Eric R. Byer
Vice President, Government and Industry Affairs
800-808-6282
ebyer@nata.aero
NATA AND MCFARREN AVIATION CONSULTING PLEDGE FUNDS FOR WOUNDED WARRIORS
Alexandria, VA, May 10, 2011 — The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) and McFarren Aviation Consulting (MAC) have each pledged to donate to the Veterans Airlift Command (VAC) $10 per attendee of the upcoming NATA Air Charter Summit, to be held June 6-8 at the Westfields Marriott in Virginia. The VAC is a charitable organization that provides free air transportation to wounded warriors, veterans, and their families for medical and other compassionate purposes. NATA and MAC have established a special fund, NATA Wings for Warriors, for NATA members and friends to contribute to the organization.
VAC was founded by retired U.S. Army helicopter pilot Walt Fricke, who grew the VAC mission from a single volunteer aircraft owner and pilot, himself, into a national network consisting of over 1700 volunteer aircraft owners and pilots.
When wounded warriors return from the battlefield, they are often in need of ongoing medical treatment far from their homes, loved ones, and comrades. VAC coordinates the transportation of wounded veterans and their families all over the country, utilizing a network of volunteer aircraft owners and pilots who have generously donated their time and equipment to support the activities of the VAC. In fact, these flights are now recognized under the official Federal Aviation Administration call sign “Hero Flight,” which air traffic control grants priority handling whenever possible.
“We are honored to pledge $10 per Air Charter Summit attendee to VAC. We encourage our members not only to consider making financial donations, but also to offer aircraft and pilots for VAC flights; even a few hours a year would be a gracious contribution to VAC,” said NATA President James K. Coyne.
McFarren Aviation Consulting President Lindsey McFarren said, “Our soldiers and their families are heroes. Supporting VAC is a wonderful way to make a difference in a hero’s life. Make a financial contribution. Donate an aircraft and pilots for a couple of hours a year. Help us provide comfort and peace to our wounded servicemen and women.”
VAC will have a booth at the upcoming NATA Air Charter Summit. Stop by to learn more about this important program!
Visit http://www.veteransairlift.org/m/donate.aspx?campaign=NATAWFW2011 to make a donation!
Visit www.nata.aero/acs for more information on NATA’s Air Charter Summit.
# # #
NATA, the voice of aviation business, is the public policy group representing the interests of aviation businesses before the Congress and federal agencies.