NATA and McFarren Aviation Consulting Team to Raise Money for Veterans Airlift Command

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 on 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 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 via a network of volunteer aircraft owners and pilots who have donated their time and equipment to support the activities of the VAC.

In fact, these VAC flights are now recognized under the official Federal Aviation Administration call sign "Hero Flight," to which air traffic control grants priority handling whenever possible.

"We are honored to bring awareness to the Veterans Airlift Command and its important mission," NATA president James K. Coyne said. "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."

"Our servicemen and women are returning from Iraq, Afghanistan and other conflict-torn areas and are in need of compassion," McFarren Aviation Consulting president Lindsey McFarren said. "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.