to/from LA when Hurricane Katrina occurred and worked hand in hand with AFSE staff doing mission intake work, as they were on-site in LA and MS. Later when Vital Flight was started in southern Florida, he joined their Board. He helped them develop their programs, flying over 250 missions there, many with fellow pilot Bruce Bromberg. For the last decade, he has continued to fly missions but also spearhead a program for special needs children and their families offering a respite from their struggles.

At home, he volunteers time and his plane for STEM-based flights and experiences/classes with FlyQuest, often remarking "Where was this program when I was in high school." If there ever was a pilot who uses his flying gift to help others and inspire the next generation - it's David.

David isn't just a pilot - he's a ground volunteer, a hotline phone answerer, a mission coordinator, an event planner - anyway, he can further public benefit flying - that's him.

There are several with the Decatur Daily and Huntsville Times over his career, but they are PDFs and he has them.

Others: https://flic.kr/p/5H7XEV 

https://www.aircarealliance.org/aviation-volunteers-and-organizations-honored-with-2022-public-benefit-flying-awards/   

David being mentioned involving others: https://www.army.mil/article/29587/ex_army_pilot_flies_friendly_skies_to_help_others 

2021 Hurricane Relief piece: https://www.waff.com/2021/09/06/south-florida-charity-sending-relief-flights-louisiana-huntsville-airport/

• President's Volunteer Service Award, President GW Bush (09/2008)
• NAA Outstanding Achievement in Advancement of Public Benefit Flying (07/2023)

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HOGAN BRIAN BROOKS

Navasota, Texas

Since October 2021

When the majority of Angel Flight South Central pilots sign up for a mission, they agree to fly one or two mission legs at a time, not Hogan Brian Brooks. He is known for settling down at his laptop on a Sunday evening and spending hours plotting and planning out multi-leg / muti-passenger missions to make the greatest possible impact. He is currently averaging an astonishing 157 mission legs annually or 3 mission legs a week.

Angel Flight South Central was established more than 30 years ago. Most of its all-time hi-flyer list have been with the organization for 10 years or more and are retired from daily work. Not 55-year-old Hogan Brian Brooks. He currently holds the number five spot for all-time hi-flyers for Angel Flight South Central, is the owner and operator of a thriving property management enterprise with properties across the state of Texas, and runs his ranch.

N/A

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JODI AKERS

Nashville, Tennessee

Since October 2021

Jodi not only provides her services as a volunteer pilot, she also genuinely cares about the passengers she flies and builds real relationships with them. Attached you will find a letter of reference from an anonymous survivor of human trafficking whom Jodi has flown 3 times for various needs in this individual's recover journey. Jodi also flies for other public benefit flying groups and has shared how her motivation is to connect with the passengers to show them how loved they are.

Jodi is the epitome of compassion. She embodies empathy and respect not only with her peers but also with the people she serves. A significant reason why she is charging through her pilot journey is so that she can use her love of flying to serve people who need transportation assistance.

Perhaps most significantly, she is a role model to her passengers. Freedom Aviation Network typically flies female passengers due to the nature of our work. In Jodi's efforts to build relationships, she is also showing them that their life is full of so much potential.

N/A

• We hope this award will be the first of many recognitions Jodi will receive throughout her flying career.

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 LISA FUSANO

La Crecenta, California

Lisa Fusano has made significant contributions to youth education and merit-based scholarship opportunities through her leadership with the Aviation Explorers 747 post and flying Young Eagles with the Experimental Aircraft Association in Camarillo and Pacoima, California.

Lisa owns two hangars (one in each place she flies Young Eagles) and two Cessna 172 airplanes, both of which she shares with an open heart so that youth can discover and nurture the love of flight. Each Young Eagles flight with the EAA is an opportunity for her to inspire kids and teach them about aviation. She has volunteered for years with the Aviation Explorers 747, and now leads the post in bi-monthly ground school meetings and volunteer opportunities.

Lisa's service allows Explorers ages 14-21 to earn merit-based scholarships up to $7000 as they achieve the mile marker goals of obtaining their private pilot certificate. Both of my kids met her on a Young Eagles flight, joined the Aviation Explorers as student leadership, and used their volunteer hours to receive a Bronze Medal Congressional Award while learning about aviation, volunteering at the Young Eagles events, and building a community of aviation friends.

My son also earned an Aviation Career Achievement Award with Learning for Life while he earned his private pilot certificate and learned to give back to other student pilots in the program. We couldn't have paid for flight lessons for my son at such an astounding pace if it wasn't for Lisa's leadership and offering of her time to lead the Explorers, it would've taken much longer. Recently he graduated high school and was able to get a job in the aviation department of his college because of the volunteer experience he had with the Aviation Explorers, and also won three other scholarships for advanced flight training because of his leadership in aviation and skills. I know my son worked hard for his opportunities, but I also know he wouldn't be where he is without the sacrifice of Lisa's time and commitment to training youth. She is very deserving of this honor or recognition for giving her time, resources, and knowledge to young aviators.

Lisa shares her hangar space for the equipment that the Aviation Explorers need for the volunteer events including plane wash supplies, booth equipment for Young Eagles and airshows, and bins for our fundraisers. She shares her planes regularly for the Young Eagles events in two different locations. Lisa also constantly reaches out to youth and shares whatever information she can to get young pilots started and moving forward. She also recently became a CFI so that she has more knowledge to share with the Explorers when teaching ground school for the club. She is a go-getter, very sacrificial, and truly cares about the people she inspires. Lisa is a true gem. She has a quadriplegic daughter with cerebral palsy, so the time she does share is very special and makes it more valuable knowing it comes with a great sacrifice to her family time.

Instagram: @AviationExplorers747 and @EAAChapter40 both document Lisa's volunteer flights with Young Eagles and leadership with the Aviation Explorers 747 post and all of the youth that have been able to volunteer and receive merit-based scholarships for flight training.

• 2024 Young Eagles Horizon Award
• 2021, 2017 Mary Glassman Service Award
• 2017 Pilot of the Year San Fernando 99s
• 2015 Rookie Pilot of the Year

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MICHAEL EVANS

Henderson, Nevada

AFW volunteer pilot Michael Evans has gone above and beyond to support patients in need of transportation to medical care. With the Las Vegas area being a difficult place to recruit active volunteer pilots, Michael has consistently, willingly, and generously picked up numerous missions to serve AFW's passengers.

Additionally, Michael often picks up missions in other wings like Calif., considered long-range missions, even when they are outside of his listed pilot preferences.

In 2023 alone, Michael flew 60 flights, was the top flyer for the Nevada wing, and was the fourth top AFW flyer overall. Michael is a tremendous asset to AFW and to the Mission Operations team, always going the extra mile to make a difference.

After one of his missions, his passengers Allana and Diane said, "Thank you for your generosity and support in providing flights back home from our medical appointment in San Francisco. We are so grateful for angels like you who helped us during our very difficult time in life."

Michael is located in an area in which AFW has pilot shortages, ensuring we can still carry out our mission in NV and beyond. He does what he can to serve passengers, regardless of distance or personal preferences. He is a true model of a selfless volunteer pilot who has made incredible contributions to the gift of flight. Additionally, he has been the top flyer for the past ten years. It would be a great choice to honor Mike Evans and our Nevada wing at the 2025 Endeavor Awards.

https://www.facebook.com/AngelFlightWest/posts/pfbid0265bwMaX36DJBHQALg9qj3uS7MVq4vNw9P DASc3o5fBHycTeUjjjJmzUkK9H1yVZVl?locale=br_FR    

angelflightwest.org/annual-report 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/withlovefromstrangers/posts/73073452749776/?paipv=0&eav=Afbie9_-YUhZ5_Utp8ILjIp0gDi7ey5kgzjT8BPFiqNAGmUvgx4UmTMp5Iaj-0HwGhs&_rdr 

https://www.abc4.com/coronavirus/angel-flight-takes-utah-donations-to-new-mexico-families-in-navajo-nation/   

https://www.fox13now.com/news/coronavirus/local-coronavirus-news/angel-flight-west-flies-its-137th-load-of-supplies-to-the-covid-19-ravaged-navajo-nation 

• AFW Pilot of the Year for NV from 2014 - 2024... and still going strong!

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RICHARD JACOBS

South Dartmouth, Massachusetts

Since 2003

Rich's belief in Angel Flight NE's mission has been incredible. He has flown more than 900 missions of healing and hopes to ensure that patients can access critical medical care that would otherwise be inaccessible, or the patient would incur costs to travel that they would not have the funding to support. An example of Rich's extraordinary contributions includes him providing FIVE missions of healing and hope IN ONE DAY! This incredible act of selflessness and dedication to Angel Flight NE’s vital mission by Rich highlights his commitment to ensuring distance is never an obstacle for patients to access life-saving medical care.

Rich is one of the most compassionate and giving individuals. He is a go-to volunteer pilot for our organization that we deem "a frequent flyer".

Rich was recognized by the New England Patriots Foundation as Difference Maker of the Week and then subsequently, Difference Make of the Year:

https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-present-patriots-difference-maker-of-the-week-award-to-richard-jacobs-f 

https://fun107.com/dartmouth-patriots-difference-maker-richad-jacobs/ 

As mentioned in the previous entry, Rich was personally recognized by Robert Kraft, president and owner of the NFL New England Patriots, during a Zoom meeting/presentation by the New England Patriots Foundation as Difference Maker of the Week and then Difference Maker of the Year.

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SREE VELICHETI

Warren, New Jersey

Since 2003

Sree has mentored many pilots and follows up with new pilots after their orientations, guiding them through their initial flights, and ensuring they are well-prepared. In addition to flying, Sree volunteers as a Pilot Ambassador and has been using his time to make connections, help recruit pilots, attend events, and spread the word about PALS. Sree also is a Director and Organizer of the Mid-Atlantic Pilots Association.

"Sree's exceptional dedication is evident in his willingness to adjust his schedule on short notice to meet urgent needs, a testament to his commitment and flexibility. He consistently provides support with unwavering patience and kindness, even when managing his busy schedule. Sree is empathetic, soft-spoken, and humble.

Sree’s selflessness and dedication are demonstrated by his request for wedding guests to donate to PALS SkyHope instead of giving gifts. Volunteer flying is always in his heart.

Sree shared his thoughts:

“Flying PALS patients is by far the most rewarding use of my airplane, flying skills, and experience. When I started with PALS in late 2014, my ‘budget’ was one flight per month. But after hearing the stories straight from passengers during my initial flights, like from a Maine resident who was given six months to live by his local doctor but is now cancer-free after several flights to Philadelphia, from a father in Virginia who attributed the saving of his six year old son's leg from amputation due to bone cancer to PALS flights to New York, I started booking flights on as many weekends as were allowed by my schedule and weather. I ended up flying 26 missions in the first year. I have heard many more touching stories since then and feel privileged to be a part of the lives of these families.”