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Veterans Airlift Command has been incredible to our family. My husband lost both of his legs in Afghanistan is Jan 2019 and as a result has had multiple appointments for prosthesis. Flying on commercial flights can difficult due to small seating /leg room and timeliness of switching flights. Veterans Airlift Command takes away all the stress and discomfort and their volunteers go out of their way to make it as comfortable as possible. VAC has always come through with flights, even with very short notice requests we have made. So often the pilots explain what a privilege it is to be able to fly Combat Wounded Veterans, but what they should also realize is what an incredible experience it is to be flown by such high caliber Americans. I can’t say enough good things about them!Thank you, VAC!
VAC helped us in a great time of need! A family member had died on the other side of the country and on just a few day’s notice VAC coordinated flights for my entire family to go to the funeral. Without VAC, this wouldn’t have been possible. This is an organization that truly fulfills their mission and everybody should support.
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VAC has been a lifesaver on multiple occasions! After being injured by a suicide bomber in Afghanistan, I’ve had a lot of medical appointments and recovery to work through over the years. VAC has provided a seamless experience in helping me get to the appointments that can help me get back on my feet for myself and my family. My new normal is a lot better because of organizations like this one. If you want to donate your time or money to a worthy cause, donate it here!
VAC was absolutely amazing, start to finish, getting me to and from my SGB treatment in Chicago. My pilots both ways, were great and had great conversation! Would 100% recommend to anyone needing services.
Wow! VAC and Danelle made my air travel absolutely stress-free
I had a surgery and needed air travel from FL to DC. I filled out a request for air travel and within a few minutes, Danelle contacted me. She got a bit more info about me to give to the pilots to see who would be available
Scott reached out to me to see my schedule and times I was looking to fly. My return date was really TBD, his response, “Don’t worry about it, just text me when you’re getting discharged.”
I texted him as I was getting discharged. I was at the airport 2hrs later and we were airborn 15min later.
VCA made my life so easy and stress-free: no TSA wait, no rude passengers or aisle chair and no flight delays to worry about. I’m actually looking forward to my next surgery
Thank you VAC
The very best organization for transporting wounded vets. I've made life long friends with some of these people. The people here truly only want to serve. They are the greatest people I know.
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Veterans Airlift Command is truly an incredible organization. Their network of volunteer pilots and supporters have some of the biggest hearts you’ll ever encounter—willing to go above and beyond to help veterans in need.
For me, their support meant a healing trip with my family to Alabama—time spent outdoors, together, laughter, and peace. It was an opportunity to reconnect and recharge.
Danielle was amazing from the start. She explained the process thoroughly, handled logistics seamlessly, and stayed in constant contact to make sure everything went smoothly. Most importantly, she made sure I felt seen, respected, and comfortable throughout the journey.
Veterans Airlift Command helps not only those with visible wounds, but also those like me—whose injuries from service aren’t always as easy to see. They understand that healing isn’t one-size-fits-all, and that means everything.
Thanks to the generosity of Anderson Trucking out of St. Cloud, my kids got to ride in a private jet for the first time ever. On the return trip, we had the unforgettable honor of flying with Dave Wood and his flight companion—an experience my family will never forget.
Thank you, Veterans Airlift Command, for the incredible work you do and the way you continue to serve our veteran community with dignity and compassion.
My son and I flew from St. Paul to Baltimore for a medical procedure. I wasn't sure what to expect . We met the nicest pilots and co pilots who treated us with the most respect and kindness. We were so grateful for their service and time they took from their schedules to fly us. I have never been so impressed and treated with such dignity. One airport even brought out a red carpet on arrival!I will never forget this experience. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
When my sister was tragically taken from us VAC helped me get a flight to be at the funeral and provide comfort. Without their help it would not have been possible. Thank you for making this time a bit easier!
My Dad is a Medal of Honor recipient who was scheduled to speak at an event honoring Vietnam Vets in Lubbock, TX. Additionally, he planned to be on site, as the 13th Medal of Honor recipient from West Texas, to commemorate the Monument of Courage Memorial. The VAC team was wonderful. The pilot Quentin put us at ease and the staff was helpful and supportive. We are so grateful for the good work and the generous donation of time and resources the pilots and sponsors contribute to help Veterans with transport needs for a variety of circumstances. Inspiring mission, dedicated patriots.
I am incredibly grateful to Veterans Airlift Command for flying my family and I to multiple medical procedures. As someone with a disability, traveling can be especially challenging at times, and your support has made a world of difference. Thanks to your generosity, we didn’t have to worry about the stress of travel, allowing us to focus on my medical care and our family’s well-being.
I would also like to extend a special thank you to the volunteer pilots who made these flights possible. Their dedication and selflessness are deeply appreciated.
Your kindness has truly impacted our lives, and we are deeply thankful for everything you’ve done for us. Keep up the great work!
Huge Thanks,
SSGT
Jason Pacheco and Family
USMC Retired Scout Sniper
I have flown with VAC a few times and it is the best flying experiences I have. The people are very nice and efficient. I’m very thankful for what they do.
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VAC is a great service with great people. Being able to bypass the crowds is a big plus as it cuts down on my anxiety from my ptsd. The pilots who donate their time and equipment to the flights are always happy to be flying us and they’re a joy to talk to.
VAC has had flights available even on short notice and that’s been a real help.
A stand up organization that understands a need in the veteran NPO space and fills it masterfully. The staff and every one who gives their valuable time are always phenomenal. When we had specialty care and testing for a month 10 hours away and family in the hospital simultaneously in a whole other state, the travel required became overwhelming. The burden lifted by VAC was immeasurable. The professionalism and understanding of their clients from staff to volunteers is some of the best you will find. I can’t recommend them highly enough for veterans and to donors looking to make targeted meaningful impact in a veterans life. Thank you to everyone.
My experience with the VAC was amazing and quite professional from start to finish. Danielle was quite informative and helpful every step of the way. Danielle ensured to maintain communication and inform me of the status of a potential flight on a daily basis for approximately 3 weeks. She was phenomenal to work with and to top it off with a cherry on top, she was present at my departure to ensure everything went according to expectations and plans. Thank you for your selfless service to us service members and your kindness.
As you can see in the photo that is Danielle sending us off on our flight.
Once again Veterans Airlift Command generously supported me and my family with flights to visit family for the holidays! It is such a blessing to recieve their support every time. The pilots and people that donate are always so gracious and kind. Thank you so much Veterans Airlift Command for everything!
My name is Erik and my dad passed away on Dec 17th 2024. I contacted VAC to see if they could help me with travel. The contacted me immediately, staying in constant communication with me even over the holidays. They were quick and so helpful in every aspect through this difficult time. Thank you so much for your help and support. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you at VAC.
We can't believe the time and expense donated to my family and me by VAC and the people we had the pleasure of working with! As a disabled Vietnam vet, I can not easily travel thru airports and spend several days away from my support. Dave and VAC offered to fly me to my Dad's plaque's dedication at the National Museum of the Pacific War. Since Dave's beautiful turbo-prop seats eight, I was able to invite my kids and grandkids to go along. We had a wonderful, fast(!) flight there and back on the same day. What a blessing to spend some time with my five siblings and their families as we honored my Dad's contribution to the war effort. I will always be indebted to VAC and it's volunteers!
Life-altering cancer surgery and the last thing my pain level could tolerate was an international airport and a crammed aircraft after having my insides destroyed surgically. VAC's assistance for my and my fiancee's trip home was the definition of priceless. I shake my head in awe at the help and service they provide. Thank God for everyone involved. Thank you.
In late Spring of 2021, I was diagnosed with High-Grade, Stage IV Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma, a rare, aggressive, and late-stage cancer. My symptoms began with sciatic pain down my right leg, primarily when I sat. During the period from the onset in February to the initial diagnosis in late April, the pain began to rise to an indescribable crescendo. For months, it became impossible to sit. As the cancer progressed, lying down also became startlingly painful. My large tumor, at the base of my spine and my right pelvis, was enveloping my sacral nerve root. I also had a small group of tumors in my left lung. The sacral nerve root is an extensive network of nerves responsible for most of the functions of the lower body, including walking. If you have never had nerve pain, be thankful. If you have, then you can begin to understand the depth and intensity of my pain when sitting, as entire groups of nerves became agitated.
This extreme pain made it difficult for me to get to my oncologist at UNC, which is about an hour away. As my husband, Bryce, and I became more aware of the profundity of my circumstances, my husband became adamant that I change oncology centers. We both were dissatisfied with my treatment thus far. Bryce desperately wanted me to switch to MD Anderson Cancer Research Center in Houston, Texas. I could not see it happening. My pain was too drastic when in the car for just an hour because it was unbearable to sit. We live in North Carolina. I could not fathom making it all the way to Texas! There was no way!
Then, a friend of mine told Bryce about Veterans' Airlift Command. Bryce reached out to Jenna (oh, marvelous Jenna!). Within days, Jenna found pilots for a personal flight to Houston. I would be able to lie down the entire flight! You can easily see how important that would be for me. And it was! VAC flew me to MD Anderson and some of the best oncologists in the world. My gratitude was overflowing.
After receiving radiation treatments throughout the Summer, I could finally sit! I made trips home to North Carolina in the Fall and for Christmas, and there was VAC to take me. After eleven months, extensive chemotherapy, a total of 42 hours of surgery, and a cancer-free, I was flown home by the very same pilots who first took me to MD Anderson.
In the two and a half years since, VAC has flown me (one or both ways) for many of my every-three-month check-ups, an emergency surgery, and a (hopefully) final surgery last June. Because of the extreme nature of my primary surgery, I am still unable to walk. Being nonambulatory makes commercial air travel challenging. It also makes my recovery time more extensive. VAC flights provide more accessible, more stable transport. For that, my gratitude is hard to explain sufficiently. I am deeply grateful for VAC's existence and the generosity of the flight donors and pilots.
VAC has saved my leg, if not my life! The literal life and limb tumor removal surgery, called a hemipelvectomy with sacral involvement, was developed by my ortho-oncologist, Dr. Justin Bird. Only five surgeons worldwide perform this surgery. In case of emergencies, the Head of Duke's Osteooncolgy Department, Dr. Brian Briggs, is also an oncologist of mine. Dr. Briggs does not perform hemipelvectomies with sacral involvement. Because I was metastatic, Dr. Briggs was surprised that Dr. Bird was willing to perform the surgery on me. Dr. Briggs says to compare my surgery to a hip replacement is "to compare a rowboat to the Titanic. And even that wouldn't be good enough." Access to VAC saved my leg.
At MD Anderson, I also have some of the world's best sarcoma specialists, including my oncologist, Dr. John Livingston. I would not have received the same treatment at UNC's Sarcoma Center, where I had my first cancer evaluation. I don't know if Duke could have provided the same level of care, either. My cancer was aggressive. It grew 25% in the eight weeks between my first and second MRIs. My prognosis was so grim that my oncologist would not share it with me. The world-class oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons at MD Anderson saved my life that I know! Without VAC, I'm not confident I would have been amenable to switching to MD Anderson. VAC is what made travel to Houston possible. In that way, VAC saved my life. I will forever be thankful!
Jenna from VAC has been incredibly supportive and dedicated. She is always available to assist us, even in urgent situations. Her unwavering commitment has been a source of comfort for us. We love and appreciate her!
Each pilot has been genuinely compassionate and warm. Their appreciation for my husband's service, which prompted the donation of their time and energy, is uplifting and humbling. The pilot/s have always made sure I feel safe and comfortable. My husband and I remain astonished and forever thankful for each pilot who ensured I got to MD Anderson.
The generosity of every plane owner has astounded Bryce and me! It is difficult to process that level of benevolence. It gives me an overwhelming sense of hopefulness for my future and humanity. I wish every American knew that there are incredibly compassionate and generous people, such as the plane owners of VAC.
My entire family and I are forever astonished, moved, and grateful to VAC and all the dedicated, incredible, and benevolent humans who make it possible.
Amy Bullman
My wife has continued to battle her cancer with monthly treatments at Dana Farber in Boston. We have been fortunate enough to fly with VAC pilots on several occasions this year, which has been a Godsend to my wife. Your pilots have all been pleasant and professional, and all the flights have been smooth.
I also wanted to commend two of your mission coordinators, Jenna Deibel and Danelle Phelps. They both are terrific, and they could not be more accommodating. They not only find pilots and set up flights but also keep us informed of any changes. They are incredibly resourceful and go the extra mile to arrange flights, especially when the weather or maintenance issues ground the planes. Jenna and Danelle are wonderful ambassadors, which says a great deal about the company. I sincerely appreciate their kindness and dedication to helping others.
I’ve been having issues finding a prosthetics that could make me a proper fitting socket. I live a fairly high active lifestyle and I’m pretty hard on my limbs. So I live in Texas and convinced the VA to let my prosthetics guy from Walter Reed build my prosthetic but now the hassle was getting from north Texas to MD. Flying commercial has so many struggles from getting through TSA to losing your bag full of all your legs and leg parts. This is where VAC literally took me under their wing and got me there and back without any hassle. The pilots from the flight up to the flight back were super transparent and communicated with me to insure I had acquit time to get fitted for my legs and accommodation all my ADA needs!
VAC has been un believable to my family and I. Due to some combat injuries, I am limited on things I am able to do as far as travel and comfort. VAC has made my travel super easy and comfortable. Ebryine at VAC as well as the pilot's are amazingly friendly and easy to coordinate with. Without VAC, I would have missed out on so many things and my family and In are so thankful for everyone at VAC. We love you all!
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Due to injuries revived during my deployments, traveling had become a nightmare and painful. With VAC stepping in and helping my travel, that has allowed me to do things i would t be able to do. VAC staff are very helpful and work extremely well with veterans to ensure they have everything they need to communicate with the pilot. The pilots for VAC that I have met are so unbelievably giving. Being able to fly private at times is just a awsome experience and non stressful. I am so thankful for VAC and their pilots. They have been life changing for me. And have allowed me to be able to continue to so things I would be able to do due to my travel abilities. Thanks again
I’ve had the privilege of flying with VAC several times. Every pilot I have encountered has shown much compassion for those they serve. Thank you!
So grateful for the help Veterans Airlift Command and their partners. They took care of the flights I needed so I could compete in the Paralympics and only within a few days of my request. Thank you so much!
I wanted to thank you so much for the opportunity to take part in the VAC program with my daughter Shae. We had an amazing experience, and this will be a trip my daughter and I will remember forever! Our pilots Phil and Matt were fantastic!!! My daughter has even begun to research how she can begin to get her pilot's license!
To tell my story at a point in my life I felt was a chore. But I realize that my story can help others. So here is my story.
August 5th 2004 while on a foot Patrol in Baghdad Iraq we had been attacked. I shoved a brother out of the way of the first grenade taking the blast. A second grenade landed a few feet away from me. The explosion shattered the left side of my skull. As my team leader pulled me to safety a third grenade was thrown. He pulled me out of the way of that grenade saving my life. While being carried a 4th grenade was thrown. My team leader shielded me from that blast saving my life yet again. I had to re-learn how to do everything all over again. I have had 6 Neurosurgeries.
Two years ago Veteran Airlift Command helped me when I needed it. I was pushing people away even my girlfriend. I was trying to take on the world. But I never took time to myself. They made it possible for me to attend Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge. Which in turn I met an amazing man Thomas Faulkenberry who created a tidal wave in my life. This year Mike Bell from Veteran Airlift Command took me Iguana hunting. Something I had never done.
My name is No-Go and Veterans Airlift Command has given me the GO to live. Thank you for what you do.
I lost both of my legs when I stepped on a landmine in Afghanistan back in 2010-2011.
Veterans Airlift Command is such a wonderful organization, everyone was at the top of their game and made all the details seamless, they took care of everything, Jenna was amazing and answered all of my questions so all I had to do was show up and they took care of the rest.
The pilots were awesome, professional, courteous, and friendly, aircraft were spotless clean and presentable for royalty. 10/10 all around. Would recommend to any veteran in need without a question.
My father, Col. (RET) Ralph Puckett, was a Medal of Honor recipient for his actions in Korea. He passed away on April 8, 2024 at 97. I of course wanted to attend his memorial service at the National Infantry Museum in GA on April 20, but as I live in New York City and am recovering from a stem cell transplant, I am extremely immunocompromised and therefore prohibited from using public transportation. My doctor did not want me to travel by car either. Only the service of Veteran’s Airlift and the incredible generosity of pilots Scott Martin and Dave Wood made it possible for me to attend. I am forever grateful.
As a retired Navy EOD technician, I have had multiple procedures from Stem Cells to SGB/Ketamine. Veterans Airlift command ensures there is zero stress involved with helping us get to our appointments on time. I am so thankful for this organization and it's volunteers. From the bottom of my heart, y'all- Thank you!!
13 years ago a fellow Combat Controller named Danny Sanchez was killed in combat. His family has hosted an annual 5k in his memory, every year in El Paso TX. Hundreds of family and friends gather for the run and to spend time together and we feel it is especially important that we and other comrades of Danny be there to share stories and spend time with the family. This year was tough because of busy work schedules but VAC was able to fly us to El Paso early on the day of the event and get us back to home station before the day was done. This means everything to us and the family to be there on that day. As a Purple Heart recipient and guy who’s lost far too many brothers, I know first hand the devastating effects on the family and so thanks to VAC, 4 other comrades and I were able to be there this year.
Thank you, VAC.
I do not know what I would have done without VAC! My son, a United States Marine Sgt., is the worst TBI to have survived and miraculously made unexplainable improvements. He was not supposed to survive let alone walk, talk and have memory. The injury was 7/5/05. It was shrapnel the size of a credit card that entered on the right temple, crossed the midline (medically instant death) taking out the whole frontal lobe and lodging on the left, there are fragments throughout the brain too small to go after. For 18 yrs we have had to go back to Walter Reed for numerous surgeries, infections, etc. With all the medical supplies and medications plus his size, (Josh is 6 6 1/2 to my 5'5) commercial flights are impossible. Plus he has been pretty ill or weak on some of the trips up for surgery. Josh is a joy, savors everyday, no regrets. The dignity and appreciation that these pilots have shown him cannot even be fully described. They take time out of their lives to help out fellow vets and this last trip up and back, they made sure we had rides before leaving us. Some of the pilots own the planes, others work for companies that care about our veterans. This is getting rare these days but not with VAC! You have no idea how much you have helped a mom do all these trips and that you are part of Josh's survival. And Jenna, you are amazing with your quick responses setting this all up. God Bless every one at VAC and those volunteers! Christine Cooley
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Nearly 13 yrs of life saving surgeries needed for my son, the worst TBI to have survived and improved. To travel with supplies, the need for comfort, short waits and quick flights is a challenge and impossible on commercial airlines. Helping someone with such an injury is complicated. The only place that can do surgery on this injury is Walter Reed NMMC and often we have to get there in emergency mode. The response and generosity of these pilots and the coordinators has made the back and forth travel seamless for us and taken a lot of stress and worry out of a very stressful situation. I am forever in debt to Veteran's Airlift Command. I don't know what our wounded would do without them. Christine Cooley proud mom of Sgt. Joshua Cooley USMC
This is truly an organization that cares and I don’t say that lightly. There are many that claim they do but the folks at VAC let their actions talk. Jenna treated me like family , although we never met in person I felt like I was being watched over and cared for like we have known each other our whole life.
I am a medically retired 11B and to those who know things like this make me extremely uncomfortable and I really feel bad receiving such amazing gifts. I don’t like help or think I’m owed anything , however the team at VAC changed my prospective . They gave my family and I a gift we could have never experienced otherwise . To see my kids faces light up getting on a plane in a small airport was so amazing !
The pilots that fly are the coolest people
You will ever meet . Those guys love vets and break down any walls of uncomfortable that you may think. Literally the best experience I could give my family … So cool! Thank you VAC y’all are amazing!
My grandmother had just turned 93, while in hospice care in Colorado. She is the widow of a WWII veteran of the 166th Combat Engineers, my step-grandad who passed away in 2000. The last of the Greatest Generation is leaving us, each day draws us closer to the end of that era. My grandmother's mind and body are failing, but in a moment of clarity, she asked to come back to Arizona, she said "I don't want be cold anymore." She's outlived nearly everybody in her life, save her baby sister, they're the last 2 of 7 children. She's outlived her 3 sons, including my father. There was nobody left to keep watch on her and her affairs, except me. I have a duty to those who brought me here, one way or another I was going to grant her wish.
I'm in college for social work, so it was time to put some new skills to work. My ole lady wasn't getting left up there all alone if I had anything to do with it, so I did what I do best, and started to search for a way to move her as safely and quickly as possible. Sadly, after all these years, she had very little to her name, and almost no money to her name. The struggle I dealt with in simply getting her qualified for Medicaid in Arizona was hard enough, only to come to find out the state would not approve her application for long-term care without residency, so I couldn't put the cart before the horse. Worse yet, there are basically no licensed facilities in Arizona that would take her in, so she can be with family before her time is up, as a long-term care pending resident. So I withdrew her application and tried again.
So, I couldn't afford to move her, didn't have any place to put her, and couldn't afford to even pay the daily rate at one of these places while her application was pending approval. I needed a miracle, and by the Grace of God, I got one, plus like three more. This plan had a razor thin budget and required delicate timing and logistics. I found Veterans Airlift Command through TAPS, they expressed willingness to help, but I still needed to work through or around those obstacles. I managed to find a place that would take her in, the case worker gave me a deadline to get her here before they were required to issue a decision on her case, so the only other piece to the puzzle was her.
I applied for assistance with VAC, and a pilot from my own town accepted the mission. My grandmother didn’t believe I was coming, despite her dementia, her eyes lit up when she saw my face and realized it was actually happening. It was hard to tell if she was cognizant of everything that was happening, but during the flight back, she turned to me and said, “Thank you.” That’s all I needed.
I figured that visits with her great-grandchildren would be the best thing for her quality of life, for however much time we have left with her. She has her good days and bad days, but every day she gets to see our son and daughters is a blessing she would have been otherwise afforded. Even if all we can do is sneak her a Honeybun and try to have conversations, I know that she knows she is loved, and still has people in her life that care enough to never give up on her.
Thank you.
VAC has been a tremendous help to me. If it weren’t for them I wouldn’t have made it home to celebrate the lives of a few family members that passed away, including my father. There is no other organization out there that helps the way that VAC does. I’ve never reached out and been treated badly or anything of the like. They will also try their hardest to get you paired up quickly. It may not always work out but it’s always a pleasure regardless. I can’t say enough positive things about them. Thank you all for being there, it’s really appreciated!!
A Grateful Journey with Veterans Airlift Command
In a world where heroes often remain unsung, there exist organizations that illuminate the path of gratitude. Veterans Airlift Command and Senior Mission Coordinator Jenna, are undoubtedly one such beacon of light. It is with profound appreciation that I recount my journey with them.
A few weeks ago, I found myself with the unique opportunity to help a fellow veteran in need, but the distance separating us posed a considerable challenge. It was then that I was introduced to Veterans Airlift Command, an organization dedicated to providing flights for veterans in critical situations. Their mission is simple yet profound: to bridge the gaps that time and distance impose upon those who have served their nation. Little did I know that my encounter with them would leave an indelible mark on my heart.
The day of the flight arrived, and as I boarded the aircraft, I couldn't help but feel a profound sense of gratitude. As we soared above the sprawling landscapes of our great nation, I took a moment to reflect on the significance of this journey. Veterans Airlift Command had not only granted me the means to assist a fellow veteran but had also given me the chance to connect with my own past, to remember the sacrifices made by those who served alongside me.
In the interest of saving time on the second leg of my journey, I opted for commercial flights, but as we all know, navigating the world of commercial airlines can often be a frustrating experience, and my recent journey was a prime example of their shortcomings. It was three long days of unexpected delays and cancellations that left me stuck at the Atlanta airport. However, in the midst of this travel debacle, a shining beacon of hope emerged in the form of Jenna, the Senior Mission Coordinator at Veterans Airlift Command.
I cannot speak highly enough about the exceptional assistance I received from Jenna. During a challenging experience at the Atlanta airport, Jenna's unwavering support and dedication were truly remarkable. She went above and beyond, coordinating logistics and ensuring my comfort throughout the ordeal. Jenna's prompt communication and tireless efforts were instrumental in alleviating the stress of the situation. Her compassion and commitment to assisting veterans like myself were evident every step of the way, turning a difficult situation into a testament to the Veterans Airlift Command's exceptional service. I am profoundly grateful for Jenna's help.
Upon arrival at my destination, I was reunited with my fellow veteran, whose gratitude mirrored my own. It was a moment of profound connection, a reminder that the bonds forged in service endure long after the uniform is laid to rest. Together, we embarked on a journey of healing and support, made possible by the selfless actions of Veterans Airlift Command.
In the days that followed, I couldn't help but contemplate the significance of Veterans Airlift Command's work. They are not merely a transportation service; they are a lifeline for veterans in their times of need. They embody the values of service, sacrifice, and solidarity that define our military community.
As I pen these words of gratitude, I am reminded that our society is at its best when it recognizes the importance of supporting those who have served. Veterans Airlift Command is a shining example of such recognition, and I am profoundly thankful for their unwavering commitment to veterans in need.
In conclusion, my journey with Veterans Airlift Command was a testament to the power of compassion and the enduring bonds of service. I am forever indebted to this organization for facilitating my mission to help a fellow veteran and for reminding me that, in times of need, there are always heroes willing to take flight.
To Veterans Airlift Command, and to Jenna, your wings of kindness have touched not only the skies but also the hearts of veterans like me. Thank you for your service to those who have served.
James, my Pilot was/is amazing. I needed to go see a squad leader of mine that had blood cancer and tumor in his brain. I deployed with him 13 years earlier. I have some disabilities that make it hard to go through TSA and board disembark commercial aircraft. Jenna was able to coordinate and facilitate, my trip to and back from Colorado to Kansas City. James was amazing along with his copilot. This made this very memorable and I’ll never forget. Especially on 9/11 flying back home after a wonderful visit that was close to my friends (squad leader’s) home. Thank you to anyone supporting Airlift Command; thanks again Jenna, James, and all behind the scenes and donors.
Our entire family would like to thank Veterans Airlift Command for their outstanding service to us and our nations Veterans.
I was attending the Legion of Valor Convention in Washington DC., with my Father, a highly decorated Vietnam Veteran, when he fell and fractured his hip. He had surgery and a couple of complications that resulted in a 2 week hospital stay and included some physical therapy in Arlington Virginia.
He lives in Laughlin Nevada, and I was trying to figure out how I was going to maneuver him through the airport and onto a plane for the 5-hour journey into Las Vegas followed by an hour and a half ride home in a car. A Legion of Valor member suggested that I try the VAC. I filled out the request form and was immediately contacted by Jen. She informed me that even though it was a short notice request they would do everything possible to help. I have to say that Jen and Jenna took on my dilemma as their own and worked to quickly resolve the problem. They notified me that our trip would be completed in two legs due to the short timeframe and distance traveled.
On both flights the pilots were amazing! They helped my father into the planes and did everything possible to make sure we were comfortable for the entire flight and that everything at our destinations was taken care of. They treated us like we were the ones doing them a favor.
On both legs we shared the flight with other combat injured service members. It is important to note that the war has been over for years for these service members, but they are still battling injuries and require trips to medical facilities for ongoing treatment and probably will for the rest of their lives. The service provided by Veterans Airlift Command is critical to provide a safe, efficient service for our service members who have given so much for our country. I can't put into words how being able to avoid the normal airport hassle, security lines and boarding process benefitted my Father on his return home.
Veterans Airlift Command saved the day and Jen and Jenna were outstanding to work with. My Father still talks about the flights almost daily. All the people involved from the staff at VAC to the pilots, plane owners and the ground crew were all amazing from start to finish.
Thank you, Veterans Airlift Command for the amazing and critical service you provide for our countries service members
We had to make a pretty quick turnaround on scheduling a flight for a medical procedure and Jenna and VAC helped us secure a flight quickly and seamlessly. We had already flown with this crew once before so it was really great to see them again and catch up. VAC staff and the pilots that graciously donate their time and aircraft really are a community and one that you feel like you are a part of.
We aren’t able to fully articulate how thankful we are for this organization. Taking the logistical maze and added stress out of traveling makes scheduling procedures and treatments so much easier. We would have probably pushed this off if not for VAC making the travel infinitely easier. Not to mention, they drive home the fact that there are people out there who truly care and want to support you post-injury, which is a huge comfort.
Assassins/Sappers OIF 2023 Reunion
This non profit organization offers free flights for several reasons and reunions are one of them. I was skeptical when signing up, but was patient and made backup plans just in case things fell through.
I initially contacted VAC 2-3 months prior to the reunion and I was put on a list for Pilots willing and able to fly me and my family (4). I was made aware that most pilots do not have their flight plans scheduled til about 1-2 weeks before the date of travel and in my case it was exactly that. About two weeks prior I got a pilot taking us to the reunion and about a week and a half prior I got a pilot for the return.
This was absolutely awesome and it was simple. This may not always be the case but in my case I was picked up from a private airport about 10 miles from my home and dropped off 10 miles from the reunion at another small private airport. No TSA, No lines, No waiting. You show up meet your pilot, board, and wheels up. About 15-30 minutes.
I hope this helps at least one brother that hasn’t been able to make it to a reunion, I hope it gives someone less stress about the travel and costs, we all need to experience the bond and appreciation we have for each other and for our families to meet each other and bond as well.
Please reach out to VAC for any other needed information about them, but don’t hesitate to fill out the online form and expect to hear from Jenna at VAC who helps coordinate your travel plans. I hope next year we can see more of our our brother and sisters attend!
Much love!
I found out I needed to be in California within a week for a medical procedure. VAC and especially Jen were amazing! Not sure if that words covers how awesome she and the organization is
I am thankful beyond words to VAC, Jen and the pilots/family members that donated their time to get me out there
Can't rate this organization high enough
I recently completed a trip with the help from Veterans Airlift Command. Mr. Mike Schroeder piloted me from Ogden, Utah to Anaheim, California for a medical procedure. I have spent the past 6 years going to and from medical appointments and procedures for a chronic pelvic nerve condition. Over the last 6 years we have spent deep into our retirement savings and costs for travel, medications, and medical co-pays which have had a serious impact on our time and financial stability. My condition effects my ability to sit or lay for any period of time without causing extreme stabbing/burning pain that affects my pelvis and lower limbs. So, being able to fly directly to my destination and not being trapped in commercial airline seats was a true relief. It’s so nice during these tough times to still have faith in the kindness of others and it is a pleasure to know there are selfless people out there who are willing to sacrifice their time and efforts to helping others in need. Thank you to Mike and Veterans Airlift Command for the kindness and dedication to those in need.
I cannot say enough about Veterans Airlift Command; it truly feels like a miracle to have been carried on their wings during this trying time. My name is Zephyr Mays, I am from the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and I serve as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Coast Guard. On Father’s Day 2022, I passed out on a run and awoke to the life-altering news there was a cancerous mass on my brain, an emergency which required an immediate complex brain surgery in Boston, MA followed by radiation and chemotherapy over the course of three months.
Veterans Airlift Command is a god send!
With little notice, Jenna and her team arranged a flight for us to return home following the most difficult period of our lives. From the ease of scheduling to the professionalism and compassion of our pilots, Alan and Rich, the whole VAC experience made our transition back home seamless. I cannot imagine having to navigate commercial air travel in my physical condition at that time. To be whisked home and reunited with my daughter, who had to remain in NC, so effortlessly has given me the ability to recover, heal, and set a course for the best possible outcome for my family and I.
There are no words to express the depths of my gratitude for the love and compassion shown to us by Veterans Airlift Command and our flight crew — magic and miracles do happen!
One of the best non-profits helping wounded vets out there. People don’t realize how much of a pain it is to travel commercial airlines with prosthetics, VAC streamlines this process and makes with comfortable and efficient. I have the utmost respect and gratitude for all the VAC employees/volunteers and all the pilots that volunteer their time and fuel!
Thank you so much
Jon Harmon.
I can’t say enough what Veteran Airlift Command did for our family this past Christmas. Jenna definitely pulled off a Christmas miracle making sure that we arrived to my husband‘s grandparents house on Christmas Eve! To see the look on his grandmother‘s and his grandfather face was truly priceless with many tears shared. My husband hasn’t been able to spend Christmas with his grandparents for several years because of military life/deployment’s. We knew his grandfather health was failing a Korean war veteran himself but we didn’t know how short of time he had. This trip meant more to us and his grandmother than anyone could ever know. We are forever grateful for all the blessings that we received from Veterans Airlift Command and all the work that made this happen.
It is almost one year to the day that my dad was able to take his very last flight to say goodbye to his brothers that he has served with and also rode motorcycles with for over 40 years. Without veterans airlift command it would not of been possible. We are so grateful not only to our amazing coordinator Jenna for helping us through the process but for the selfless pilots who not only gave their time but planes to fly him smoothly to where he needed to be. My father was diagnosed with terminal cancer and given only months to live. This organization will never know the gratitude my family has! We are forever grateful! He took his final flight to heaven on November 19th but not without saying goodbye to all he loved! Thank you again Veterans Airlift Command for all you do for our soldiers and families!!!! You are truly an amazing organization!
We love VAC. We have flown with them twice before our last trip. Our last trip came up somewhat last minute and VAC worked tirelessly to make sure that we had flights secured. The pilots were amazing as well. They were both so helpful, seemed excited to fly us, and got us where we needed to go safely. The service that VAC provides makes traveling so much easier for us. It’s such an important and unique non profit. We are so thankful for everyone involved with VAC.
The Veterans Airlift Command (VAC) is a phenomenal organization. I have spent 14 years in the army, all of which has been in special operations, and I have never felt more appreciated and cared for than when working with this organization. Following a very intense period of deployments and health issues my wife and I were in need of a flight to make it to a treatment facility in Missouri. The commercial flights were going to set us back a lot, and were not going to be able to get us to the facility in time for our treatment. I heard through a friend about the VAC, so I reached out to see if they could help us. They immediately responded and informed me that they could help us. They arranged our flights through their donors to pick us up from our local airfield the day prior to our treatment dates. Everything was taken care of for us, amazing first class service from Jenna with VAC to the pilots and organizations that supported us throughout our trip. The donor that provided the flight out had to fly us a day early, so they arranged for our rental car to be waiting for us at the hanger, and they put us up in a very nice resort for the night. The flight back was more of the same, wonderful patriotic donors just wanting to help us. It was such an amazing experience! They went above and beyond in our time of need, and made us feel really appreciated and special during a difficult time. We recommend this organization to any veteran that is in need of these services.
I'm a disabled veteran and Veterans Airlift Command has always been there for me whenever I needed to reach my family.
When you're hurt and miles away from your loved ones, knowing that an organization like Veterans Airlift Command exists is a very comforting and reassuring feeling.
They have tremendously helped my physical and mental rehabilitation and I'm forever grateful for that.
I have used Veterans Airlift Command a few times now. Each time has been well organized by the VAC team as well as volunteer pilots. Jenna Deibel is very thorough and kind and the whole experience is very welcoming.
Thank You Veterans Airlift Command!!!
Veterans Airlift Command has to be one of the best veteran support organizations around. This organization has helped me specifically follow a dream I thought would never come true. They are honest and sincere about wanting to help veterans. I have had organizations bend over backwards for veterans but these guys literally flew into a storm for me. I can not praise them enough for the outstanding job they do.
Veterans Airlift Command has flew my family and I back and forth from Virginia Beach, VA to Houston, TX for my cancer checkups since 2018. It really benefited my family that we didn't have to go through the long TSA lines and layovers that cause me excessive stress and anxiety. I am a retired United States Navy SEAL that lost my left leg below the knee while conducting combat action during Operation Anaconda "Roberts' Ridge" on March 3-4 2002. In March 2018 I was diagnosed with Stage 3B Rectal cancer and underwent the full cycle of chemotherapy and 28 cycles of radiation. I am in remission now and have to get checked up every year now. Previously, I had to get checked up every 3-4 months and Veterans Airlift Command has been there for me every time I had to travel to Texas. I cannot express how much flying my family to Texas has made my mind, soul, and body stress free. At age 53, the less stress in my body is probably one of the main contributing factors of my recovery with my amputation, TBS, PTSD, Cancer, and family relationships making the last part of my life more pleasing. I sincerely appreciate everything Veterans Airlift Command does for Veterans and their families and I hope I can meet some of the people that make it all happen. Every single pilot that has flown me has been absolutely amazing, generous, and willing to help out in every way. In closing, I would like to thank everyone involved with making this experience the most beneficial contribution to every Veteran.
We couldn’t thank VAC enough. They literally got us a flight with a one day notice. They worked their magic. As you see it was extremely spacious for my husband who just got back and leg surgery. To take away the stress of commercial travel and the attention in the airport, made the commute literally seamless. Between his surgery, his service dog, and being 8 months pregnant, we will forever be grateful.
Thank you VAC
My family is so great full for the VAC organization. My son was hurt 16 years ago in Iraq with a server Open TBI injury losing more then half of his brain mass. VAC has been there for us since the beginning. He is unable to fly commercial with his injuries and VAC has flow us several time for hospital stays, out of state special events and out of state family visits. The last one they just did for us was for a flight for a service for his father that he would not have been able to be there for if it wasn't for VAC. Their staff and pilots go above and beyond to make sure everything goes smoothly from wherever we are to wherever we are going. VAC has given my son a way to travel and live the life he has with his out of state family and all his medical needs. SSGT J Pequeno and his family will always be great full for all that VAC has done for them and all that they continue to do for all military families.
My family and I would like to thank the Veterans Airlift Command (VAC) and its affiliate partners for their incredible service and selflessness as they gave to our family during a time of great need.
My wife has battled cancer for over two years, enduring dozens of chemotherapy treatments and specialized procedures. Her specific case required novel treatment that the hospital in our hometown could not provide, and due to my wife’s condition, we were unable to fly commercially. The VAC intervened immediately, coordinating flights with outstanding pilots across multiple states. Without this resource, we would have been unable to access this critical care for my wife. Today, she has completed the full treatment that this trip made possible; we are hopeful that treatment leads to a lasting cure.
As a Special Operations veteran, I’m incredibly thankful for the efforts made for and commitment afforded to my family during this trying time. The VAC lives its values and honors those who served by giving back to veterans and their families undergoing challenges that require this special assistance. Thank you Veterans Airlift Command for your help, courteousness, and sacrifice. We wish the VAC and its partners longstanding success in the mission and encourage others to support this worthy cause.
During a time of very bad anguish due to the death of a combat buddy and true friend . Veterans airlift command stepped in and provided me with a way to see one of my best friends and a hero off. I was given transportation to TX from California and back. They handled all the arrangements when I couldn't. What an amazing organization!
There is no possible way that I can submit in adequate review for Veterans Airlift Command to tell what a blessing they have been for the Woody Williams Foundation and Medal of Honor Recipient Hershel Woody Williams.
Veterans Airlift Command has been providing mission support transportation two Medal of Honor Recipient Hershel Woody Williams for nearly 10 years. There is no possible way that we would have been able to accomplish the mission of the WOODY Williams foundation without the incredible help and support from the pilots and the staff at Veterans Airlift Command. We are grateful beyond words, that’s all I can say!
We cannot say enough wonderful things about Veterans Airlift Command! Our nonprofit organization, Sons of the Flag revolutionizes burn care for veterans, first responders, and families, and Veterans Airlift Command has been instrumental in helping to transport some of our veteran burn survivors to participate in our Mission: Reconstruct Freedom surgical program.
Veterans Airlift Command also transported 2 veterans from every World War to participate in an epic event we hosted, to commemorate their service and to film a documentary to preserve their rich history and legacy for future generations.
Without Veterans Airlift Command honoring our U.S. Veterans, so many things would not be possible. They are truly making a difference in the lives of our soldiers!
THANK YOU!
Without Veterans Airlift Command, my husband would not be able to afford the medical care he needs out of state. They are very compassionate and helpful. I am so grateful for this organization.
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Veterans Airlift Command is such a blessing. Because of the help we received from them we were able to receive the medical care my husband needed quickly. They were able to fly him to medical facilities quickly which we would not have been able to afford if we had to pay for last minute flights. They are also very kind and understanding with all our complications and difficult situations. Without them I don’t think my husband would have been able to get the quality care he needed and get well as fast as did. Thanks VAC!
Veterans Airlift Command, their staff, and their volunteer pilots are all ROCK STARS!
I am a medically retired, combat wounded Veteran, and needed to get from Columbus, OH, to Nashville, TN, for medical treatment from 12-14 August. I had had several fellow wounded Veterans use VAC and tell me about their awesome experiences, but had never needed to utilize their services before - until now.
Pilot Dale Dale Peterson and Co-Pilot John Tauber are just incredible PATRIOTS, and Dale is even a Veteran himself. Dale reached out a few days ahead, asked me which airports were most convenient (both departure & arrival) for me. He coordinated all details with me ahead of time, and all I had to do was show up, and have VIP service all the way to Nashville.
I couldn’t possibly imagine having had anything go better. VAC, their staff, and their volunteer pilots are heroes in my book. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
Kevin A. Colwell
Sergeant Major (Ret.)
U.S Army Special Forces
Veteran Airlift Command has been a saving grace for my family. As a silver star family who's veteran lost his eyes while serving in Iraq along with several other injures; post 9/11 travel can be very difficult and triggering for someone with PTSD and a TBI. VAC has always been there for us to help us with our domestic flights. Everyone at VAC has always been extremely and kind. We are forever grateful that a nonprofit like Veterans Airlift Command exist. Thank you VAC.
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Veteran Airlift Comamand is one of the greatest nonprofits we have ever been involved with. Everyone at VAC is truly amazing, They always go above and beyond for severally wounded veterans and their families. We are forever greatful for VAC and how much they have helped my family. VAC’s mission has helped my husband be able to travel without stress or anxiety, they have given him back his freedom while we traveling and for that, we will always support their mission. Thank you to everyone at VAC and all volunteers, you are truly amazing.
VAC is AWSOME. The staff and pilots I have delt with have made me feel like I am one of their own and that they have known me for years!. They have made it possible for me to travel stress free and with ZERO complications. Being able to fly private rather than dealing with the TSA and public transportation has made my quality of life so much better. I have flown commercial and about a week out, the dread starts. It was so stressful to me which filtered down to my family. VAC knocks all of that out! I am so thankful for VAC and the pilots that volunteer. It is truly a awesome organization! Thank you VAC for all that you do for not only me, but my family as well as other vets! You guys are truly amazing!
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All I can tell you is that VAC is nothing but TOP NOTCH. I have had several encounters with member from VAC and they are all outstanding and professional. I recently had a trip to Grand Isle Louisianan. Talked with my outbound pilot several days before the flight and everything was all lined up. All I had to do is show up at the airport and he was there waiting on me. Great flight!. Same experience on the way back.
Great folks at VAC. The pilots I have met have all been very professional and willing to work with me with anything that I needed. If it was not for VAC, I would not have been able to make this trip due to my injuries. They also took another wounded veteran along on this trip with me.
Thanks again VAC
1Sgt TIm Bell
US Army retired
Veterans Airlift Command has helped my family and I get where we needed to go with some of the best pilots. These people truly do care about the veteran and their family and try the best to ensure the travel is as comfortable as possible. I will always advocate for this team and their mission. Thank you VAC. You set the example for others to follow.
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Veterans Airlift Command(VAC) is a great non profit with members that take every chance at helping secure flights to get veterans where they need to be. The pilots that fly with VAC have been some of the greatest bunch of folks I've had the chance to meet. I always look forward to sharing stories with the pilots and they make sure that my family and I are as comfortable as we can be when flying. This service makes it very relaxing and as stress free as possible when flying with a toddler and service dog. Thank you very much for the continued support VAC!
We have known about VAC for some years now and have seen it bless so many of our fellow veterans as well as their families. This organization has helped so many people and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to experience this blessing first hand. Jenna was amazing and helped guide us through the process. She was there from the first step until the end. Our pilots for both separate flights were more than gracious and communicative. I am forever grateful to Jim Penn as well as Paul Ulenkott for taking time out of there daily lives to fly us to see our family upon my return from my deployment. I know they humbly thanked us for our service to this country but I can never thank them, Jenna, as well as VAC for all they did for us. The missions you take on selflessly are such a blessing to so many military families. Thank you for sacrificing your time to take care of so many. You are our unsung heroes. Making it possible for people to get to where they may not of been able to go and doing it not because you have too but you want too is something no words can describe nor can money repay. God Bless You All and Thank You!
After 24 years in the Navy, I developed an aggressive form of brain cancer that my doctor calls "The Scourge of Humanity." My only hope was participation in a clinical trial that required travel from the DC area to Boston every month. Meanwhile, the dr's said to avoid stress. Well, VAC came through on that order. From the coordinating organization to the volunteer pilots, VAC has been a key stress reliever, making sure I get where I need to go when I need to get there every month. It brings tears to my eyes that these folks volunteer their time, money, and attention to help me and my family every single month. This organization is unbelievable and has probably saved my life. Thank you so much!!!
This organization has been incredible during my rehab process from injuries sustained in Afghanistan. From my initial time in San Antonio when I was living in Michigan to my double arm transplant in Baltimore. Without them I would have missed out on so many important events in my 6 years of rehab.
When I got injured while overseas in 2006 and ended up medically retired due to a rare cancer that affected my brain stem my first thought was, I can't afford to continue to travel to my doctors for medical care in a facility that was 3 states away. Someone than told me about Veterans Airlift Command. The process to request a flight is easy. I now can complete my requests in about 10 minutes. Within days you are contacted about your flight request. For 8 years I've utilized the services that Veterans Airlift Provides and every time I'm in awe of how much stress is relieved knowing my transport is taken care of. Every single pilot I've had has been phenomenal and very personal. I don't know what I would do without Veterans Airlift Command.
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I first heard about Veterans Airlift Command around 4 years ago when I was going from St. Louis to Mayo Clinic, Rochester between 4-6 times a year. I have now flown with them around 10-15 times. Veterans Airlift Command has not only decreased the costs associated with the travel, but also the stress that comes with traveling. After being injured in Iraq with a Traumatic Brain Inury that caused a brain tumor to grow, I have been able to not be as stressed heading to appointments to see if my brain tumor is progressing and other symptoms that have raised due to have 3 brain surgeries and radiation therapy. I have gotten to know numerous pilots and am so blessed by their generosity. I don't know what I would do without Veterans Airlift Command!
My name is V. Raymond. I want to express my gratitude to the VAC's Staff for their outstanding service and professionalism. Then, I thank the pilot so much for taking time out of his busy schedule to fly me to my uncle's funeral in Florida. My father really needed me to accompany him during that difficult time and the pilot ensured I made it there in time. This was my second flight with Veterans Airlift Command and both times I have been very happy with the professionalism of the program. Everything was done in a timely manner and is stress free, everyone is very polite and caring. The pilot has been very welcoming and mage me feel like there's no worries.VAC is an amazing service that made my travel during a difficult time seamless and pain free. I’m very thankful and humbled by the gratuity of the not only VAC but of the plane owner and pilot who give so much. I hope to be fortunate enough to use the nonprofit again. Thanks for being for me and my family in times of need!
VAC is an amazing service that made my travel during a difficult time seamless and pain free. I’m very thankful and humbled by the gratuity of the not only VAC but of the plane owners and pilots who give so much. I hope to be fortunate enough to use the nonprofit pagain. Thanks!
Thank you do much for the dedication d as bf service to our Veterans. My son would not be able to travel for medical appointments without your services. Much love and respect to you all.
Respectfully
SSG Ryan Craig
Veteran's Airlift Command is awesome! They have helped me several times travel with my service dog to make life a little bit easier. They get you in and out of small airports easily, and often times with really great airplanes. The staff is VERY responsive, and the pilots are always really great people that just want to help out injured veterans. I highly recommend VAC to any insured service-member that is traveling with family or a service dog. I love these guys!
VAC is an amazing organization that has made traveling for medical treatment easier not only for me but for my family. The stress and pain of commercial air travel or riding in the car for days caused me to rethink or forgo necessary appointments. To be able to get where I need to go within a few hours is priceless. The staff is always extremely helpful and works to fulfill travel requests quickly. Every pilot I have encountered has been professional and friendly. VAC is a top organization helping the wounded veteran community!
In 2012 while on dismounted patrol I stepped on an IED losing both of my legs. I completed my recovery at Walter Reed in Bethesda, Maryland and moved back home to Woodland, California. While my VA experience has been good, nothing compares to the care you receive at Walter Reed.
It has been a long time sense I had been to Walter Reed and I need a lot of work done on my prostheses. So I contact Veterans Airlift Command to see if they could fly me out there. The experience flying with VAC has been like no other. Flying commercially is difficult because of the small spaces, having to take prosthetics off for comfort and switching planes. Having to get off the plane in a timely manner and rush to our connecting flight is always a challenge. Flying with VAC I did not have to worry about any of that. The crew was awesome and the flight was very comfortable, resulting in less pain than what I usually experience flying commercially. The entire process was easy, from requesting the mission to boarding the flight.
I am so incredibly grateful for the flight crew who flew us to Walter Reed, Veterans Airlift Command, Carrington Charitable Foundation and their donors.
When my husband was relocated from our home in California to Alabama for military training, we worried how we would keep up with our medically complex two year old's care. Owen was born with 22q deletion syndrome and a congenital heart defect. He has a weak immune system and cannot travel on a commercial flight.
This month, when Owen needed a procedure at his home hospital in California, Veterans Airlift Command stepped up and offered us safe transportation. We are so grateful!
In early 2020, I began my next mission in search of the reasons why some veterans succeed after their military experience, and why some are unable to find the right path in transitioning home effectively. Behind this goal, also seeks the reasons why suicide as a whole is effecting so many? As you can see, this goal has many dynamics and many veterans would be needed to tell their stories. Documentaries are a costly thing and properly finding the right veterans to tell this story was not an easy nor were they a close resource.
VAC allowed this project to reach heights I never planned by going the extra mile to fly me to Arizona to interview and record some wonderful and resourceful veterans. Although their generosity may have been shown through a flight with Mike, their program also allowed a group of veterans to come together and share their experiences through a therapeutic approach. As many of us veterans know, sometimes this opportunity alone does wonders for us.
Your work at Veterans Airlift Command goes beyond the miles flown. Your program literally leaves a lasting impression on lives going forward.
Thank you,
Joe Trader
22 Heartbeats
Thank you Veterans Airlift Command(VAC) for giving me the ability to regain my eyesight and for restoring my faith in humanity after a horrible year recovering from my wounds received by an ISIS suicide bomber in January 2019. Because of your professional staff and volunteers the DoD authorized my travel from my duty station to across the US so I could attend training on a device that helped me see again. It was because I did not have to sit on a crowded airplane or in a terminal while in the middle of Covid-19 that I was allowed to travel. The pilots and airplane were top notch and my wife and I enjoyed the three hour flight very much. Again thank you for giving me the mode of travel to regain my hope for a brighter future, and the training on a device that allowed me to see my beautiful wife after a year of darkness. God Bless!
Veterans Air Lift Command was amazing to work with. They gave me and my husband a safe flight in order to have an operation that I had been suffering for over a year from. My husband is a combat veteran that served post 9/11. As a family of four we have endured many trials and have been craving normalcy. The quality of my life had been completely halted due to a rare set of medical circumstances. The crew took such great care of us. Every detail was thought of to make us feel special and safe. Thank you guys for helping get my life back. - Tessa Cruz
Phenomenal organization. VAC has been supporting my family and I since my time in the ICU (intensive care unit) at Walter Reed six years ago. Humbled and grateful.
Veterans Airlift Command is an amazing organization. The VAC team and pilots truly have a knack for making you feel like family. After being injured in Afghanistan in 2012, the team came to visit my wife and me at the hospital and told us that when we were well enough to go home for the first time that they would be happy to help. At this point, it was difficult to get out of the hospital bed, so flying halfway around the country seemed impossible but we soon learned that VAC makes the impossible, possible! We have so much respect and appreciation for the staff, the pilots and everyone else who makes VAC's mission possible.
I recently had my 60th surgery after initially losing my leg 9 years ago while in Afghanistan. Without Veteran Airlift Command's assistance I would have had to settle for inefficient care given the nature of my injuries. I've been refused by VA's and even turned away from another large Military installation. Each issue and event causing a massive disruption in trying to live a "normal" life.
Veterans Airlift Command and their donors have made it possible for me to receive the necessary care, even in an emergency situation with a seamless, user friendly process. Working in the nonprofit world myself, it's refreshing to know their is an organization that follows through for those that need it the most.
Jenna is awesome!
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My name is Derick Carver and I recently had the pleasure of using Veterans Airlift Command to cover my travel from Cleveland to Arkansas. It was on short notice and required some maneuvering to pull off. Thankfully the organization and flight donors, the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, were all very understanding and flexible. I wouldn't have been able to make the trip without their support. I highly recommend to all disabled troops and individuals looking to make a donation.
Thanks again,
Derick
VAC is so supportive of our family! When my husband was injured in 2012 we didn’t know what our lives would look like. Seven years later we are thriving normal part of society and it’s thanks to non profits like VAC who have empowered us!
They are always a phone call away if we need to get home/hospital/visit family far away!
Veteran Airlift Command is the greatest nonprofits I have ever been involved with. Everyone at VAC is truly remarkable.
They continuously go above and beyond for veterans and their families. My family and I forever will be thankful for VAC and how much they have helped us. VAC’s mission has helped numerous Veterans and their families travel without stress or anxiety.
We will always support their mission. Thank you to everyone at VAC and all volunteers, you are truly amazing.
Very Respectfully,
Joff C
Our non-profit has worked with Veteran's Airlift Command for several years now, thanks to Mr. Fricke and Mrs. Miles we are able to execute our mission of healing veterans, one family at a time. The process from start to finish is seamless the way Maria handles it, she communicates where we are with the mission at all times and pours her heart into making sure we have our flights. She goes above and beyond and its all because her giving heart.The donors and pilots that endlessly give and give are the greatest givers in this world and we thank you for that. From all of us at BrothersKeepers we truly thank you two for all you have done and continue to do for our heroes. God Bless you both!
We could not say enough good things about VAC! My husband is a double amputee and makes the anxiety and stressful feelings of flying an unpleasant experience. We look forward to our trips across the country to visit loved ones SO much more because of Veterans Airlift Command. We are forever grateful!
Veterans Airlift Command is such a great group of people who really care for vets. This isn't some group of people looking to dog and pony. They are down to earth people wanting to help veterans by inviting them to become a part of their families. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for making us family and being there when we needed a lift.
Sincerely,
The Dunn family
We owe a great deal of gratitude to Veterans Airlift Command and their generous pilots.
Maria worked effortlessly to arrange flights and alleviate the burden of my husband flying commerical as he was often without his prosthetic due to repeated surgeries and recovery times.
Without their support during a very grim time, our children would not have had the opportunity to visit with their father making family time that much more nonexistent. Thank you VAC for being there when we didn’t even know what was needed or let alone, how to get it done in the midst of the storm. Your acts of generosity will forever be engrained in our lives.
What an amazing organization. They have blessed my family multiple times as I underwent numerous revisions on my amputated leg. If it was not for VAC, I would not have been able to make it home in time for my sons birth. My family and I are truly grateful for the staff, pilots and families that support VAC.
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My time after injury in Afghanistan in 2011 where I lost my right leg would have been substantially more complicated without Veterans Airlift Command. They helped my family and I in ways that I am not sure I will ever truly be able to show. Their ability to gather amazing patriots who are willing to donate their time, aircraft and finances in hopes of getting some of America’s finest going through recovery from point A to point B is astonishing. They will forever hold a special place in my heart.
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I can not begin to talk about how amazing this organization is. Not only do they attract some of the finest people to help fly veterans, but it builds relationships that we will be able to secure for life. There are two pilots that outside of the organization I have communicated with and am blessed to know. The service is beyond prompt and the people behind the scenes know nothing but kindness!
My experience with Veterans Airlift Command was hands down the best experience of my life! Maria was our Mission Coordinator and made everything effortless for us. I had to stay at BAMC for over a month and knowing my travel was taken care of was a big stress reliever. Thank you to Choctaw for flying us multiple times to and from Ft. Leonard Wood!
The compassion and care this organization has is truly amazing. They have helped me several times over the years to be there for family during some really tough times. I've also had the pleasure to attend one of their annual fundraising events. It was amazing to be in a room of individuals who put service above self.
VAC is nothing short of amazing! Maria did everything she could to help our family of seven get to where we needed to be. We were so concerned with having such a large family but Maria made it happen and we couldn’t be more grateful!
We are so thankful for VAC. My husband is a double amputee, so flying can be troublesome for him. Maria worked hard to find us flights and they did not disappoint. She was always available for questions and information. The pilots and plane owners were incredibly kind and accommodating. We are forever grateful.
We want to thank you for what you do! It is a great thing to have individuals who are willing to use their time and resources to provide help to another. My husband, Kurt Santini II, has been traveling via corporate air service for a few years now to attend doctor appointments across the country. He is a veteran who was injured in the Army, and is now being cared for by the elite medical team through Operation Backbone. This requires him to travel for all his doctor appointments, including tests. The service we were using before we were put in contact with you promised so much ease that we were happy at first. But once arriving at the airport for the first of many travels, we knew that we were not being given what was promised. Kurt had been dealing with excruciating pain in his back and neck for 18 years. The airport and airline service promised that he would not have to go through the security checks in the same way that others did. Because being patted down, removing his shoes, and holding his hands up over his head to be scanned, all caused more pain than he could bear. That is all in addition to the pain that was caused just to sit, stand, and walk for too long.
When we were put into contact with Veteran’s Air Lift Command, it was a sigh of relief. To know that you are providing transportation to veterans in need with little to NO hassle is amazing. Kurt’s first trip with one of your pilots, while painful, because there was nothing anyone could do about it, was literally a walk in the park! No check in’s, no baggage checks, no security checks. All the stuff that gives regular people a headache, that causes people like Kurt physical debilitating pain, was not required. We walked in, met the pilot, and he boarded the plane. It was that simple!
We thank you for providing for those who fought for our country! We appreciate that you are giving back, and we know that you do so much more than most realize. Thank you
Misty & Kurt Santini II
My son retired from the Air Force 10 years ago because after 5 deployments to Iraq he was scheduled to go again and his health was consistently going down hill . I have been his caregiver now for most of those 10 years and it has been a heartbreaking time for this mom to see a very vibrant, funny, happy, and intelligent man become a recluse and loose the use of what was once a very healthy body. He loved to golf, to play music and socialize with others. Today he just sits at home because of the PTSD he does not want to be out among people and he is very depressed as well loosing the use of his legs due to a very severe case of neuropathy which we are very sure is due to the Burn Pits.
We had heard of other Veterans using a corporation called CereScan that does a diagnostic spect scan on the brain and has been able to help those with lots of different injuries. So we inquired and like what we found out and then set out to try and get from MS to Denver .
One of the other caregivers told me about Veterans Airlift Command and how good they were to her husband and her when they had to travel so we gave it a shot and all I can say is WOW! These people had us set up with a private plane ride within a week of our call and what a blessing it was as I know a trip through a big airport and a crowded airliner would have been terrible for my son. The pilot picked us up at our small town airport and took us to a little town right outside of Denver and close to the clinic and the Hotel we were staying at. Then he flew back and picked us up when our appointments were over and brought us home safe and sound along with my son's best buddy Jasper his service Dog. I could not ask for a more caring person then our pilot and he also was a veteran so my son and him were able to have good conversation which is a rarity for him. All I can say is Thank you Veterans Airlift Command so very much for helping us and all the other Veterans in this great country for which they all sacrificed a part of their lives for so we could live in the best country in the world ! The USA!!
Talk about a blessing! If this program could be rated with 10 stars, It would have earned 11. Let’s start with the Operations Coordinator Jenna. The first person you come in contact with, you couldn’t find a better person for her role. She sounds angelic and enthusiastic. She walks with you and keeps you posted through the entire process. My wife and I requested a flight to the National Ability Center in Park city Utah. Jenna said this would not be an issue, since we were requesting a couple months in advance. A couple of weeks prior to leaving Mr Skip Walker, our pilot, contacted me with departing itinerary. A very friendly, high spirited gentleman. On or about the same time Mr Gary Renick, our returning pilot contact me with the returning itinerary. Gary was with his wife. We talked with each other the entire flight. These folks made us feel special. This was the best traveling experience I’ve ever had. I’m a 100% disabled army sergeant major, and I have traveled a lot. Thirty four years of service, 25 spent in aviation with 7 combat tours. Best Veterans Program out there!!
Iam a 26 yr direct Commission Officer who served in Desert Storm, OEF and Operation Iraqi Freedom who has TBI, PTSD and host of other injuries. I have been flying with Vetrans AirLift Command since 2013. These guys are who makes it happen. If it wasn’t for them I could never receive the care I do for the TBI treatment at the Buffalo VA.
I would like too Salute Veterens AirLift Command and it’s entire staff and say Thank You.
V/R,
Major Ronnie Jennings (Retired)
This was my second flight with veterans airlift command and both times I have been very happy with the professionalism of the program. Everything was done in a timely manner and is stress free, everyone is very polite and caring. The pilots have always been very welcoming and make you feel like there's no worries. I won't ever fly commercial again.
I was lucky to come home from combat, unfortunately I didn't make it back whole. I also had no idea I would require over 30 surgeries with many more to come in my lifetime. Before I learned of VAC I would fly to the hospital where my surgery would take place and after a few days of recovery and as soon as the doctors would discharge me I would fly home. I would struggle in the airports, through TSA , and felt trapped once wheeled onto the plane. Forget the fact that I had open wounds which could easily get infected, and incredible amounts of pain. Once I found out about this organization I applied for my next procedure and my mission was approved quickly. I flew direct from my local airport to the city in which the procedure took place. The process was smooth, I met amazing patriots that I call friends to this day and I became a family member of Veterans Airlift Command. This organization has tremendous leadership, first-class volunteers, and fills a niche no other non profit comes close to filling. For that I am grateful for Veterans Airlift Command and the many Hero Flights they provide for all of us still struggling. Please put this Non profit at the top of your list!
My husbands was a Rescue swimmer for the Navy for 24 years. He has many injuries, PTSD and Sleeping issue which includes night terrors from both wars. He is unable to drive for much of a distance. Our son has been sick since birth and the only doctors that can treat him is in Orlando. We had moved to the panhandle in Florida. I knew my son needed his dad and his dad couldn't be left home alone with all the medication he takes. We were referred to this amazing organization from my first call the were so warm and welcoming. They confirmed a pilot for us down to Orlando. I was in tears that they could help our family. Mr. Ken flew us down no problem. Yet, we didn't know when we were coming back depending on the surgery. We heard we would be discharged one day. I spoke with Jenna on her cell phone after hours she confirmed our flight home. Then we got knews they needed to do another procedure on our son. I called her she rearranged our flight with Mr. Elliot. Now we are waiting to hear back about the biopsies on what major surgery that he needs. When speaking with them and the pilot on the way home. Both said just call us once the schedule that surgery and we will be here for you. As a military wife of 22 years we don't hear that much. I'm so thankful for the organization and all the pilots. Thank you much
I can’t thank Veterans Airlift Command enough for not only transporting my family and I to and from my father’s intensive care unit bedside but also for being instrumental in getting us through an extremely trying time.
Veterans Airlift Command was able to fly my family and I on three seperate occasions over a period of seven months at critical points in his recovery.
Everything from the application process to communicating with Maria Miles to communicating with the pilots was seamless further alleviating any anxiety around travel.
I am eternally grateful to Veteran’s Airlift Command- for their time and dedicated service to veterans with disabilities seen and unseen.
Veterans Airlift Command has gone above and beyond for myself and my family. We have been able to utilize the generosity of their services numerous times. My wife and I will forever be greatful for the role that Veterans Airlift Command and their pilots have played in our lives.
In my eyes the pilots and staff at VAC are nothing less than guardian angels looking over us veterans to come and take us out of the terrible situation of not being able to get to medical care and parting the proverbial dark clouds and picking us up out of the situation and getting us help. My doctor is halfway across the country and if I dont get treatment every few months I will die and the stress of getting there has been completely allievated by VAC. Blizzard or shine, Jenna has always made sure I got to my appointment on time. The pilots who volunteer their aircraft and time are beyond awesome. The wounded warrior community is so blessed to have organizations like VAC looking out for us.
The whole process from start to finish was incredibility easy and the people at Veterans Airlift Command were especially helpful. They communicated with you to ensure you understood the process and what to expect.
This was the easiest flying experience I have ever had. I have great difficulty in flying commercial these folk stepped up big. Allowing me to get the care I needed and helped me to get to my family who needed my help. The pilots (especially Mark C.) were excellent and a pleasure to fly with.
With much gratitude,
Jess F
Previous Stories
Stellar organization from start to finish. I was in need of a flight from Denver to Kansas City and Veterans Airlift Command stepped up in a big way. This is one smooth and professional operation. Scheduling was easy and seamless. I received timely information on where and when I was to be picked up. The pilots were professional, on time, and welcoming. I truly appreciated the pilots taking the time to talk with me and take all the guess work out of flying with them in their aircraft. The organization follows up with a courtesy call to see how everything went while in their hands. I am very grateful and humbled for the willingness of everyone involved to support veterans and help my family in a time of need. Thank You!
I am a combat wounded veteran that will require surgery for the rest of my life by specialists I recently went in for routine surgery across the country at my specialist in Virginia what was supposed to be routine turned out to be something severe I would be spending a week in the hospital possibly more at a moments notice veterans airlift flew my fiancé across the country so that she can take care of me after I was out of the hospital I was in severe pain veterans airlift surprised me with a private jet ride all the way to California I got to fly home in comfort Rather than having to deal with the chaos at the airport while relying on a wheelchair Which saved me a lot of pain I am forever grateful to veterans airlift They truly care and support our veterans
We are forever in debted to Veterans Airlift Command they changed our life in so many ways.
We are very grateful without them we couldnt be able to spend time with our Sister-in-law who was diagnosed with breast cancer they made it possible for us to be there for her during her hardest time. The pilots by far are the sweetest and most caring they made us feel like family (they are now after meeting them) my husband was injured during and IED blast memory isnt so good anymore these pilots without realizing it gave him memories he had lost and even if it was for a short period of time it was by far the best time we have had. Jenna thank you for all your help. Jonathan and Bob thank you!
This is a really amazing organization!! I was injured in AFG in 2011 and have been fortunate enough to use VAC on several occasions. We have always been treated extremely well. Everyone involved is polite, professional, and sincere. We first found Veteran's Airlift Command because due to our son's special needs, we were kicked off of a commercial flight when he became violent after being visually overstimulated within the airport. After driving him home on a midnight run while he slept in the back seat, we didn't think travel was really possible for quite a while. I later heard about VAC from a fellow soldier and didn't really believe it was real until I received a phone call from VAC personnel to let me know that my application was submitted and that someone would contact me soon regarding the flight. Ever since our first experience with VAC we have been blown away. Travel has been possible again making our lives so much better. It has allowed us to see family and friends, as well as trips with our son that would never be possible without VAC. This has made such a huge impact on our quality of life. Words can not express the gratitude we have for the this organization and all of the volunteers and pilots that make this happen. If given the opportunity to participate with Veteran's Airlift Command again, I would not hesitate!
My husband was catastrophically injured in the fall of 2011, resulting in two years of recovery at Walter Reed-Bethesda before retirement and an additional year after that. We decided to move up home to Alabama to raise our miracle child closer to family, but knew that for some of his issues, it would be best to continue his medical care back in Bethesda. Whether it be emergency or a routine appointment, VAC has been there not just for him, but his family, too. By providing no-cost air travel that does not include all the hoops that come with commercial airports these days, we have been able to attend to his health needs without that added stress. We have also been able to participate in recreational programs and memorial events because of the dedication of staff and volunteers. This is one organization has absolutely contributed to the our post-injury success. I have included a picture of a recent pilot with his plane and my husband and daughter.
This organization has served myself and fellow severely wounded veterans by flying us in times of need. Every pilot, volunteer, employee, and others associated with this organization are beyond compassionate, selfless, and caring. Thank you for what you do!
A few weeks ago my mother suffered from a massive heart attck that put her in the ICU. The doctors said she did not have long so I flew out to see her a few hours later. After being with her for a couple of days, VAC was able to find me a pilot that was willing to donate his time and money getting me back home with my family. I cannot express how greatful I am to everyone that made that happen for me. Thanks again and for everything you do to our great Veterans!
Veterans Airlift
I found out about the Kansas City based Warriors’ Ascent Academy of Healing from a great friend of mine John Durham who still lives in El Paso Texas. (We met each other in 2015 through participation with Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, another non-profit organization.) He had just completed class 17 and wanted to share the tools he had found that helped him begin to heal wounds from Post-Traumatic Stress. Eight days before Warriors’ Ascent Academy of Healing class 18 was to begin I worked up the courage and sent an email to Jay Waldo, one of the founders. Thank goodness he responded almost immediately with news that there was in fact a seat for me. Warriors’ Ascent is unique in that Military Veterans, Police Officers, and Fire Fighters come together to concentrate on Mind, Body, and Soul. Currently I live near Nashville TN, so the 10 hour drive would have wiped out this Veteran with back issues for a few days, so I would not have been an ideal student at that point. I got online and tried to find a flight to Kansas City and became discouraged, since I was only a week away the ticket prices were out of reach. I contacted Mr. Waldo with my concern and he told me to contact Veterans Airlift. I used to be a very skeptical and negative person, so I figured maybe this is just not meant to be. Thankfully, to my rescue comes Veterans Airlift Command, another non-profit agency, the VAC provides free air transportation to post 9/11 combat wounded and their families for medical and other compassionate purposes through a national network of volunteer aircraft owners and pilots. I sent an email to Jenna Deibel, Mission Coordinator VAC, and in less than 10 minutes she called me to find out if they could help. Fortunately for me the Academy of Healing was in fact a program that met criteria and qualified me for assistance. After answering a few simple questions Jenna let me know that she would have me a flight confirmed within the next 3 hours. True to her word in about 2 hours I got a call and was given the pilots name. Joe Creecy, who happens to be the Chapter Leader of the Nashville IMC Club called to let me know the details of the flight and to answer any questions I had. Now if that is not awesome enough, the story gets even more heartwarming. Due to hurricane Nate the flight to Kansas City was not going to be possible, I was crushed by this news, as it was Saturday night and we were to head to KC Sunday. Never fear, Mr. Creecy secured me a commercial airline ticket to get me to KC. Now accepting a ride in someone’s airplane was something I convinced myself was ok to do, however, allowing someone to buy me a ticket was out of my comfort zone. After quite a bit of back and forth Mr. Creecy convinced me to accept the ticket, he just wants to help Veterans who are trying to help themselves. It does not stop there, so that I would not end up with my car in the wrong place, (my return flight from KC was already booked to Clarksville) Joe Creecy flew up to Clarksville, picked me up and flew me to a small airfield in Nashville. Then he drove me to the International Airport in Nashville, talk about going the extra mile. I am afraid I got tears on his shoulder when I hugged him in thanks. It’s just not every day that a stranger goes that far out of their way to help me, actually nothing like that had ever happened before. I did arrive in Kansas City on time and made it to the Warriors’ Ascent Academy of Healing. I had no preconceived notion about the course and really wasn’t sure what to expect. John Durham had told me just go in with an open mind and trust the process. I have to say this will go down as the most important 5 day course I ever worked up the courage to attend. While it is hard to explain what changed in me at the Academy, I will just say my Mind, Body, and Soul are on the track of continued healing. After graduation I had no plan for how I would get to the airport for my return Veterans Airlift flight, but with my new outlook on life I knew it would work out. The Veteran who left Tennessee to attend the course would have been stressed out and anxious about how he would get to the airport, the man who graduated the Academy does not worry about things like that anymore. Sure enough, I did not have to ask anyone for a ride, Steve Colladay, a Warriors’ Ascent Mentor asked if he could take me to the airport. The awesomeness of these non-profit agencies does not end yet. Next, Ross Schoneboom, a 26 year Army Veteran who is now with Cessna arrived in Kansas City with a jet to get me to Outlaw Field in Clarksville TN. Ross is a consummate professional and treated me as if I was family. It was a great finish to a week that has put me on a course to not only change my life, but I believe I will be able to help others. Thanks to all those involved in this Synchronicity.
Curtis Driver
US ARMY (RET)
This past weekend, we had the pleasure of flying with VAC and meeting some great people. along the way. The entire trip, from start to finish, was stress free and the whole crew made us feel like family as soon as we met. Jeff, Dick, Keefer, Mike, Leslie, and Jan were all amazing! We are grateful for this experience and you can truly tell how much this group of friends cares about helping others. I haven't laughed as much as we did on both legs of the flight in a long time. Jenna and the VAC volunteers go above and beyond to assist in whichever way they can!
Thank You,
Shawn & Sophie
There are not enough words to describe how much Veteran Airlift Command has positively impacted my life. I lost both eyes and sustained other permanent injuries while serving in Iraq with the USMC. Traveling is on of the biggest triggers I have, airports are not blind friendly. One of the most difficult parts is knowing my wife has to carry so much of the weight when it comes to us flying anywhere. We have used VAC twice now and it has been one of the best opportunities for me. i was never stressed, triggered or on edge. They went above and beyond to make sure my wife and I were fully taken care of. I'd give them ten stars if it was possible. Thank you VAC for all you do for wounded veterans like myself and our families.
Semper Fidelis
Thank you to Veterans Airlift Command who organized the flight for me and my family to go home for my Dad's funeral/burial. A special thanks to the generosity of Bruce and Rosemary Rose who flew us down and Jesse Dykman who flew us back. I can't thank you guys enough. You guys brought a bit of light and happiness to our life during a sad and difficult time. Thank you.
The Veterans Airlift Command, Jenna Deibel, and our pilot Jim Penn, played a very important role for my wife and I. I used to be an army infantryman, served 2 deployments in support of OIF III and the surge for baghdad. While on a patrol, my uparmored 1151 was struck by an 8 array EFP in the south rashid Al Jihad AO of baghdad. My wife, Mae and our 5 children are from Micronesia in the pacific, Guam and Saipan. We needed to fly to Alabama to help an elder couple, Frank and Janet Onedera, move to Killeen, TX. Frank has had 2 heart surgeries and has other health conditions. When my wife heard of their move, we offered our help. We will continue to keep all who make this awesome non-profit organization in our hearts and prayers lifting you all up and in a safe journey and safe travels. God Bless you all and thank you Jenna and Jim.
I had a military freefall training accident in August of 2016. I was in the hospital for three months and I have been doing medical rehabilitation since then in San Antonio. When my wife told my children that they were moving to San Antonio to be with daddy (me) while I was doing therapy, one of the first thing my daughter asked was if she was still going to be able to have her and her sister's 7th and 4th birthday party at home in Tennessee with family and friends. My wife couldn't answer her at that time. But thanks to Veterans Airlift Command, they were able to provide flights home for myself, my wife, and 3 children so that we could see family before my next big surgery in a couple days and so that my girls could have their birthday party. I am extremely grateful for them and what they have done for my family and I. Flying is always stressful; having to buy tickets, getting to the airport 2 hours early, checking bags, dealing with security. With VAC, there was none of that. It was by far the best travel experience I've ever had.
My husband is enrolled in the Share Program in Atlanta Ga For his Ptsd and Traumatic Brain Injury along with physical injuries. Veterans Airlift Command Jim Terry was able to fly my son and I down to Atlanta to spend a weekend with him. Definately a 5 star orginazation. Thank you
I can't Thank VAC enough for what they do, they have helped me attend unit reunions as well as others events. Thank you to all the pilots as well who volunteer their time.
My family is so thankful for this amazing program!
I prayed that we would have a way to our brothers wedding if we were supposed to be there. I filled out the info for a flight to the east coast and received a very kind and quick response. Later, got a phone call letting us know that it's harder to find a flight from CA to SC which we totally understood, and figured maybe we just weren't meant to go. She had offered to get us two tickets which we thought was so kind and generous! The only downside was not having anyone to watch our 4 young kids. A little more than a week before the wedding I was talking to my sister in law looking at flights and trying to figure out a way to get there. We said goodnight and we would talk more tomorrow. When I woke up in the morning I had an email saying please call me so we can book your flight! I could not believe it! I was so beyond excited and shocked!! I was just blown away by veterans airlift command for buying a round trip from coast to coast flight for my family! Our family was all beyond happy and greatful we were able to go. Our kids had the most awesome time ever playing with so many of their cousins! We had such an amazing weekend and we can't thank this program enough! The wedding was beautiful, and the time we spent with family was priceless. We will remember forever and be so thankful that we were able to go! Jenna was the sweetest person to communicate with and we appreciate her and everyone involved at Veterans Airlift Command! Thank you so much!!
I cannot express in words my gratitude for this stellar organization. I am a combat Veteran who suffers from PTSD and subsequently choose to self medicate. I was in desperate need of a change in the dysfunctional environment I was in. Once I shared my struggle these folks jumped into action to help facilitate an opportunity to visit with other Veterans. They allowed me to spend time with some old Army family. I know this may sound a bit like hyperbole, but I feel they have played a key role in recovery. Sometimes we all need help and Veteran's Airlift Command walks the walk and live up to the phrase "I've got your six!"
Hello,
Since my injury fighting in Afghanistan VAC has made it possible for my wife and I to travel comfortably to see family and attend unit reunions. Such a great program! also thank you so much to the selfless pilots that volunteer their time to fly us.
SGT Jon Harmon
Jenna was outstanding representing the VAC for my flight out and back from D.C. to KC. She was amazing showing her support and that of the VAC. I had two great pilots; Mike and Bob. I suffered a TBI from Iraq and was able to get state of the art treatment through a private institution in Bethesda MD: The Brain Wellness and Biofeedback Center (Dr. Mary Lee)/ and treatment paid for by the Brain Wellness Fund-a 501c3 (Beth-"Supporting treatment for our nations heroes with TBI and PTS"). I was able to get parts of my brain working again through a series of these treatments that have not been working since my injury. I cannot thank enough the VAC. They will forever have my gratitude, and be part of a life changing treatment that occurred over six weeks. Thank you soo much for the pilots (Mike and Bob) and VAC support to make this happen.
My family was in desperate need of assistance during a time of tremendous challenge. Veterans Airlift command went way above and beyond to provide me with transportation to a facility which I was able to heal. I cannot say enough how much organizations like this make a positive difference in people's lives.
The support that I received from Veterans Airlift Command this past week was beyond exceptional. Due to this great organization, I was able to get a family member's funeral in Texas with little notice. After filling out my request, I literally received a call a few minutes later from Jenna Deibel to see how they could assist. She took care of our arrangements and made sure we got there on time. Today I also received a call from Andrew Lourake to make sure we made it home safely and to ask how I was doing. What a great group of people helping veterans!
Thank you VAC and pilots Eric Whyte and Mike Conley for helping me get home to see my family and attend the funeral of my Grandmother. I havent been home in over 4 years due to medical treatment and being overseas. You guys are great Americans and I am so grateful to be introduced to this great organization. Thank you for all that you do.
We are delighted to have been the recipients of a flight to me hometown of Miami, FL after a 6-year absence; I am a double amputee, and the last time my family saw me I still had both my legs; not only did my family get a chance to see me, they also met my two youngest sons. we had the most amazing experience while flying in 'HRF510" from Veterans Evaluation Services, our pilots, Howard Turek and Michael Weimert are the most professional pilots I have ever met, thank you!!!
Great non- profit... so kind and courteous. They helped us out in our time of need with no hassle! I strongly suggest supporting this organization as they do great things for veterans.
Awesome. Got us 2 flights on private planes from NC to TX to attend a funeral for a fallen soldier. Made things so less difficult than dealing with airlines. Funeral was painful enough, the flights the only bright spot.
How can you put to words what this nonprofit did for us? At our lowest moment, desperate to be able to say our last good-byes, give our final respects, and tell the family of our Fallen Brother how much we love them... Veterans Airlift Command stepped up without hesitation. We would not have been able to attend the funeral of our Fallen Brother had it not been for the true and pure patriotism of this nonprofit. All of the administrative staff as well as the pilots (Spike & Butch) were professional, personable, and respectful. THANK YOU for everything! You helped me bring closure at one of the most difficult times in my life!
I have used Veterans Airlift Command a few times now. Each time they delivered in spades! The logistics team was very prompt arranging flights to and from, and their pilots were professional and friendly. This organization is top notch, when their passengers are in a jamb and need to get to somewhere quick. That's not all they do; they also follow up and make sure you're ok after the flights. That shows an immense amount of sincerity and that they do truly care. Hats off to this wonderful organization!
I can't thank enough for the nonprofit every time I called it felt like they drop everything just to help me especially when I called him my brother he saved my life in Iraq and he lost to his demons and committed suside. I made one phone call and they help me with everything and more. Also do to my injuries from Iraq I couldn't get my wife pregnant so we had To go to NY to do IVF and they made it possible for me and my family to extend are tree and now my wife pregnant thank you so much. This nonprofit has changed so many live for the better and touch Theor hearts for ever Thank you for helping me give the greatest gift of all is a new life and a child for my wife.
Truly no word/words can describe how wonderful this organization and their people really are! When my husband flies they make him take his leg off and run test. I fly into a furry every time. VAC allows him to avoid such an embarrassing situation. I love them and their mission❤️
There's not one negative thing I can say about this company. There were there for us when we were turned down by others. All the pilots have been a phenomenal asset as well as the representatives for Veteran's Airlift Command, specifically Andrew Lourake. He is such a wonderful person and has made us forget at times why we are traveling and for just a few moments we are at peace.
Veterans Airlift Command is run and supported by "people that do." VAC flew me out of state for a surgical procedure and returned me home with no issues whatsoever. Obviously, the defining features are the pilots and aircraft owners, genuinely wonderful people that are driven to serve and contribute. It is an added bonus if you have an interest or even passing hobby in aviation, because the pilots/owners always have great stories, and the aircraft are beautiful. Being able to fly via general aviation also provides far more options and flexibility when it comes to when and where you travel. This is a great organization, and I hope veterans will be able to continue using it for a long time. I also highly recommend supporting this organization - VAC **serves veterans!!**
I recently had the amazing opportunity to fly with VAC and the experience from start to finish was exceptional!!! I truly hope the organization and pilots realize their positive and lasting impact they had on me and Issac, my service dog. From the moment we met our pilots, we felt like family! They were so understanding, caring, and supportive!!! They even had Mutt Muffs for Issac's ears! So Thoughtful :) So for us, flying with a commercial airline always presents so many challenges. Aside from being a below-knee amputee, I am legally blind and even though I have Issac to assist me, there is still always so much stress. I worry about our seating because Issac is 90 lbs and does not fit well in the limited area, even the bulkhead section. With my vision loss, direct flights work best as to avoid the confusion of trying to get to the connecting gate. Sadly, you can not depend on airport staff as we have missed flights before even with their help. There is always the embarrassing pat down and anxiety that comes along with that as well. With VAC, all of that anxiety completely goes away!!! Issac had plenty of room to stretch out and sleep. Having no stress is a tremendous comfort and alleviates the worry of any issues. Words really can not express the true emotions of what this experience meant to us and saying Thank You a million times just does not seem to do it justice. We feel so blessed to have had this honor! Thank You VAC and Pilots for your continued dedication and commitment!!! Warmest Regards, Leslie & Issac
All I can say is, wow! From the application to my return flight home Veterans Airlift Command (VAC) was engaged and available for all my questions and needs. I personally give this organization a 10 star rating.
With VAC I was treated like a fortune 500 CEO! Better yet, I am now part of the family.
Blessings,
John Arroyo
I had the best experience this past weekend flying with VAC. My PTSD keeps me from traveling long distance by car. Commercial Airline is very stressful too with TSA, corwds and other passengers. I live in TX and my immediate family lives in IN. I have missed out on alot of family events in past years recoverying from 2 deployments to Iraq with symptoms alot of people experience and go through. I am so grateful to my pilot who took me. Feels so great that you folks care about me to get me home to see my relatives when I otherwise would not be able to.
Since my injury in Iraq in 2003 I have found it very stressful to fly commercially and it has reached the point where I just can't do it anymore. This past June I was asked by a fellow Combat Wounded Veteran to be his best man in his wedding and if it wasn't for the Vet Airlift Command I would have had to decline. They had a private plane pick my family and I up at our local airport and transported us where we needed to be. The flight crew were some of the best people I have ever met and they made sure our flight was as comfortable as could be. I could never thank Vet Airlift enough for what they did for me. In my opinion Vet Airlift Command has set the standard on how our Wounded Veterans should be taken care of. Thank you!
VAC is a fantastic organization. If heard nothing but good things about them and was able to experience it firsthand when Walter and Pierre picked my family and I up from Key West and flew to San Antonio. They were extremely easy to work with and very friendly. Smoothest flight I've been on thus far!
My Father Bernard I. Friedenberg was to be honored for his heroism on D Day, June 6, 1944 at the WW 2 Museum this past D Day, 2016. He has COPD and is on oxygen 24/7 and uses a bathroom several times a day and cannot walk coupled with a compromised immune system. There was NO way I could take my Mom and Dad to New Orleans on the airlines.
We have 2 Aids and both of my parents are in wheel chairs. I was desperate and then I was connected with the Veterans Airlift Command. I needed a jet that could facilitate 6 of us traveling in total and all of the medical equipment.
This amazing organization stepped up and had a Citation 4 meet us in Atlantic City, NJ and take us to New Orleans and then 2 days later home. The pilot Jed was an amazing human being..... kind, concerned, and dotted all i's and crossed his t's. He transported another soldier that day before getting us and it was a long day for Jed. He is a generous man and the Veteran's Airlift Command was beyond patient and understanding on helping us complete this mission for my Dad.
God bless this organization.
Respectfully,
Susan C. Friedenberg - Bernard's Daughter
VAC has flown me back and forth from my home in Jackson, MS to Washington, D.C. for appointments and then surgery at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The last trip included my wife and ten month old daughter. They were so very flexible, helpful, and easy to communicate with! I cannot thank them enough for making travel an easy part during a difficult time.
CJ Stewart
101st Airborne (Ret.)
These guys are amazing. They flew me to hospital appointments as well as to recreational therapy. They are awesome.
My name is Josiah Blystone. I was very blessed to have VAC, and their volunteer pilots fly me to from Wilmington NC to Boca Raton FL where I got brain scans done to help treat my TBI and PTSD. Every interaction with them made me feel very comfortable. Being able to have Hyperbaric treatments done completely changed my life and without VAC it would have been a difficult process. I thank God for the work they are doing! God Bless the USA, and God bless us all.
My name is Scott Craigle and am an Air Force OIF/OEF wounded warrior with TBI/PTSD. I can not express the gratitude and respect I have for Veterans Airlift Command for taking me to and from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. These pilots donated their time and aircraft and made sure I felt comfortable and taken care of. The love and support they show for the American Veteran is incredible and deserve the high praise! Thank you VAC!
Thank you for a wonderful trip to San Antonio Texas it was a great flight my husband enjoyed herself completely and longer service dog love it also you are the greatest..
My name is Tyler Burdick and I am an OEF/OIF veteran and double amputee. After retiring from Naval Service in 2012 due to wounds sustained in Afghanistan, I turned an old passion, Snowboarding, into a career and competed in the 2014 Winter Paralympics in Sochi, Russia, Snowboarding on Team USA. After complications with the Limb Salvage I had undergone since being wounded by an IED blast, I finally had both of my legs amputated below the knee.
Last week, I was invited to return to the World Cup Snowboard Racing Circuit for the 2015-16 season, however, a day before departing for Aspen, Co, I came down with a severe infection in my right residual limb. While hospitalized, my chances of making it to the classification event seemed grim, at best. In desperation and no where else to turn, I sent Veterans Airlift Command a message via their website. Within the hour, they called me to discuss our options and agreed to help me.
With less than 24 hours notice, Veterans Airlift Command was able to take me from Salt Lake City to Aspen so that I could meet a classification requirement of the International Paralympic Committee, enabling me to remain eligible for this years race season. Without their help, I would not be able to continue my carrier this season.
The service I received from this organization was absolutely incredible. The Pilot was extremely accommodating and provided for an excellent travel experience. My sincerest appreciation goes to the folks at Veterans Airlift Command.
Sincerely,
Tyler Burdick
Hi!! My name is Karren Brooks and I am a wounded warrior. I obtained services through Veterans Airlift Command for my transportation to a medical rehabilitation Center that is located a couple states away from home. The process of obtaining support was an easy one to navigate with helpful and supportive pwople from the beginning. Thank you for that Maria!! I had two WONDERFUL pilots (Chris & Johnathan) who not only volunteered their time and airplane but also their support to be sure that I made it safely (and comfortably ) to my destination. They were so willing and helpful from the time I met them until the time I left them. (I tried to add photos that we took together but they were too large) I will never forget the experience. I'd definitely day that this program is one to recognize for all of their efforts. THANKS AGAIN FOR EVERYTHING!!!!
YOURS TRULY,
Karren B.
Veterans Airlift Command is a wonderful non-profit organization. It is such a wonderful feeling to know that VAC is here for our veterans. Everyone I dealt with was very friendly, courteous and very helpful. They really care! So glad to know the organization is here for us. They also call you after your trip to make sure you had a great experience. Thank you VAC.
Debra
VAC was so great. Flew to Pittsburgh from NC and than back again. Great pilots and very accommodating. Couldn't have asked for better help and service.
Veterans Airlift Command, along with their volunteers and pilots ,provided myself and my Veteran friends a flight to and from Disney,in Orlando, Fl, this past weekend. We could participate in the 1/2 marathon either running or cycling because of their compassion and dedication to getting us there , comfortably, with our equipment. Thank you very much V.A.C. , I look forward to spreading the word about your great team.
All The Way!
-- Adam Keys, U.S. Army ( SSG ret.)
I've now flown with VAC 3 times and they are very accommodating. The pilots are always nice and willing to help veterans and their families in anyway possible!
Veterans Airlift Command is an incredible organization. I previously served in the Army and due to my experience in war, I suffer with disabilities that VAC was extremely understanding about and attentive to my needs. The Pilot and crew were amazing people and so supportive. Because of VAC, I was able to reunite with my family after many years of being apart. I am so grateful to Veterans Airlift Command for providing the safest, most comfortable, and organized flight experience of my life. I cannot thank this organization enough for what they have done for me. Thank you all so very much.
I have used VAC on 2 occasions and both were top notch experiences. Both times have been from mississippi to texas. VAC keeps you informed of what's going on with your upcoming flights, your pilots are quick to make contact with you, there is no crowded aiports or any of that type of harassment you receive when you fly commercial. VAC and it's members are truly caring folks that give up alot for combat veterans. Very very pleased with everything that they have done for me and my family to help us with my healing process.
1sg Tim Bell
155 ABC "Dixie Thunder"
My family and I have used Veterans Airlift Command twice. Both times were outstanding. The pilots and crews were awesome and helpful in every way. Veterans Airlift Command ensured that my family and I had a means to get where we were wanting go. Thank you, VAC!
I attended an amazing retreat with another great nonprofit called Songwriting with Soldiers. That opportunity lead to me being offered a chance to play a song I co-wrote with Mary Gauthier at the Grand Ole Opry! One problem, I can't drive and my wife/caregiver was due with our second son. In just 4 days.
Maria Miles worked so hard to find me a flight that would accommodate my power chair and escort. Maria contacted after midnight via email. Letting me know she found us a flight that could handle my heavy chair. She worked on that all day into the next!
We met with our Pilot Joe Bartosiak. We instantly knew this was going to be an experience like nothing we've had before. Joe was amazing not only as a pilot but as a person.
He made me feel so comfortable and genuinely cared not only for me but all veterans and service members.
Joe and VAC got me to Nashville and ensured that we even had a wheelchair accessible van for transportation to our hotel.
I don’t know how I could ever repay VAC and Joe for giving me that once in a lifetime opportunity. I played the song I co-wrote in two soldout shows for the Grand Ole Opry at the Ryman. On the 90th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry!
Thank you so much VAC, Andrew Lourake. Lt Col, USAF (ret)
Director, Veteran Outreach, Maria Miles and Joe Bartosiak.
I was so thrilled that Joe was able to attend our first show. That we were able to share that experience together.
Forever in their debt! VAC is so incredible, their dedication and compassion is awe-inspiring. Thank you VAC!
With Greatest Respect,
JOSHUA M. GEARTZ
US ARMY/SGT(DAV/PRM)
My pilot Roger and his wife were extremely accommodating and generous. My flights in their Cirrus aircraft was extremely comfortable! Thanks to Roger and the VAC for their continued support of myself and all warriors.
-William T.
My pilots Don and Kirk were super nice gentlemen. They made my first VAC flights a great experience. Thank you very much for having such a wonderful organization that takes care of our nations veterans. Ken G
My pilots name was Phill and he made me and my dog feel just as comfortable as can be. I'm a disable vet and didn't know this man from Adam and he just made me feel so at ease. I want to thank him and the VAC for making this happen for me and my best friend. Ty, CSM Garcia
Veterans airlift command had done more for me than they will ever know. Just a few weeks ago veterans airlift command arranged for me to fly across the country In order to seek closure for injuries I received in Afghanistan 4 years ago. Thanks to this organization I am able to maintain the mental resiliency I need to continue to the job that I love so much. When I filled out the application online I received an email back almost immediately. I was helped by an extremely personable woman named Jenna. She proved to me almost immediately that VAC was willing to help me at all cost. Despite my inability to respond regularly she met my every need in arranging the flight. VAC is an amazing organization that I would recommend to any American warrior in need. I am so grateful, thank you Jenna, thank you VAC
Review from Guidestar
My first flight was amazing, sitting next to Mike, the pilot, and observing every thing was definitely a great experience compared to flying commercial. My second flight was a nice relaxing trip home with my service dog. The copilot's wife had bought some refreshments before they left Virginia and had offered me some.
I cannot say enough how amazing veterans airlift command has been. I recently used the organization for a return flight for a wounded veterans pheasant hunt. As a quadriplegic I face many difficulties with travel, but the pilot was very helpful and understanding. I am so amazed that individuals with these resources take their time at great expense to provide this service to our wounded veterans. Thank you again so much veterans airlift command!
It is people like VAC, Andrew Lourake and Jenna Deibel specifically, who make this life as a caregiver to a wounded veteran easier to lead. They take have both been very amazing angels to our family and 100% supportive anytime we have needed them.
Keep up the good work, you all, and your pilots, are appreciated far more then words could ever explain!
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Veterans Airlift Command is simply amazing. My husband was injured in 2009 and just recently left the service. After he got out he was awarded a service dog from another non profit based in Ohio. We live in Tennessee. Trying to figure out how to get there from here with a family of 6 and a wounded warrior who is not allowed to drive was a daunting task. I heard about VAC from a friend who works for Luke's Wings, another non profit who has helped us in the past. Let me tell you, I emailed VAC with our dilemma and was promptly emailed back. Over the course of a week, VAC had taken all the weight off my shoulders and found a flight to accommodate my husband. Not only did Andrew Lourake help us with the flight, but he also helped put us in touch with another wounded warrior in our area. He has proven to my family that there are good people out there who will go above and beyond to help their own. Now that my husband has his service dog, he is able to function much better and his quality of life has drastically improved. Thank you VAC and our pilots for bringing some normalcy back to our lives. You all are truly amazing!!!
We are so very grateful to the pilots and all the volunteers within this organization. I can't express how helpful they are in times of need. I hope to have the opportunity to meet more great people in the future to help throughout this difficult recovery process my husband and our family faces. Thank you so much!!
I have been honored to be supported three times by Veterans Airlift Command (VAC), and all three times I have been foutunate to have my Hero Flight as the pilots call them picked up. VAC does everything possible to help you get to your destination and back weather it is for medical treatment, family to get to their Veteran while in the hospital, trips for health and wellness recovery, and even for your Honeymoon like they did for a fellow brother of mine. VAC gets and understand that we need special services sometimes and are 110% all over it through their network of Hero's as I call them. The pilots, companies, and private organization who honor us by having their pilots and planes fly on their own dime with fuel and aircraft to help us out. Even more impactful when a private owner who flys as a hobby picks up your flight(s) and uses their own time most of them retried to help us out. ALL the organizations and privately owned aircraft and pilots are so professional and compassionate to the Veterans needs always going above and beyond. I always thank them from the bottom of my heart and for what they do for all veterans. This is truly Americans taking care of Americas Veterans which for years has been so over looked. If there was an award for Selfless Act of Heroism Veterans Airlift Command (VAC) and all the organizations and privately owned and operated pilots should and would receive it. Thank You for everything VAC! God Bless! If you all ever need anything I'm there for ALl of You!!
(SFC) (Ret) Scott A. Adams Sr
Minnesota
Veterans Airlift Command (VAC) is one of the unique nonprofit organizations, that truly understands the importance of supporting our combat wounded veterans. As a wounded veteran, my long list of fellow team mates wounded in action or killed in action has humbled me over the years. VAC has always been there for us to ensure we keep supporting our brothers in arms. One of my team mates that I was wounded with, from an IED blast in Afghanistan, suffered burns to 95% of his body. VAC gave me the opportunity to visit him in San Antonio, TX. VAC is an organization of silent professionals, who are asking nothing in return, except to help combat wounded veterans. Thank you VAC for allowing me to show continued support to my wounded brother.
I wanted to go to my buddy's wedding in Texas but I am currently on a Transplant waiting list and I'm not really allowed to travel too far from my home. Because of veterans airlift command I was able to travel to my buddy's wedding in Texas and if I did get the call they had everything set up for me and ready to go. It was one less thing I had to worry about!
Caleb Perkins (SSG US Army Medically Retired)
I am so thankful for Veteran Airlift Command and the pilots that give their time and energy to help wounded veterans and service members. My wife and I will never forget the experience of the flight and the generosity that was bestowed upon us.
Veterans Airlift Command has such an amazing staff; I have to mention Jenna. Jenna went above the call of duty to make sure that the dates and times worked for us and it was very refreshing to know that she took charge and facilitated everything with excellence.
I highly recommend Veterans Airlift Command; thanks for all you do!
'The way something is done may be more important than the thing itself'. This is the least I can say about how the Veterans Airlift Command staff are making a huge difference in other people's lives while providing outstanding services to the veteran's community. Thus, I must thank Ms. Maria Miles for getting me to my destination and back on a short notice more than once in times of emergency. Then, many thanks to Lt Col Andrew Lourake, for taking time to check on me to ensure I am doing well. I quickly realize that the Veterans Airlift Command uses 'Empathy' more than 'Sympathy'. There is no doubt this Organization is making a big difference every day in the lives of veterans in their families' and I am so grateful for such outstanding service. I am proud to be an American and particularly a Veteran.
Venol Raymond
US Army Veteran (SSG)
WWP Track Alumni
After losing a leg in Iraq and enduring thirty two surgeries flying can be quite cumbersome. Thanks to the Veterans Airlift Command wounded service members can travel to medical appointments stress free. Last Sunday 09/13/2015 a wonderful American (Walter) gave up his weekend and his personal aircraft to fly me from Tallahassee Fl to Columbus OH for a weeks worth of medical appointments. I was prepared to thank the pilot and slip him a note of gratitude for the owner, but was shocked when the owner landed and thanked me before I could thank him. My flight home was just as smooth as can be and once again was made possible by a couple from Alabama who gave up their weekend and aircraft to make my life just a little bit easier. It is easy to have personal feelings of sorrow due to pain and the events that caused it but when you meet these Patriotic People it makes your sacrifice feel smaller and once again proud to be American.
God Bless the Veterans Airlift Command for they go above and beyond (literally).
Luke Murphy
Staff Sergeant (Ret.)
101st Airborne Division
Author "Blasted by Adversity"
Veterans Airlift Command is amazing. They were able to pick me up last minute to take me to my destination. They took the time to actually get to know me and not just another number to pick up and drop off. Thank you guys so much from the bottom of my heart.
Veterans Airlift Command is a class act! Very professional and Kind! I was in desperate need of a new prosthetic socket and VAC and their fleet of volunteer pilots flew myself and my Fiance from Yuma, AZ to Rochester, MN and back so I could have the care I needed. These volunteer pilots are the heart and soul of this organization. The benefit for an amputee like myself, is that I didn't have to wait in long airport lines or show up 3 hrs early so TSA could preform inspections. VAC made it so easy, show up on time, load plane and sit back and enjoy the view. The staff at VAC could not have been more helpful and once again the Volunteer Pilots are awesome.
VAC,
Our relationship began this past Summer when we contacted VAC to assist two injured friends that were in need of logistical support for medical care. Walt Fricke, VAC’s founder, did not hesitate to help this special couple reach their destination and ultimately find the medical answers they had been searching for throughout their recovery. In setting up that flight, Walt began some lighthearted badgering that I had never utilized VAC for my own travel needs despite meeting him nearly 7 years ago while I was recovering from bilateral feet amputations at Walter Reed. This past December, we finally used VAC for our holiday travel to Florida to visit family and it was the least stressful travel experience since my injury.
I promised Walt that I would call on their services when a good situation arose as I have had my struggles with conventional travel, much like anyone with a disability. TSA, large airports, small seat pitches, explaining my disability multiple times – the experience brings on anxiety and stress, but flying with VAC eliminated every one of these aspects of flying. With Laura’s intense semester ending and Christmas break nearing, we reached out to VAC and in less than 24 hours, our pilots were confirmed and arrangements completed. Our pilots were some of the most kind, generous, and caring individuals who donate their own time, resources, and talents to provide us an alternative to commercial air travel. They will be a special part of our lives going forward and we are so thankful to have met them and to have shared in their love of aviation.
All and all, we can’t say enough about this organization. They have aided countless friends and we are proud of the mission they have taken on to support our disabled veterans. Their staff truly cares and understands the needs of this disabled veteran community.
Sincerely,
Ferris & Laura Butler
The VAC was the best experience I have ever had. They were there to help me get home for Christmas after my surgery, to be able to spend time with my wife and children. I have to say thank you to Andrew who coordinated the trip, Mr. Bill the pilot that flew me home and Mr. Howard who flew me back to continue therapy. I never thought that there were people who care as much as the volunteers who work with VAC. Thank you again and the words don't do justice to all the people with the VAC.
I doubt that you can find a nonprofit that meets the needs of vets more than Veterans Airlift command. I am a wounded vet and was wounded in Afghanistan in the summer of 2012. The VAC came along when all the means of getting home for thanksgiving were gone, they came and flew us home for the first thanksgiving of my new life as a double amputee. My daughters got a chance to fly to Disney world for the first time ever courtesy of Veterans Airlift command. They gave me a tremendous new take on life!
Veteran's Airlift Command rocks!! My good buddy had an idea for an all wounded EOD Tech team to participate in a 7 leg relay race, called Ski to Sea, in Bellingham, WA. He organized with VAC and was able to secure a plane to get 5 of the members from Washington D.C to Bellingham, WA. It was one of the coolest experiences I've ever had. The team, consisting of Jeff Hendricks, Mike Freeman and Dick Iverson, were outstanding. They flew across the US to come and get us, with the utmost hospitality and food on board, then flew us home!! I couldn't have asked for a better team. With out their dedication to helping others and the lengths they all go through to give back, I don't believe our race experience would have been any where near as memorable. Thanks again VAC!!
James Sides
SSgt USMC (ret)
As a Caregiver, to a disabled vet, I thought I had experienced everything. That was until I called Veterans Air Command - what a blessing! They are organized, compassionate and generous.
All of the pilots are volunteers and donate their time and resources to help Veterans! I have never seen anything like it. I will be volunteering and donating to this organization in the future.
A true blessing to Vets in need.
Veteran's Airlift Command has been a huge blessing for us since my husband's injuries in Afghanistan.
It can be extremely difficult trying to travel with my husband, especially when he is wheelchair bound plus our two kids and all of our luggage and the crowds in the airports and the connecting flights.. It makes him miserably stressed and its hard on everyone around. My husband actually refused to travel for a while and then we found out about VAC. Veteran's Airlift made traveling manageable and really enjoyable. All the stress was gone. The pilots we have met have been absolutely amazing and we have even kept in touch with them. This organization is built with lots of love and compassion and we are so thankful to be a part of them. We have used them several times and everytime has been a wonderful, stress free experience. We are so thankful for this organization. Thank you VAC!!!
As a wounded warrior, VAC has always been there for me. They have always promptly answered my request for transportation to and from my treatment center or to visit my family when I could get away from the hospital. The pilots are always incredibly generous and the staff shows genuine concern for me. Of all of the non-profit organizations I have worked with during my 2.5 year stint in the hospital, VAC has made the greatest positive impact on my life. Thank you VAC for all you do!
My husband is a wounded warrior and we first handed have experienced the generosity of Veterans Airlift Command. Over the years we have had the opportunity to become acquainted with the members of this organization and to see their passion and love for what they do is truly inspiring. Their support to the wounded warrior community is one of the best gifts one can give to a soldier and their family. Thank you for all you do Veterans Airlift Command!
I lost my leg in 2004 after been shot with a rocket-propelled grenade. Ten years later, I needed two more months of intense physical therapy, 1200 miles away from my home. The actual therapy was covered, but we needed to pay for transportation, lodging, and food for two months. I rented a bedroom in a house, but plane tickets were so expensive, especially one-way. My wife escorted me down there in my car, but she needed to be home to work her own job and to care for our pets. VETERANS AIRLIFT COMMAND stepped up and quickly offered to fly my wife back and forth to accommodate us. The pilots and the aircraft were top notch. Courtesy and professionalism were standard for both of her flights. It is this simple... If we needed to pay the cost of her plane tickets, I would not have been financially able to travel and seize the opportunity for the physical therapy in that particular facility. VAC filled a gap that was a critical piece of a much bigger picture, so they saved the day. Honestly, it is not an exaggeration to say this: I am a better man because VAC accomplished their mission for me and my wife.
My name is Kristi. I am have been retired from the Army and not by choice. I was offered the opportunity to go to Oregon for the 2 week service dog handler training and at the end graduate with a service dog. I was so excited but I knew I could not fly and it would take about 14 hours to drive. I decided to do some research to see if I could find an organization who would be able to fly me and my mother/caregiver in a private plane. I found Veterans Airlift Command and sent in my request. Andrew Lourake, the Program Director contacted me for more information and towards the end of the conversation he said that they would be able to help us. He put out the request for any pilots able to work my trip into their schedule. It only took a couple of days and Andrew had me in touch with a pilot that had agreed to take the outbound flight to Oregon and his name was Alberto. Unfortunately he was not able to fly me so he had Lee and Terry fly me instead. They were so amazing and made my mom and me feel at ease. They carried our bags for us and the flight was very smooth. The plane was clean and spacious.
The pilot that accepted the inbound flight was Dale & his wife Terry. They were so kind and made us feel comfortable. This time my service dog, Pongo was with me. They were very sweet to him. Upon landing they took our bags and wited til our ride came.
What do you say to describe people like this? These are people that freely fave their time to help a veteran, someone they have never met, in need. I only wish that there were more people in this world that could see past their own bubble and notice for a split second that they are not the only one living around them. It sure would be a kinder place. Thank you so very much for being that little glimpse of relief during a time of roller coaster moments. Andrew Lourake is one of the most patient, kind, understanding, helpful gentleman I have come across in a very long time. I hope he can continue on the path he is and help as many veterans/military as possible so they too can have that calm for a moment during the storm. Thank you again, Sir.
One of the best vetrean support organizations in America! Having been a soldier and wounded in combat and to have a resource like this is absolutely one of the most important things for the service member and the family. Being able to get severely wounded troops back home to see there loved ones helps the healing process, not only physically but mentally. Thank you so much for a life of paying it foreword so others don't have to suffer like those in the past did!
My experience with VAC was absolutely amazing, Andrew Lourake and his volunteer pilots are caring, flexible, and professional. The mission was filled quickly and they were extremely flexible and worked off my time restraints. I am a double amputee wounded in Afghanistan, they treated my luggage and wheelchair very carefully, commercial airlines don't treat your luggage well. I will always attempt to fly with VAC before I use commercial airlines. Thank you Andrew, Jon, Mark and Phil!
VAC makes our life so much easier!!! My husband has a difficult time flying in commercial planes and driving long periods of time. VAC gets him where he needs to go with so much ease and the pilots are always happy to help us get where we need to go!! This organization has been a huge blessing to our family!!!
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VAC has made our lives so much easier when we travel. We are blessed that flying is an option for our family. However TSA is a hit or miss when you are traveling. VAC eliminates the TSA hassle and makes the travels of the wounded so much easier!! We'll forever be grateful for VAC's assistance in helping our family get to and from the hospital and family visits!!
As a volunteer pilot, it is truly a great honor to serve our wounded warriors through the Veteran's Airlift Command. VAC is always organized, professional, and caring for our wounded veterans, and I am committed to flying for them at every opportunity I can.
I wish there were more veterans groups with the high service ethic to our vets that VAC has, they are head & shoulders one of the best for our vets!
BIG DOG flying Citation N610BD
As a volunteer pilot for VAC just can't express enough what an honor it is to fly our wounded warriors to where they need to get to. Over the past 5 years, we've had the pleasure of flying more than 20 missions - each one with the most remarkable warriors on board. We are humbled by their grace, tenacity and gold star outlooks. I have to tell you, we are sad when we land the airplane and have to go our separate ways! There are no words to adequately express our gratutude to our passengers and to Vets Airlift Command, who gives us this august and life affirming opportunity. VAC is the real deal - fantastic, passionate people who make the missions possible. We love being a part of their more than 2500 volunteer pilots. We support VAC and wish we could do more! This is a non-profit that makes great things happen, solves transportation problems and is passionate about the mission. Love VAC!!
XXX Stephanie and Erwin Greenberg
Great Organization and great people. With short notice (Thank You, Jen) Veterans Airlift Command (VAC) was thankfully still able to fly me from the DFW area to Orlando, FL and back for my prosthetic appointment. My current prosthetic socket was giving me trouble and was causing problems. I lost my right leg below the knee and both were severely burned in a EFP blast in Baghdad. Thank you for making my life a little easier by helping me with flights. Both directions the pilots were professional and courteous. I was truly humbled by their's and their Corporation's generosity. Al and Q with Choctaw Indian Nation going out and Rob with Satcom Direct returning. I truly could not have asked for a better flying experience then I received this past week. A big thank you to those guys and the entire Staff of Veterans Airlift Command. I will definitely use VAC again and would recommend them highly to any severely injured Veteran or Service Member.
This organization is great and helped save my life. They were able to get me a flight to revieve my service dog. I was notified on short notice and did not have a whole lot of funds at the time. This was not an issue for them. They had me placed with a flight there within a couple days. I had notification of a return flight within a week. I love this place and i hope i can continue to use their services.
Words can't express how grateful my husband L CPL. Brent Callender and I were when we found this amazing organization to help us with his flight accommodations to come visit me and my son this weekend. He is getting treatment at this time and we don't have a lot of money and they were able to fly him out of his treatment center for the weekend to come visit us. It took me one phone call and it took Jenna Deibel one day to fill our request. Doctor Stuart Bloom flew him in from Napa and Mr. Ken Ambrose flew him back home. The service was amazing and the pilots were extremely nice and so loving and caring. You can tell everyone that is part of this organization does it because they care. From the bottom of our hearts we thank you for this amazing organization.
Sincerely, Brent and Kristine Callender
On certain rare occasions there comes to the world of nonprofits in America, an organization with such vitality, such power and perfection as to make normal standards of measurement seem clumsy and inadequate. Such a nonprofit is the Veterans Airlift Command (VAC). I have vetted many other nonprofits who advertise their services to U.S. wounded soldiers but have found none that performs so much with only a small staff where approximately 95% of every dollar actually goes to assisting wounded soldiers. I have been a VAC volunteer air crew member for over two years and have participated in nearly 100,000 air miles of transporting many wounded soldiers due solely to the smart and efficient management of the VAC. I rank them number one as a nonprofit providing the most valuable service to our nation's veterans and active duty military personnel. Let me put it another way.....there are no better nonprofits in the U.S. than the Veterans Airlift Command.
Sincerely, Richard D. Iversen, Colonel, USAF, Ret.
My son served in Iraq and has Terminal Brain Cancer. Veterans Airlift Command flew him from MN to CA so that he could attend a program that helps Vets deal with PTSD and other issues related to having served.
I can't even begin to express how awesome the experience was. If it wasn't for Veterans Airlift and specifically Jenny, my son wouldn't have known of the program, or had the transportation to get there. Thanks to the amazing people who fly for Veterans Airlift his experience was truly unforgettable. It isn’t often that you get a change to fly in a private jet! The co-ordination of the flights went without a hitch and they took extra care to make sure he was comfortable and had everything he needed.
I would recommend, without hesitation, Veterans Airlift as they are a truly amazing organization.
Veterans Airlift Command has helped our family so much in the past 2 1/2 years. My husband was severely wounded in Afghanistan on April 10 2012 by an IED resulting in the loss of both legs and both arms. Our lives were so drastically changed, and VAC helped us so much when it came time to visit with our family and friends. Traveling is so stressful with a baby and a severely wounded husband but with VAC everything is so quick and painless and you also gain friends a long the way. This is by far the best non profit that we have encountered through our new journey and we are so pleased they welcomed us into their family!
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Veterans airlift command has been so great to us since my husband was injured in April of 2012. My husband lost both legs above the knee his left arm below the elbow and his right arm above the elbow, travel is very difficult because we have a 2 year old girl. VAC has taken all of the stress out of travel for us and it truly has been a god send since we travel so much we no longer have travel anxiety. This is one of our favorite non profits their staff and volunteer pilots have all been outstanding!
I am a wheelchair-bound amputee. Additionally, I have TBI that makes me unable to drive myself personally. The VAC program is critical for me because it gives me a flexible and reliable means of traveling long distances, be they distant trips home, on vacation, or to a medical appointment.
I am a 21 year Active Duty Army Infantryman and recently retired Wounded Warrior. I've spent the last years of my career in military hospitals all America while usually assigned to an organic Infantry unit. Having a wife and small child, constantly supporting multiple households, traveling for critical surgeries and navigating some of America's most complex airports is to put it mildly, unbearable and nothing short of humiliating for a Wounded family.
While at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center during the initial phases of my treatment, my wife and I were informed our then 4 y/o daughter could not be in the intensive, critical care and surgical and wards where I would spend many days and night. Additionally, when I needed treatment outside the realm of what the military could offer, the Army would provide that however only pay for my travel as the wounded Service member, my wife's travel as a non-medical attendant, but not our little girl's who I needed just as much as any procedure I've ever had.
Being a military family, we all know "home" is wherever you can make it. Supporting two residences on one enlisted salary, with a small child and given my medical needs, we needed help that military policy would not provide. Sometimes we needed additional family so my wife could be with me in critical wards and to do everything possible to have our little girl interact with me as often as possible. We also needed help so we could travel commercially as a family when not on an air ambulance. In short, we needed a lot of things that fell through the cracks of what military policy would allow for but we needed to heal as a Soldier and family.
I don't recall how we heard of an amazing organization called Veteran's Airlift Command however a few days shy of a scary surgery, we were struggling with how to get family to Walter Reed tend to our daughter so my wife could be with me following surgery and in the intensive care ward. I couldn't imagine going this surgery without having my family there with me as much as possible. My wife and I soon found ourselves filling out and submitting a travel to Veteran's Airlift Command. I honestly didn't think anything would come of it and was already trying to live with the fact that I would have to go through this critical surgery alone.
Within hours, we had confirmation, that a family member was being flown to Walter Reed to help, free of charge. I was sedated with my family by my side. Soon another surgery was scheduled in Houston, TX. Again, we were struggling with the logistics and financial burden of another surgery. Veteran's Airlift Command came through again with round trip travel at whatever dates we needed in a private aircraft. We wouldn't have to struggle through airport security. We had room to be comfortable and bring things we needed for an extended stay. These trips were numerous and lengthy, sometimes over a month at a time. It was beyond my comprehension that an organization formed by one man, grown to over 2400 pilots and aircraft could and would be so generous and sincere! I still don't understand it yet figured the best way I could show my gratitude was to try to raise awareness and give back to Veteran's Airlift Command.
Now, six months into my retirement, although I personally vowed to only give back to VAC, we had a family emergency. My mother had a heart attack, literally while I was at an event in southern Minnesota trying to raise awareness and funding for VAC. Having just transitioned into the civilian sector and VA Healthcare system now surviving on my Army retirement and disability, still trying to get on our feet, my mother needed help hundreds of miles away. I hated to ask Veteran's Airlift Command for help again. I had no choice and typed out a travel request. I lost my composure as I realized the gravity of the situation and went into our bathroom with the lights off, hoping no one would hear nor see a grown man crying. A few minutes later, I heard my wife calling for me. I couldn't answer her. She finally found me sobbing, her with a VAC representative on the phone she was holding to her ear. They had a flight and could have us at my mother's bedside within a few hours.
Yesterday my mother successfully made it through a quadruple bypass surgery. A surgery she would have had to endure with a lot of anxiety and unknowns. However, VAC staff and volunteer efforts allowed my family to be united as my mother's care drifted off into the hands of her physicians and her wishes in mine, she said, "I'm glad you're here, I trust you and everything is going to be alright". Having been on the other end of that statement almost two dozen times, I knew exactly how she felt and will be forever indebted to Veteran's Airlift Command once again for their Selfless efforts and unparalleled, genuine spirit.
Todd D. Landen
US Army, Infantry (Ret)
101st Airborne Division
"No Slack"
Veterans Airlift Command is an excellent nonprofit that helps wounded service members, veterans and their family travel. At no expense to the veteran, the veteran has more time worry about their recovery. I am a veteran myself and I'm a triple amputee, I've used veterans airlift command on many occasions and my experiences always exceed my expectations. This organization truly is amazing that does what it can for our nation's finest.
I can not thank Veterans Airlift and our pilot enough. The service they provide by making sure veterans are able to be with family at the most important times is amazing. The pilots that donate their time and planes are wonderful caring people. Our pilot went above and beyond to make sure we had a comfortable flight. Thank you Veterans Airlift!!!!!
Veterans Airlift Command is a great non-profit that does exactly what it says, helps veterans and wounded warriors. I am a bilateral above the knee amputee that has had the pleasure of flying with VAC several times but most recently for a medical emergency. I had to fly from Walter Reed National Medical Center to St. Paul, MN ASAP to correct a bone lengthening device that had broken through my femur VAC was able to get me a flight that night and help me arrange ground transportation to the hospital. The only other possible for me to have flown would have been commercial and I would have paid out of pocket for a ticket with no guarantees that I was going to be reimbursed. Also with the pain I was already in from a broken femur VAC made everything as quick and painless as possible. Thank you Veterans Airlift.
VAC's commitment to veterans is unsurpassed. They are 100% accommodating and efficient in organizing travel via private aircraft for veterans. Often veterans are from small town hours away from major airports, VAC can take them close. Those with severe disabilities have a much easier time flying with VAC, foregoing the major airport headaches. Their aid and assistance has been a tremendous help in my recovery from my battlefield injuries. Thank God for organizations like VAC.
We have had the honor of flying with the VAC 3 times since my husband was wounded in 2006. Because of this organization our family was able to get home in time to have our final farewell's with my father-n-law when he passed in 2011. Without the VAC we would not have gotten that chance. My husband suffers from PTSD and a TBI, air travel is a wire walking act to say the least. Everyone we have dealt with in connection with the VAC have been so awesome, they consistently impress us with their humility and professional manner. The VAC is one of the best nonprofits out there, without them it would be so hard for us to travel home.
The Veterans Airlift Command has helped me get home multiple time and allowed me to see my family when I wasnt able to afford the trip myself. And by taking a private jet allows the ease of travel without having to go through airport security and getting searched like Im a criminal instead of a soldier who sacrificed for my country. Thank you so much for everything you do pikots, staff and VAC members.
Sincerely,
JP Lane
VAC has provided much needed transportation services for wounded veterans served by our program. They have been responsive and dedicated to providing not only the service, but also making sure that the clients are afforded the respect and care they deserve.
The Staff was amazing, the pilots were professional and personal. VAC continues to exceed my expectations! Best nonprofit organization for veterans out there. Thanks!!
OUTSTANDING services through the Veterans Airlift Command are being provided to some of the greatest heroes our nation has ever known - the Recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor. As Staff Photographer for the CMOHS I have had the pleasure of providing a conduit between the VAC and their incredible team of volunteers and the Medal of Honor Recipients. To date, five Medal of Honor Recipients have traveled and completed more than a dozen missions in the past 2 years. On one occasion, Medal of Honor Recipient Gary Littrell, living in Florida had 2 family members die in a boating accident. Gary and his wife were unable to travel to Tennessee in time to get to the funeral but THANKS to VAC, Gary was able to get the viewing and be with his family in a time of grief.
Thank You VAC!!!!
VAC consistently allows me to travel to and from home to see my family during long-term medical treatments, for follow-up treatments, and allowed me to see my unit return home and redeploy again when I otherwise would have had to miss these important events. I sincerely appreciate all that they do, in allowing me to do the things and see the people that matter most, while treating me and mine with the utmost respect. Every detail is taken care of so that nothing is overlooked. Their professionalism and caring demeanor has always surprised me. They make a difference in people's lives. I would be worse off without this organization taking care of us.
After my husband was injured the VAC flew us home to Indiana for our first homecoming.Then again , they flew us to California for a fundraiser. You could not ask for a nicer group of people and organization. They are careing and loyal people. Not waiting in a long line at the airport security was a great weight lifted off our shoulders.
The VAC team and pilots are very professional and go out of their way to make sure every detail is looked after. VAC eliminates intrusive TSA procedure for amputees, wheelchair bound people, and other with disabilities and medicine while traveling.
The greatest experience I have ever had. The pilot was great and Veterans Airlift took a big burden off the shoulders of our family.
My experience with VAC has been fantastic. I am a wounded warrior missing both legs, and the VAC has made my transportation so much simpler by solving many of my transportation obstacles. I have a limited time that I can sit until my body heals entirely. The VAC has given me a huge favor by "trimming" all of the time that is spent when people drive to faraway airports, waiting hours in the terminals, and sitting on their commercial aircraft. The VAC has made my trips (both medically and non-medically related) not just possible, but also incredibly easy.
I do not know what we would have done without VAC after Andrew was injured. He stepped on an IED and lost both of his legs. He would lay in the bed and dream of being able to go home. He was unable to leave the hospital for any extended period and he could not sit in a car for more than an one hour at most. He finally was given a weekend pass 5 months after being injured. He did not have the endurance for the 10 hour car ride, but that is when VAC stepped in. We heard about VAC from other wounded warriors and we applied for a flight online. Less than 12 hours from asking for a flight, VAC had arranged 2 separate pilots to fly us home for a MUCH needed weekend pass home. Andrew began walking weeks later. That trip home was a turning point in his healing. Thank God for VAC.
we have used VAC a handful of times, and it has always been seamless, and so relaxing. They were able to allow my husband to fly with confidence once again. And since our initail VAC flight, we have now branched out to commercial. VAC has always been able to help us, especially when we had to go back home to deal with family matters. They were able to get me to my soldier as soon as I was able to fly, to introduce him for the first time to his newborn baby boy. An experience that both of us will always cherish and never forget.
On 2007 my humvee was destroy by a ied killing two of my best friends and leaving me with burns all over my body on may 20th of this year one of friends dad called me to ask me if i would love to attend to the memorial day in manteca ca. To remember my friends and tell how was the last moments before the explotion and since my wife had recently had a baby boy and we named him after my two best friens I really wanted to go but with my baby boy just 17 days old it was hard for us to fly commercial so I called veterans airlift and told them abouth my situation and they told me that there was no problems and they were going to look for some pilots and 4 days later I was in manteca, ca. Thank you so much for everything it was a healing process to me thank you to all the pilots and to the veterans airlift command God Bless all of you and SEMPER FI!!!!!!!!!!!
My son Erik was shot in the head in Oct 2005 and sits in a wheelchair and needs 24/7 care. His symptoms are like a quad ( no standing or piveting) .Traveling with him is a big challenge and commercial airlines are very difficult and physically hard. With this private plane we eliminated the long TSA checks and having to lift him onto an isle chair and back into the bulk head seat on the airplane and vice versa. The seats were comfortable.The pilot were accomodating, friendly and awesome pilots. It was wonderful and a lot easier and Erik had a big smile on his face the whole time. We hope to use them again soon.
My fiance and I have received the privilege of taking several flights thanks to VAC. We didn't know that an organization such as this even existed until his injury, and ever since, we have felt nothing but support from their staff and the pilots that volunteer their services. I can't say enough good things about VAC. They make sure to take care of every aspect of your travel, and Maria is so quick to answer your requests. We were really not looking forward to traveling after my fiance's injury; having to go through metal detectors in the airport with two prosthetic legs is not the easiest for him, not to mention the waiting and long lines. Thanks to VAC we have made several trips home and haven't had to worry about a thing. We couldn't be more grateful.
My husband suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury in July of 2010. After stays at 3 facilities, he was fortunate enough to quality for therapies at the Minnepolis VA Hospital Polytrauma Center in November. We live in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Veterans Airlift Command got us there. At the time of my husband's discharge, in February, I called them again to get us back home. And within hours, we had a wonderful plane, a great pilot and co-pilot (whom we keep in touch with to this day!). Lisa runs VAC like a well-oiled machine; she gets the job done quickly and efficiently. The quality of the pilots and planes is excellent, dont ever, ever, forget, Veterans Airlift Command provides these services for FREE, so any donation, or monetary gift, is greatly appreciated. Veterans Airlift Command is a godsend in so many ways. They treat our veterans with the respect they deserve, and which they've earned, and help get them on their way to starting new lives. I will be forever grateful to them; they made a very hard journey a bit easier. Glyni Fenn, Kalamazoo, Michigan, Spouse, TBI Advocate, and Pit Bull!
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Veterans Airlift Command arranged a flight on a private plane for my husband, who has a Traumatic Brain Injury. A commercial airport and going through security would have been a nightmare, both for him and for me, his wife. Flyning this way made our trip so much easier, and less stressful. Lisa Young, who coordinated all of this, was professional, compassionate, and wonderful to work with. Mike Miller, our pilot who volunteerd his time, was great, with a beautiful plane. These people do wonderful work; they should be proud. I couldn't have asked for a more positive experience, and would highly recommend Veterans Airlift Command. Thank you, Lisa and Mike! Glyni Fenn
Recently my family and I took a trip to North Dakota, thanks in part to Veteran Airlift Command! Our request for this trip was instantly answered by the amazing staff at VAC, who worked so hard to accomplish this mission. We knew it was a difficult itinerary to fulfill do to location and distance, but our wishes were granted! Thanks to VAC and the flight team donated by Veteran Evaluation Services, we were able to fly to Grand Forks, ND in style. It will be an experience and trip that my family will never forget.
The staff that greeted us at the airport and flew us to our destination city were nothing short of spectacular! We have been back at homestation for almost a week and my 3 year old daughter still talks about the flight team constantly. They opened their lives to us and treated us like family and for this we are forever grateful. Being a wounded veteran has made it extremely difficult to fly, but this experience was just what the doctor ordered. For once, my family and I felt normal as we took part on this wonderful aviation adventure. Thank you so much VAC! You will always be in our hearts!
We put in for our trip and within a day, had received a personal phone call approving our request. Due to recent flooding the pilot was in the air and the airport we were supposed to be flying out of was closed, they made the arrangements and we were able to be picked up at a different airport and were on our way. The return flight was from a different pilot and they sent a limo to retrieve us from our hotel, and we had an amazing return flight with some kind and considerate individuals. I cannot thank this organization enough. What they do, the staff and the pilots were beyond any expectations we could have had. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
They were amazing, I put in a request for a trip but at the last minute had something come up over the times i had requested. They were able to fly me earlier than I expected and were very accommodating to my needs, above all they cared a lot about what I needed and were awesome!
The quality of service that we received from the VAC pilots and staff were excellent. The ease of making an online request, and receiving a call and email to confirm receipt of our request the same day, was an example of the excellent customer service that we received. Afterward, we received emails from both pilots to confirm the details of our flight. Each pilot also provided their home and cell numbers, in order to communicate throughout our trip. During our flight, the pilots were friendly, made sure we were comfortable, and were willing to answer all questions we had. During our flight, the pilots provided headphones to my husband and I, so that we could talk with them during the flight. On the way home, I was really concerned about ways to combat the air pressure from getting to my head and ears. My pilot was very empathetic, gave me chewing gum and flew the plane at a level low enough to curtail it. It really helped:) Thanks for such a great experience!
The overall experience on this the aircraft was truly a great experience! The volunteers who flew the crafe were all nice, and landed us home safely.
I cannot say enough wonderful things about VAC. I am very apprehensive about flying in any type of air craft, the pilots went above and beyond to make sure I was completely comfortable and at ease. Thank you is not enough for the wonderful service you are doing for the vets out here. VAC went out of their way to make myself and a fellow vet feel at ease about flying and to make sure we were taken care of
On my most recent trip home to see my family I had two pilots fly me. They were both very help full and made going home very positive!
I often have anxiety with almost anything but with the help of Lisa at air lift command and the two pilots keeping me informed of all aspects of the flight I had great time.
Thank you Lisa and both pilots it gave my life a real boost and My family and I cannot thank you enough. (Review entered by GreatNonprofits staff member on behalf of reviewer)
Veterans Airlift Command made my first experience a wonderful experience. My friends and family threw me a magnificent benefit in January and I believed I wouldn’t be able to attend but my pass to go was cleared from the hospital at the last minute. Within days I was set up with a personal jet, with the crew, and mechanic to go with it. The pilot called me on my cell phone and left every detail up to me. I chose which airports I wanted to leave from and arrive to. That was great, as I chose a small town airstrip and didn’t have to drive forty five minutes from Chicago to get home after arrival. The crew was hands down the best I ever had. They treated me as if I was a “Rock Star” the entire trip, with the pilot greeting me at my vehicle and returning me to the same place to say goodbye on the return trip. Times and number of passengers were totally up to my discretion, as at one time they were willing to send out two planes and crews to accommodate my wishes. I must have called the pilot four different times making changes to absolutely no problems at all. The flight attendant also called me the day before asking me what we would like to eat during our flight. She also decorated the plane with red white and blue streamers for American support, I absolutely loved that.
I was able to personally thank the owner of the corporation and also arrived with small tokens of appreciation for the crew and owner before the flight, as that was a justly thing to do. Lastly, I was told from the pilot (told from his boss,) that: “they would be offended if I flew commercial airlines and didn’t use them again.” I’m sold on that as I am soon to contact Veterans Airlift Command again very soon.
SFC John Masson
We have had the pleasure and HONOR to meet Sgt Evans and Rosemarie. they told us about swimming with dolphins in Florida and how they were so happy to be WARM (they miss Puerto Rico even more after THIS Winter in the NorthEast!)
I had no idea YOUR wonderful charity was their "RIDE" to this memorable trip! CONGRATULATIONS and continued success!
As VP for Operation Never Forgotten, www.operationneverforgotten.org and Operation SAS, www.operationsas.org, we cannot thank Veterans Airlift Command (VAC) enough for their support of our Big Sky Montana event for wounded Iraq and Afghanistan War Veterans. Our budget did not allow us to bring 6 more wounded troopers from Oregon to Bozeman Montana to attend the event. I contacted VAC and in a couple days they had flight arrangements from three different Oregon locations to Big Sky. The 6 troopers had a great lifetime experience at Operation SAS due to the support of VAC. Thank you very much.
John Kinzinger
Vietnam Veteran
This picture was taken of my and Jasper (service dog in training) on the last night of Operation SAS. I brought two vets to the events on 6 Jan from Pendleton Oregon. Took two different ones home to Klamath Falls from Bozeman on 12 Jan.
Operation SAS: Free Sports, Afield and Stream Adventures for Warriors with Physical and Invisible Wounds, January 7-11, 2011. Also part of Operation NEVER Forgotten. Main banquet featured Lee Greenwood and other entertainers.
http://www.operationsas.org/home
Very helpful, flew my girlfriend my dog and I home for Christmas for free and even stopped for lunch both ways. Planes were very comfortable and the pilots were extremely courteous and passionate about flying. Thank you so much!
My son and I have used VAC twice for short notice flights to a military hospital in TX. Both times have been wonderful experiences - from start to finish. From Lisa in the office, to Sara our hostess, to Chip our pilot - I have been so impressed! And so thankful!
VAC ROCKS!!!!!
Veterans airlift command is a god send to veterans that have been injured in the line of duty and now are in medical treatment facilities hundreds of miles from their homes, for myself this realates I've been receiving care for injuries recieved while serving in afghanistan.
without this service and the Support of the Pilots Brad Niehauser, Brian Giem, and Charles Watson I would have not been able to travel to see my family, however with the support of Veterans airlift command and these wonderful pilots I was able to recieve two round trips home for the holidays and to everyone at Veterans Airlift command I salute you for your service!!!!
What a great Command! I was fortunate enough to be able to use this service twice. Both times I was traveling home for the holidays. It was an easy process to request a flight. The staff and pilots are extremely kind, courtesy, and professional. Words can not express the gratitude and thanks my family and I have.
I'm a fairly new pilot for the Veteran's Airlift Command. It's obvious that VAC is efficient, well organized, and very committed to their mission. I like transporting military people and family members to places that are not well-served by airlines - where the travel day would be long and tedious with multiple connections. We can fly directly between small conveniently located airports, giving wounded warriors a fast fun trip rather than a day of airport misery.
I recently had the opportunity to use this great service. I contacted this organization with very short notice for a trip and within 2 days I had a volunteer to fly me and my fiancee from Ft Bragg to a very small airport in FL. This flight saved me a great deal of money and time. What a unique and special thing that your organization provides for Wounded Warriors and there families. Thank you very much for this wonderful service.
I have had 2 missions now with Veterans Airlift Command and both will be fond memories for a long time. Co-ordination was perfect and very simple (even fot me !) to put the mission details together. But , mostly I had a very rare priviledge to share some windsheild time with our country,s finest heros. Humble , appreciative , pleasant , grateful , proud , strong, supperb examples of what this country has depended on for generations for freedom. If I did not have this dad-gum day job ; I'd take a mission everyday. I look foward to many more.
Dave Wood
My husband had a Traumatic Brain Injury and doesn't do well in crowded spaces. It was a blessing to have Veterans Airlift Command to call upon. We were taking our first trip home since my husband's injury. It was a short 4 day weekend, but long enough for us to enjoy our dogs and bring some winter clothes back from home. Lisa Young is an amazing coordinator. She kept me posted every step of the way. My request was only a week prior to travel as I had just learned of the organization and she pulled it off. Our 2 pilots were Bill Campbell and JJ Quinn. Bill took us home and JJ brought us back. They were so friendly and helpful. The flights themselves were great as well. They are awesome pilots. We want to thank everyone who took part in our trip. This is an amazing organization that I have referred many other soldier's families too since our trip. Thank you! Jennifer McRaney
I flow my first VAC mission November 23, 2010. Great opportunity to assist those who have given so much. It is a humble honor to serve in this capacity. I look forward to future flights. Thanks to VAC.
I am a veteran of an earlier conflict and have been granted sufficient successes to be able to pilot my own aircraft. I have flown a number of missions for the VAC. The wounded warriors I have been blessed to interact with are universally humble, brave and repectful. They make you proud to be an American and proud to have met them.
The pilots were fantastic! They were flexible as to where I wanted to be picked up and/or dropped off. They even went out of thier way to pay for my cab back to the hotel.
I have been familiar with Walt and Veteran Airlift Command for several years. On Saturday, 7 November 2010, we flew our 3rd Mission in support of this country's wounded Heros and their families. In reality, there is so little that we can do to say "Thank You" in a meaningful way. However, one of the more impactful ways is to help one of these Heros or a family member create a memory of a happy occasion. Providing air transportation, utilizing private & business aviation, helps to bring family members together for whom this time together would not have been possible. We are humbled and honored to be of service to those who have chosen to protect our country, our values and our way of life. They, and their families, are our contemporary Heros. VAC does a very thorough and professional job vetting each potential traveler. Each of the Missions we have flown are for those truly in need of assistance. The staff is incredibly efficient and available on a nearly 24/7 basis. In short, VAC has its the act together and performs at a very high level. As has often been said, "Results & Performance are the only things that count .... everything else is "conversation". VAC Gets It Done!
I am a medically retired Marine with Traumatic Brain Injury and Chronic PTSD. I suffer daily with depression, anxiety, anger and many other problems. When I got the call from the pilot (Tony Morrow) I was immediately put at ease. He was very polite and assured me that all of my needs for my wife and I would be met and explained how everything was going to happen. He kept in touch with me until the day of the flight and let me know that I could call him anytime for anything. From the beginning of the flight until the end, I was very relaxed because he explained all of the gears and gadgets on the plane and we listened to some nice music. We talked the whole flight and he was very comical. Overall, the experience was well planned and beyond what I expected. These guys are awesome!
I'm a 25 year old Iraq/Afghanistan veteran and was diagnosed with Acute Leukemia in May of 09 while in Afghanistan. I was medevaced to Germany where I was given a 5% chance to live and put into a medically induced coma for 3 weeks immediatly after arriving. I pulled through and stayed in Germany for 3 months in the ICU and eventually went into remission and was flown back to the states. I started chemo while in the states and in March of 2010 I relapsed and they realized that the chemo wasn't working anymore and they found leukemic cells in my brain/spine. So I underwent chemo through an implanted port in my brain and then I was told I needed a bone marrow transplant. My brother was a full match, so I was lucky I could go ahead and start the transplant soon. They put me through full body, testicular, and brain radiation, then 5 days of high dac chemo. Then I got the bone marrow transplant. All the radiation, chemo, transplant, time spent lying in a hospital bed, being on steriods and other pills that I'm taking, destroyed my body. I need a cane to walk and when I stand up, I almost pass out everytime. It's hard for me to pick up my laptop or walk short distances without being utterly exhausted. So when it came time for me to move back home my social worker put me in touch with Veteran's Airlift Command. I talked with the coordinator Lisa Young who just asked me what date I needed to be back and she was able to find a pilot and private plane to take me from Washington to Illinois. The program is incredible, they find volunteer pilots and people volunteer their own planes to help fly veterans. They were even willing to buy me a commercial ticket if they couldn't find me a pilot/plane! The whole process was completely smooth and amazing. The pilot and co-pilot were great and they even had packed me a lunch and gift basket of goodies for the ride. I can't even begin to express my gratitude for everything that the Veteran's Airlift Command did for me. Adam Barton OIF/OEF
Veteran's Airlift Command is a great charity organizations. VAC, with the help of many volunteer pilots and aircraft owners, enables injured Veterans to travel for care and family. We have flown two missions for the VAC and both were the most rewarding flights we've ever had. It's one way to give back to the courageous men and women who have given their health and safety for our freedom. We can't repay them for their sacrifices, but VAC is good place to start!
I am the mother of an injured marine. My son wanted to go see his unit return from Afghanistan and needed transportation. I contacted Veterans Airlift and they were able to provide the needed transportation. It was a good experience from step 1 to the finish. The application was user friendly and the response time was quick. I would recommend this service to any vet needing transportation. The whole process was a positive one.
Transporter a wounded warrior so that he could be best man in his brother's wedding. I found the veteran to be friendly and outgoing.
The Veterans Airlift Command provides an important service to our nation's OEF/OIF disabled veterans by offering them safe, friendly, and reliable air transportation. Our organization offers disabled veterans weeklong recreational therapy sessions in northwestern Wyoming. Getting our veterans here to Jackson Hole can be challenging. Thanks to the VAC, we now have expanded capabilities for air transportation. The VAC pilots are highly experienced and understand the issues facing the disabled veteran population. The VAC Mission Coordinator is easy to work with and very responsive to everyone's needs. We are grateful for the Veterans Airlift Command and will definitely use their excellent service in the future.
At first, I thought that the possiblility of getting a private pilot to fly me to this trip was next to immpossible. Lisa, the Veterans Airlift Command (VAC) Representative that I spoke to told me that we should have an answer within a week. She was very helpful and accomadating, making sure, if I got a flight, that I would receive the best treatment possible. I had no idea how far they would go! Not only did I get a flight, but I got word the next day that both of my flights had been booked! The pilots were very friendly and helpful and "bent over backwards" to make sure that I was comfortable. They were so accomadating that, when I needed to change my flight to land in CA, instead of NV, they didn't even hesitate! I would highly recommend VAC to all of my fellow Veterans for any of their needs! Thank you VAC for a great oppportunity!
I am an Angel Flight pilot as well, and I see this as Angel Flight for the military. In my recent mission, the soldier was recuperating from an illness that required surgery, and due to recent army rule changes he was able to take his convalescence time at the home of his parents. It felt very patriotic flying a soldier back to base...
When we heard that our brother-in-law was killed in Afghanistan we were devisated. We immediatley wanted to fly out to CO to be with my husband's sister and do what we could to help. We were willing to purchase tickets at any cost but were contacted by this wonderful group of people that were willing to donate their personal planes, time, and money to get us to Colorado safely. It was overwhelming to see the support that these people gave us and they didn't even know us or our family that was affected by this tragic event. Thank you so very much for giving something back and helping us out in a time of need.
I have had a number of remarkable experiences airlifting wounded and injured US military personnel to and from hospitals and their homes. Recently, I flew the family members of a fallen US soldier to his funeral, over 800 miles away. Without the wings that VAC coordinates, it would have been impossible for this family to reach this destination in time. It is my honor and privilege to be able to offer my flying skills to assist these heroes and their families reconnect. Veterans Airlift Command is one of the finest organizations I've ever been associated with.
Veteran's Airlift Command allows us to give back to those that have given so much for our country. It is expensive for the volunteers, but I, for one, would give hundreds more if it wer epossible to bring these young men home unharmed. Such is not the world we live in, so we are called to do what we can to help. I appreciate this opportunity to serve our soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, and - ultimately - my country.
Veterans Airlift Command is an outstanding organization with a very important mission. As a wounded Vet I used their services and was overwhelmed by the service, hospitatliy and professionalism of their staff and volunteer pilots. While recovering from an injury sustained while in Iraq, my pregnant wife came down with lymes disease. I needed to get home in a hurry to take care her and the kids. Veterans Airlift Command picked my up in KS and dropped me off in MN. Both the pick up and drop off locations were less than 20 mins from my residence. No hassles with security or arriving early at the airport, just to sit and wait. I was home in less than half the time of a commercial flight and it didn't cost me anything. Great organization, worthy of support!!
I was severly injured in Afghanistan and could not afford nor sit in a car long enough to get back to my hometown and family. The VAC made it happen keeping me informed and was easy to reach on phone and email. Functioning programs such as this helps Wounded Vets, such as myself, recover in many aspects. It's obvious they are there to help with no hidden motives in the works. They got the green light from me. Five Stars All The Way SPC Marcum, Stephen
I have flown several missions for the VAC, all of which were special, but this most recent mission was definitely one of the more memorable missions that I have ever done. I had the great good fortune to fly one of our countries best and brightest and his wife from Fayetteville, NC to Tampa, FL to participate in a conference. My passenger, who had not flown in two years because of his condition, was a bit nervous about the trip and the physical effects of the flight on him. However, both he and his wife were anxious to get the adventure going. Both of them were absolutely wonderful, the flight went very well and I left them in Tampa to continue on to their conference. It is a real pleasure to meet people of the caliber of these two individuals. They are both heroes in my eyes and I was honored to spend some time with them.
My husband is a Operation Iraqi Freedom wounded veteran and was not allowed to fly in the past 2 and a half years due to treatments. We were invited to become mentors for the SOCOM Care Coalition providing other families and veterans assistance when they need it. The convention was held in Tampa, Florida, my husband was cleared to try flying again and this would be our first air travel experience since 2007. Our Care Coalition advocate offered to set us up with VAC for more convenient traveling. Well, we chose to give VAC a try. Despite him and myself being nervous but also excited about this trip we knew that the Veterans Airlift Command would be the best way without the hassle of commercial air travel. Mission Coordinator Lisa Young, was on it in a jiffy, got everything worked out within a very short period of time. She got us set and in touch with both volunteering pilots without any issues. Everyone involved was easy to contact, questions and concerns were taken care of professionally and with ease. Both pilots were wonderful, supportive, helpful, and caring individuals. Not only did they have the ability to calm my husband down but also were hands on to help him into the plane and out. What a wonderful way to support America's veterans to make their travels less stressful and unique! Everyone went above and beyond to make this "first" time flying a great and relaxed time for my husband. He no longer is worried about traveling by air because of this foundation. I hope more veterans will be able to have the opportunity to use this awesome way of travel wether they are heading to a medical appointment or to a convention, no veteran and their family will forget this experience. The kindness and respect shown by the foundation and the pilots is outstanding and something many can learn from. Thank you VAC for giving us this opportunity and a piece of a "normal" life back - I haven't seen my husband feeling hopeful about his future in a while, this experience definately helped to show him he is not glued to just one location anymore, he can and will be able to fly where ever he wants to go. Thank you again, your impact on changing our outlook on what is possible will never be forgotten!
My son was injured in Afghanistan by an IED in January and suffered multiple injuries including the loss of his left foot. I have had to fly back and forth from my home in Arkansas to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC where my son is staying. My husband also suffers from medical problems that require him to constantly be on oxygen and to see doctors on a regular basis, requiring me to try to be a two places at once. To pay for all the flights necessary would have been an economic burden on my family. Veterans Airlift Command helped me on one flight from Dulles International Airport to my Arkansas home in July and return in August. I want to thank Stowers Machinery Corporation of Knoxville,TN for donating their corporate jet and use of their pilot Terry Tyler who was a great pilot, courteous, and helpful. I truly appreciate what the Veterans Airlift Command does for the soldiers and their families. With so many soldiers being injured in wars abroad, there will be many families needing help. Thank you all!!
Veterans Airlift Command arranged flights to Washington DC for my father and I after my Nephew was critically injured and lost his legs while serving in Afghanistan. I just simply can't say enough about this organization, they helped my father and I in a way that I never thought possible. Jennifer, the main flight coordinator was compassionate, polite and above all else made what seemed like the impossible, possible. All of the pilots were incredible with hearts of gold. This is truly an organization dedicated to helping people, they truly do give back to our nations wounded and their families.
I flew 2 combat veterans and their coordinator from Washington to Long Island for a Wounded Warriors Project weekend bike event. The experience was humbling. The veterans were upbeat, grateful and friendly. The flight was well coordinated and, in spite of potential weather problems, came off exactly as planned. VAC called me to make sure things were satisfactory and to get feedback. Couldn't be happier with the organization or the experience.
Yesterday I had the honor of flying my second mission for VAC. It was a flight of 4 aircraft and 9 warriors to NYC so that they could participate in the Soldier Ride 100 Mile bike ride from NY City to Long Island. All had one or both legs missing but all managed to get onboard a variety of aircraft. It was amazing to see guys running over on crutches to help a buddy board his aircraft. The WRAMC coordinator, Harvey Naranjo took personal pride and interest in each soldier as he transition to civilian life or his return to military duty. If you want a rewarding experience that you can't find anywhere, volunteer to fly these guys and learn firsthand the sacrifices that they have made for our freedom.
Jen Salvati was great in getting me a flight with my puppy that is going to trained as a therepy dog from Jackson MS to NYC. In one day we had a flight lined up. The Pilot Doug called me to make arrangements. At the last minute my 9 year old daughter asked if she could accompany me back to NYC to spend the summer with me. Doug was not only accomadating but excited to have her along. We met at the airport in Jackson. It was an awsome King Air 200. Doug and his friend Alan A very accomplished pilot himself and a Vietnam Marine Corps Combat Veteran were very gracious. They treated us like royalty. My daughter got to "fly" the plane at 27,000 feet. The puppy enjoyed getting to stretch out in the isle and soak up the cold A/C. We landed in West Virginia to walk the puppy and they treatec us to a great lunch with the beautiful West Virginia mountains in the background. Thenm it was off to our final destination a small airport in Connecticut. When we landed my friend Ace a wounded Iraq war veteran was allowed to drive his car on the runway to the plane to pick us up. He was rather excited just to get to do that. Everyone involved in helping make this great trip happen was were more the amazing! Thank you so much from my daughter Lizzy, the puppy Pepe and myself. LT Mark Infantry
I have carried several wounded veterans to personal or training destinations. Almost all have lost a leg or two. It is inspiring to meet these young men and some of their families. If there is a valid criticisom of VAC it is that not many veterans know about this service. I'm certain many more flights would be done if requested.
it was fantastic ! we had a blast and we owe it all to the veteran airlift command ! May God continue to bless your organization always
Veterans Airlift Command is an exceptional organization that provides an extraordinary service to wounded servicemembers. I have had the privelege of flying through them and it was a wonderful experience for my family and I.
My family and I had a great experience. I would highly recommend Veterans Airlift Command to other veterans or family members of veterans. It was great not having to go threw security and waiting in line.
I am a Soldier who has served in Iraq on a couple of occasions. I am currently with the Warrior Transition Unit at Fort Hood, Tx. VAC and some of its wonderful volunteer pilots flew me, my wife, and two boys home to New Jersey to visit my parents for the first time since my surgery. It was the most wonderfull experience I have had in recent memory. Everyone was so helpfull, accomadating, and pleasant. They gave of their time and aircrafts just to thank me, yet I am the one who should thank them. I hope they realize just how much joy they brought to me. Seeing my mom and dad along with all of my nieces and nephews gave me a memory that will last a lifetime.
A GREAT program started by a GREAT Patriot! I have only flown two missions so far, but both experiences were very moving for me. We all take for granted what these young men and women do for us. they give freely of themselves and put themselves in harm's way without blinking an eye. It feels REALLY good to be able to give them some help when they need it!
Outstanding organization. Provided at least 2 separate flights, one for me while at walter reed hospital and one for my family member later to come visit me. Thank you all!
What generous people! We had never been on a small plane and found it to be quite fun.Thank you everyone! Cole & Heather Gainey
It was so nice to be able to be with my son in San Diego for an important doctor appointment. Both pilots, coming and going, were very friendly. This is a wonderful service that you do. thanks again, Lisa Santana Proud Mom of a Marine
My name is Chris Payne. I was injured in Iraq in 2007. I heard about Veterans Airlift Command while at Walter Reed. My extended family was planning a vacation to Myrtle Beach while my wife, two children and I were still at Walter Reed being treated. There was no way, due to the ages of my children and the status of my injuries at the time, that we could make the trip driving or flying commercially. We contacted VAC and we were surprised at how easy everything was. We were treated with the utmost respect throughout the entire process, both in filling out the application and throughout the planning the trip with the pilot. We were so impressed that a few months later when were going on leave to Tennessee when we were in the same situation with planning the trip that we contacted VAC again. i would recommend VAC to anyone and everyone. Both pilots were amazing. They were couteous and helpful and very friendly. Thank you so much VAC you were very helpful and because of your kindness two of the most important emotional events in my recovery were made that much easier to plan and that much more helpful to me and my family.
Veterans Airlift is a great organization. When my husband lost his arm in Iraq in January of 2008, we were living in Savannah, GA. He was sent to Walter Reed up in DC and Veterans Airlift provided transportation for myself and my children numerous times between Savannah and DC. My mom was recovering from a bone marrow transplant and was not allowed to fly commercial due to the germs. Veterans Airlift provided my parents with a flight to be able to visit. They also provided the whole family with transportation to a wounded warrior bike ride in Colorado.
"Imagine returning home from combat facing devastating injuries and long term hospitalization--in a facility hundreds of miles away from your family. Imagine somebody brings you together." With these words, the Veterans Airlift Command (VAC) introduces its website (www.veteransairlift.org) and summarizes its mission. Consisting entirely of volunteer pilots and aircraft owners who receive no compensation, the VAC provides private air transportation to our wounded warriors who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as to their families. I have just had the honor and privilege to fly my first mission for the VAC, transporting a severely wounded young soldier and his wife to their hometown in Texas. Ryan was a 22 year old gunner on a Humvee that was blown up in Iraq. He has been receiving medical treatment for 2 years. He is doing well, but his injuries are horrific. The FAA has assigned the call sign "Hero Flight" to these missions, and as we flew across the country and I spoke to each air traffic control facility as a Hero Flight, most of the FAA controllers knew the meaning and conveyed a personal message of thanks to my passengers before handing us off to the next facility. Those controllers that did not know the meaning of Hero Flight asked, and my explanation was met with the same expressions of thanks. Ryan and his wife smiled when they heard these air traffic control thank you's directed at them. Ryan and his wife were greeted at our destination in Texas by both their families, and I was overwhelmed by the expressions of appreciation directed at me. What I did was nothing, compared to what Ryan and his fellow soldiers have done. Thank you, Ryan.
setting up the flights was easy. the pilots and co-pilots were awesome. i would reccomend VAC to anyone who needed a flight home.
I was fortunate enough to be involved with this organization initially in 2008. I was flown from Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington DC to my home in Junction City, KS. The trip began with a limo ride arranged for my wife and I from Walter Reed to the Airport. The short walk to plane side was a great departure from the typical full-body searches that all amputees are so familiar with in the TSA lines. The flight itself was great to say the least and the crew extremely professional. Our flight landed in a small municipal airport near our home which made for an extremely short drive home and the overall trip was drastically shorter than traditional travel, which at the time was exceptional considering my medical condition. My wife and I only wish we were able to fly travel like this on a regular basis due to the stress free environment. My wife and I are extremely grateful to Veterans Airlift Command and the other volunteers and contributors that made this possible. Thank You to a great organization! Matthew and Maria Miles
I michael pass had a couple of flights with VAC. I pilots are very nice and encouraging to fly with. If you and any qestion about the flight ask and they will answer them. The staff at VAC are very helpful in arranging for the the pilots to are close to you and are familiar with the area/ weather conditions. Thankyou for wonderful time. michael pass
Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra hosts three annual Wounded Warrior events at Mammoth Mountain, CA. We are a 7-8 hour drive away from the Balboa Naval Medical Hospital in San Diego and this long drive is hard to take for many of our Wounded Warriors. Luckily this is where the Veteran Airlift Command comes in! They fly the wounded men and women, wheelchairs, service dogs,extra prosthetics, and staff from San Diego to the Mammoth/Yosemite Airport. Jennifer Salvati's expertise in coordinating the undertaking is extraordinary! She orchestrates the flights like a maestro.
Flying is one of my greatest joys in life. Without the selfless, courageous military men and women defending our American freedoms, I would not be able to soar unfettered as I do. Piloting a Hero Flight for VAC is a duty I take on with a grateful, humble and respectful heart!
My brother was injured in October of 2006. During his recovery, at the VA in Minnesota, my family and I received transportation through Veterans Airlift Command. Without their help we would have not been able to give my brother the support he needed during this tough period. I cannot thank them enough for everything they have done! I would like to personally thank anyone who is involved with this organization, and let you know that what you did for my family was truly a blessing!
I have had the honor of flying wounded Veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan and find it a very moving experience. These young people have had traumatic injuries and are rebuilding their lives. We are able to give them such a small token of thanks for their service by being able to move them from one place to another in an aircraft that makes it easy to travel with those wounds. They do not ask for much, just a chance to get back into the semblance of a normal life. I am proud to have the opportunity to know and help these unsung heroes.
There are many things you do in your life however there are a few that really matter. Helping others who are not so fortunate is at the top of the list. The Lord has blessed my family and I have had the fortune of being a part of the Military (Air Force) for 30 years. They taught me to fly and I was a fortunate one to end up flying "Trash Haulers" or cargo planes delivering much need supplies to our troops. Now I get to continue helping our troops who protect the United States and our way of life.
My son is a wounded warrior who was burned 35%from thighs up. He was in the hospital in CA for 3 months and I was with him. He was transferred to BAMC in San Antonio, TX where he remained for another 6 months for surgeries and rehab. During that time, we did not get away from the hospital very often. We were apprised of a progam that air lifted wounded soldiers so they didn't have to sit for lengthy periods of time in airports being subjected to stares and long waits while in pain. Our first flight took us to Dallas and a weekend home with family. We met the pilot at a small airport and our luggage was placed on the plane, we took off and were home shortly. When we were to return home, the process was reversed and the flight back to San Antonio was completed. It was great to get away and not have to sit and wait in an airport. We so appreciated the trip and a nice weekend with family and at no cost to us. We had occasion to use their services two more times with similar experiences. Each flight was special and the pilots were friendly and courteous. I know other wounded soldiers have been able to take advantage of this service. It is a wonderful feeling to know that their service means something to someone besides their families and that others are willing to give back to them. Thank you so much for caring!
This organization headed by one of my heors Walt Fricke has been a life saver for many w wounded and his family. I just cannot say enough about Veterans Airlift Command and hope all get a chance to donate. You will not regret it. Much love and Angel wing hugs to VAC wingtip to wingtip. Patti Patton-Bader Soldiers Angels
I cannot even start to say how thankful I am for what your organization has done for me and my family not only once but twice!! Every piolt I flew with was courteous and thankful for my service. Never once did I have to carry any luggage to or from the aircraft. Also all information was provided for me well in advance. Again I thank you on behalf of my family and myself. Hoorah!!! Sgt Hill USA Wounded Warrior
I've been blessed to fly three missions for the VAC. It is very gratifying to know that by serving, you are directly supporting the healing process for wounded warriors. VAC is very well organized. The protocols for arranging a flight are very straightforward. The web site is a big help in facilitating communication with passengers. I can't think of anything I would suggest VAC do differently.
It was a great honor for me to be able to assist this war hero. I hope to be able to carry out many more missions for the Veterans Airlift Command.
I was fortunate enough to be on board one of our Veteran Lifts. My 8 and 9 year old boys went with me to pick up a soldier in New York and take him to Tampa. I made sure my boys had a little sensitivity training to what they might see (wheelchair, loading, etc.). I had no idea what an impact this lift has made on my life and a long lasting impact with my children. They know what it means to be a hero but more importantly they learned how to be his hero and friend. They know what it means that he made a sacrifice for them. They probably remember most how much fun it was playing with him and he with them. It was like an uncle they had never met and he himself was a big kid. Laughter and friendship filled the aircraft and once we landed they were transformed into his personal travel companions. Your children should have exposure to this type of philantrophy. It's a trip we will not soon forget.
I am a social worker at a VAMC and have used Veterans Airlift Command several times to send injured Veterans and Servicemembers home to visit family and friends as many of them are far away from family while they are being treated for injuries. In my experience, Veterans Airlift Command has been very accomodating to my patients' wishes and needs. Many of the patients have also expressed not only enjoying their trip home, but enjoying the flight and the pilots. Your kindness and compassion toward the Veterans and Servicemembers we treat is much appreciated.
Veterans Airlift Command (VAC) does a great job of coordinating air transportation between Veterans who need help and private/corporate pilots who have volunteered to provide free trips. I have flown four missions, the most recent taking a Marine with neurological problems due to a brain injury from Camp LeJune to a specialized center in Atlanta, the Shepherd Center. A grueling 6 hour ground trip, or a potentially confusing commercial flight with two or three stops became a relaxed, point to point two hour flight. Other missions included getting an Soldier home from the hospital in time for his daughter's graduation, and taking the wife of a service member to Walter Reed to be with her husband during treatment. As a combat Veteran myself, I understand all too well where the gaps are in the system, and VAC helps bridge one of these gaps.
As the case manager for the military outreach program at the Shepherd Center, Atlanta (the Share Initiative), I have had extremely positive experiences working with Veterans Airlift Command. They have assisted in flying veterans as well as active duty service members and their families to our TBI/ PTSD treatment program, and have also been very flexibile in developing transportation schedules to allow our clients to commute between our program and their homes if their treatment focus is the transition back into the home. This allows our clients to apply and practice routines and strategies acquired in our program into in their home environments and then provide feedback upon their return to treatment. Veteran's Airlift Command has been extremely flexible and has been able to assist us with rather complicated flight schedules and destinations (e.g., Atlanta to South Dakota) on short notice and free of charge to our clients. Our clients with PTSD appreciate not having to fly from large, busy airports on commercial airlines and have had very positive experiences with the personal attention of the Veterans Airlift Command Pilots.
My name is LT. Robert Jackson, Jr. and I utilized the VAC services during my stay at Walter Reed Medical Center for surgery during the month of Dec 09 and Jan 09. Quite simply they were a life saver. Because I ended up funding my own travel and lodging expenses because my command would not provide Cost TDY Orders, cash was limited and time was critical. I utilized the VAC service on 3 separate occassions saving me lodging expenses of approx $1,000.00. The staff and Management of VAC bent over backward to ensure my requests were met; twice on very short notice. The pilots were all very good and very professional, during the holiday season 7,000 miles away from family (in Germany)this was a GOD SEND!! Thanks. LT. Robert Jackson, Jr. LDO USN
Fellow VAC Pilot Roger and I took off from Big Bear City Airport for the 100 mile flight to San Diego arriving just before noon. We met Marine Corporal’s Christopher Lawrence and Brett Sobaski at the terminal. Each Marine sat right seat in our Cessnas doing a fantastic job navigating over Miramar Naval Air Station and March Air Reserve Base en route back to Big Bear. First impressions proved accurate throughout the weekend as these two shining examples of courage & patriotism reminded us of the thousands of men and women who risk their lives to keep our country free. Seventy-five community members came out to thank the Marines for the sacrifices they’ve made and injuries they’ve suffered to keep us free. With the Marine Hymn playing in the background, retired Marine Colonel Bill Alley choked back tears of pride as he presented the Marines with a decorated cake, thanking the soldiers for service to their country. A dozen other Marine Veterans in attendance were evidenced by utterances of “Semper Fi” and “Oorah” heard throughout the afternoon. It was a proud day for all of us. Both Marines expressed thanks and appreciation to those in attendance, and again tears started to flow. A standing ovation was immediate and well deserved for these two amazing young men. This was a very special weekend for many people in Big Bear and Roger and I look forward to doing it again as VAC volunteers. Marine Corporals Christopher Lawrence and Brett Sobaski should be a reminder to all of us that there are hundreds more like them rehabilitating in Military Hospitals all round the country. They appreciate any show of support that you can give them. Stop by a hospital and visit, send a card or care package, take them out on the town or a short trip, everything is appreciated. Thanks to all the VAC volunteers and pilots for what they do. It does make a difference.
OMG! i hardly know where to start. I am an ex-Marine (Viet Nam era) who took up flying at age 60. I have flown over 120 mercy missions for other organizations over the past 10 years, plus several supply flights for charity. I recently flew 2 Wounded Warriors frorm San Diego to Mamoth Mountain for a special weekend hosted by the Mamoth Community in honor of these wounded heros. One US Marine had lost both legs from an IED blast and the other US soldier had been "stiched" across the torso by an AK47. Other than the fact that they both were obviously working at ignoring great pain, they were the most positive, determined and sprirted young people I have been around in a long time. Their outlook for the future could not have been more optimistic; but the burning desire of each was to return to battle and support their buddies. After dropping them off, I was on an emotional high which has lasted through to this day. Such unbelievable courage is so refreshing and balances out any personal negatives I have experienced since that mission. I can hardly wait to be assigned another flight for these amazing Wounded Warriors.
My experience with Veterans Airlift Command. It was one of the best things that happen to my family after having my husband step on an IED. Fighting for his life with me being by his side having to leave my kids behind. Veterans Airlift Command Flew in to a small airport in Atlanta and brought my kids and an adult family member to Washington DC to my husbands bed side to visit. my husband fought for his life for several months. Having his family by his side I believed was what he need to make the turn that we was praying for for months Thank you so much Veterans Airlift Command.
I have volunteered my aircraft and services since the early days of VAC. I spent 21 years in the USAF in fighter aviation related jobs including 350 combat missions in SEA. VAC has offered me the opportunity become involved in a desperately needed service to those who have given so much for the freedom and priviledges we, as American, enjoy. Each mission is unique in the experiences and purpose. Each military hero I fly with has had a horrible experience but has an absolutely indominatable spirit. Each one and their families leave me feeling humble and proud I can do something--a service that few can provide. Makes me feel wonderful knowing I have the resources and opportunity to be part of lives, recovery and future success of our great American fighting men and women. Chuck Fulton, Col USAF Retired
I have been associated with the Veterans Airlift Command (VAC) for the last 15 months. They are a class organization that provides transportation services for our wounded veterans. They work closely with other veteran groups such as the Wounded Warrior Project and Veteran Outdoors, and they also work directly with individual veterans. All these groups focus on helping our wounded veterans in their transition back into civilian life by providing special activities and services and in the case of VAC, helping them travel to and from those activities. The VAC Staff is superb and works tirelessly to arrange air transportation all over the U.S. and often will little or no notice. I am very proud to be able to work with this fine group of folks and to be able to serve the wounded vets that have given so much for the rest of us.
While stationed in Washington DC from 2006 -2008, I became aware of this organization that assists our wounded warriors and their families. My mobilization was not going to send me into the war zone and I felt that I could do something for those that served in harms way. I own an airplane and am able to provide the warrior and their families with needed transporation at no cost to them. The inner feeling of having contributed is tremendous and the reward is seeing how much they appreciate my small efforts. I have only been able to provide transportation to one family but I managed to donate to the Veterans Airlift Command to help keep it going.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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
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.
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.
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.