Every LifeLine Pilots mission begins with a volunteer pilot who chooses to use their aviation skills to help a patient overcome transportation barriers to health care.
Since 1981, LifeLine Pilots, a Midwest-based nonprofit, has coordinated free, non-emergency flights for patients traveling long distances to access specialized medical care. The organization recently recognized five volunteers for their outstanding service and contributions to public benefit aviation.
“Our volunteers are the heart of LifeLine Pilots,” said Lindsey Kerr, executive director of LifeLine Pilots. “Every mission is made possible by pilots who generously donate their time, aircraft and expertise to help patients access specialized medical care. While every volunteer is deeply valued, our annual awards provide an opportunity to recognize individuals whose exceptional service reflects the very best of our mission and the general aviation community.”
The following individuals were recognized for exceptional service and leadership over the past year:
Jason Smoker of Indiana received the Pilot of the Year Award for completing 45 mission legs and more than 134 flight hours in support of patients and families traveling for medical care.
Ken Reily of Minnesota received the Wanda Whitsitt Founder’s Award for his longtime dedication to LifeLine Pilots. Reily has completed 53 patient transport flights while also serving 14 years on the organization’s Board of Directors and helping lead key safety initiatives.
Will Minnette of Michigan received the Hangar of Honor Award for his willingness to assist with challenging and last-minute mission requests throughout 13 years of volunteer service.
Mike Quist of Wisconsin received the Blue Sky Award for his outstanding volunteer service beyond mission flying. In addition to supporting patient flights, Quist has played an important role in pilot recruitment and building partnerships within the public benefit flying community.
John Greco of Pennsylvania received the Special Recognition Award for supporting collaboration between LifeLine Pilots and Angel Flight East and helping fulfill difficult-to-coordinate patient missions. Greco has completed 50 mission legs to connect patients with essential medical care.
LifeLine Pilots extends its gratitude to all volunteer pilots who donate their time, talent, aircraft and resources to ensure distance is never a barrier to health care. Because of their generosity, passengers are never charged for flights coordinated through the organization.
Patients typically travel 100 to 1,000 miles for scheduled, non-emergency medical appointments, including cancer treatment, clinical trials, specialty care, evaluations and second opinions. Flights are provided by experienced volunteer pilots flying privately owned aircraft. Safety is LifeLine Pilots’ highest priority, and all pilots undergo a comprehensive approval process.
Pilots interested in joining the mission can learn more at lifelinepilots.org/volunteer.