FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Eric R. Byer
Vice President, Government and Industry Affairs
800-808-6282
ebyer@nata.aero
NATA AND MCFARREN AVIATION CONSULTING PARTNER TO RAISE FUNDS FOR WOUNDED WARRIORS
Alexandria, VA, March 17, 2011 — The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has partnered with McFarren Aviation Consulting to raise funds for the Veterans Airlift Command (VAC) at the upcoming NATA Air Charter Summit, to be held June 6-8 at the Westfields Marriott in Virginia. The Veterans Airlift Command (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 bring awareness to the Veterans Airlift Command and its important mission. 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 servicemen and women are returning from Iraq, Afghanistan, and other conflict-torn areas and are in need of compassion. All of our soldiers deserve our respect, but those who are wounded while serving our country especially need comfort and care. Join us in supporting the Veterans Airlift Command.”
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!
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NATA, the voice of aviation business, is the public policy group representing the interests of aviation businesses before the Congress and federal agencies.
For general press inquiries, contact Shannon Chambers at 703-298-1347 or schambers@nata.aero.
The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has been the voice of aviation business for more than 80 years. Representing nearly 3,700 aviation businesses, NATA’s member companies provide a broad range of services to general aviation, the airlines and the military and NATA serves as the public policy group representing the interests of aviation businesses before Congress and the federal agencies.