MIDLAND, TEXAS (Aug. 23, 2010) –On Mon., Aug. 23, 2010, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) and Veterans Airlift Command (VAC) announced a new alliance that will help bring attention to the VAC cause, transporting wounded U.S. service members and their families. The recently announced CAF Red, White & Loud Tour starring Aaron Tippin and the […]

I spent the better part of the last 30 days visiting military installations/hospitals all over the US East of the Rockies… In a Prevost motor home on loan to the VAC Foundation by VAC volunteers Bruce and Rosemary Rose (who, incidentally just flew a gang of wounded warriors to Boston from Walter Reed for the

Veterans Airlift Command volunteers flew 15 wounded heroes and a service dog to Mammoth Mountain for a week of winter sports with Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra. The following video is courtesy of Denise Winston.

As 2009 comes to an end, I thought it appropriate to reflect on the year and thank those who have made this effort/enterprise a success. Looking back, I believe this was the year (our third full year in existence) that we became “established”. We reached a milestone of 1400 volunteer pilots and aircraft owners on

Pictured: Austin Spencer, SSG Bradley Gruetzner, and VAC Pilot Scott Zodin It was a great honor flying a Purple Heart recipient from Palestine, TX to Camp Hope, Farmington, MO. Camp Hope is formally known as Chris Neal Farm, in memory of Chris Neal who died fighting for his country in Iraq several years ago (www.chrisnealfarm.com).

All went well – no, GREAT – on the trip out to SBP. Tim is the most gregarious, up-beat person you can imagine. Also very bright, and empathetic. Gabe is a little more timid (or seemed so in contrast to Tim) but also a really sweet young man. What was really interesting was the metamorphosis

SSgt Jessie Slotte was severely wounded when he was ambushed in 2007 while on dismounted patrol in Iraq. Chasing an insurgent he was ambushed when a 155mm artillery shell improvised into an explosive device was detonated under him. The grenades he was carrying detonated as well. Although not expected he has made amazing progress toward

We pilots, who have flown VAC missions, have felt our heart strings tugged upon by the soldiers and families we have encountered. Stoic hearts, bravery and courtesy have been the hallmark of all of those I have transported. I recently had a once in a lifetime honor of transporting a man whom exemplifies Duty, Honor,

Forty years ago TODAY, a 19 year old Army helicopter pilot, having served the larger part of his tour before being seriously wounded arrived back on US soil from Vietnam. He was strapped to a stretcher in the back of a C-141 Star-lifter. And to a welcome home and “thanks for your trouble”, that thankfully