Veterans Airlift Command
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I flew a soldier who was recovering from his wounds by an IED in Afghanistan and his family from his base in Killen,Texas to Albuquerque,New Mexico, where we meet another volunteer to fly them on to Lake Havasu, Arizona. The trip was to attend his sister's wedding, which was a real morale booster to aid in his recovery. These locations are not served by commercial flights, so our help make the trip both possible time wise and economically feasible for them. They were so grateful, and I cannot adequately express the feeling one gets from providing a little help to those who have already given so much in protecting us and our country.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
seeing the joy in the veterans face. He even hugged me when we said goodbye.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
not change a thing. Everything so far has been great.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
I get to enjoy my passion for flying, while providing help to our wounded veterans.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
first class. The coordinators at VAC are very friendly and helpful. The other pilots are also the best, being flexible and helpful.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
do even more to help the veterans, but they already do so much with just the drive of all the volunteers.
Ways to make it better...
the weather had not delayed the flight for two days.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
getting the word out so the even more veterans can benefit from the air transport services provided.
One thing I'd also say is that...
This is a great idea. Thanks to Walt Fricke for getting VAC started, and thanks to the VAC coordinators for being so friendly and helpful.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
One time
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
First, without veterans, we would not be free to fly...period. I have had the previlege to fly some veterans in the past 6 months. This flying helped them to reach various desinations to better their lifes. This is a small appreciation to show for what they have given me and our freedom.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
giving something back.
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How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
It was great flying with all these people who donate there plane. I had a great time and learned a little about aviation. It really made flying home relaxing and the same time exciting.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Getting home to see my famliy that I havent seen in few years.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
keep it the same
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Just the oppurtunity to fly home so fast with out hte hassle of a normal airport and save money.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Really helpful, kind and respectful.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Fly every wounded veteran to desnitaions they need to get whether for medical or famly purposes
Ways to make it better...
Cant say
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
nothing
One thing I'd also say is that...
This org is awsome and the best I have ever been in contact with
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
One time
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
VAC pilots flew me to a veteran hunt in Texas. The pilots were very friendly. The whole experience was hard to believe. Just to think that there are people willing to help me go have fun. It was amazing.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The pilots all acted as if we were long time friends.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
One time
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I've known Walt Fricke for a long time now. It seems we met at an Aleethia foundation dinner before they were called that. I've shared the VAC with numerous vets and the experience is always great. I can't imagine why a wounded service member would travel any other way. The first time I flew in a VAC chartered aircraft was May of 2009. Having been wounded three years prior I wasn't sure if I was a candidate, but Walt assured me that he had a ton of Marines who were looking for an excuse to fly a wounded Marine anywhere he wanted to go. That's not to say they are not as excited to fly anyone, but if you are a Marine you know the special bond we share. Semper Fi! After that experience I became a big proponent of the VAC and I have witnessed first hand several missions which the VAC made extremely memorable. One day I received a call from Walter Reed in regards to a retired Sgt. Major who had passed away. I was on my way to a concert and six of this Marine's family member's needed flights back to North Carolina. The VAC came through with flying colors! I know the Sgt. Major's wife is extremely grateful for their help in time of grief and need. I am extremely honored to be called friend by so many great Americans!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the smiles on folks faces who have suffered great trials.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the incredible people which are involved that make each mission a great success. Sharing the joy of flying without the hassle of TSA.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Kind-hearted folks taking time out of their lives to make a difference in the lives of wounded veteran's and their family members!
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Get the word out so more wounded veteran's could share in this life-changing experience. Support veteran's who would like to learn how to fly, and provide this much needed service to many more wounded warriors!
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
As a wounded veteran, I have had the opportunity to be served by the Veterans Airlift Command. I am a below-knee amputee and twice, while I was recovering from my surgeries, I wanted to spend some time with my family. They were not able to be here in San Antonio with me. On one occasion, I was flown home for a long weekend. The freedom to just show up at the aircraft with my wheelchair crutches and a bag was a great weight off of my shoulders. The owner and his other pilot were beyond nice and I felt at home even though I was a guest their personal jet! On the second occasion, I was recovering from another surgey and my wife had planned a trip to Disney World. Once again, without a prosthesis, I worried how I would manage the kids, our stuff and myself through the TSA security maze and major airport crowds. Again, the VAC stepped up, and flew me along with my family to Orlando and it made it so much easier. Again, the Owner and his crew were as nice as could be and treated my family like they were one of their own. My wife and children will remember that for a lifetime. The Veterans Airlift Command serves a great purpose. The volunteers give of their time, money and property to enhance my lifa and those of my fellow servicemen. Thanks to Walt Fricke and all of the great Americans that assist in his efforts!
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The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
True professionals in every way. Always eager to please and sincerely interested in serving our needs.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
My husband was wounded in Iraq in August 2007 and was hospitalized at WRAMC for months. When he did get out of the hospital he really wanted to get home to see our families, that is where Veterans Airlift Command came in. We heard about the program from the Fisher House and got in contact with them. They were very kind to our situation and got us home in time for the holidays! They truely made our wishes come true that year. They deserve much praise! Thank you Jen and all at Veterans Airlift Command
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The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
very generous caring people. The people we dealt with really cared about our situation and they did everything they could to make us comfortable. It was a great experience.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
One time
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2007
I run the Air Warrior Courage Foundation assistance program for wounded warriors at Brooke Army Medical Center. We have requested VAC airlift on several occassions for wounded soldiers going on morale building trips to fish, sightsee, and scuba dive. We have always received outstanding support and the soldiers enjoy the flights almost as much as they like the recreation. The pilots have been wonderful and they have alwasys treated our wounded with the great care and respect. I give VAC a five star rateing without reservation. Gary Baber, Local Force CinC, San Antonio River Rats.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
arranging trips for wounded soldiers.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
not make any changes. It works just fine.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the fact that they have always produced the airlift we requested.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
absolutely first rate.
Ways to make it better...
I have no complaints
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
Every experience with VAC has been excellent. Everyone has been very helpful and open. They are very prompt in returning calls and everyone has always been on time. I am very grateful for this great organization and the great people who run it.
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The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Excellent, kind, courteous, helpful, and honest.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Change many veterans lives.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I love what VAC does, and I love it when I'm able to fly a mission for a veteran and/or a Vet's family. My last mission was a bust because of a mechanical issue with the plane and I felt really badly for having let them down. This was on December 26 and involved flying up to Northern Arkansas to pick up a Vet and his wife and fly them to San Antonio. They had originated in the morning near Chicago and were headed back to BAMC after a Christmas break. To make a long and somewhat technical story short, but mid morning, I realized the plane was never going to be able to make the trip and I called HQ to give them the bad news. They put out their equivalent of an APB and - incredibly - within 10 minutes had the leg covered! It is a complete testament to the organization, and the pilots that this type of quick reaction to a problem can be solved.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
two fold...the mission is noble, and I am honored to help somehow. Secondly, the people with VAC are great - they are understanding and are quick to respond.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
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