Endeavor Awards honor aviators

This year’s three Inspiration Award honorees included former AOPA President Mark Baker, who attended with his wife, Joann. Angel Flight West highlighted Baker’s leadership of AOPA, and especially the development of the You Can Fly initiative, which was established during his presidency. And just months after the devastating Los Angeles fires that began in January, Angel Flight West also honored Los Angeles aerial firefighters and first responders for their critical work. Actor Greg Kinnear introduced the firefighters, who then received the night’s only standing ovation. The final Inspiration Award was given to the Polaris Dawn crewmembers for their civilian leadership in the commercial space sector, and highlighted the crew’s completion of research objectives including the first-ever commercial spacewalk.

This year’s Endeavor honorees were Lisa Fusano, a volunteer pilot with Aviation Explorers Post 747, and Mike Evans, a volunteer pilot with Angel Flight West. With Aviation Explorers, Fusano helps young people achieve their aviation goals through scholarships and ground school. One such student who has benefited from participating in Aviation Explorers, Emma Coulter, presented Fusano her award; Coulter earned a private pilot certificate with help from Aviation Explorers, and will attend an aviation college in the fall— just one of the students whose dream was made possible by Fusano.

Evans is one of the most prolific Angel Flight West volunteers, having flown more than 600 flights. Hardworking and dedicated, he hasn’t let a recent aircraft accident stop him, and wants to get back in the air as soon as possible and reach 1,000 volunteer flights.

Angel Flight West Executive Director Mary Hunter addressed the crowd as well.

“Our mission at Angel Flight West is more important than ever,” said Hunter, as she described air travel as not only a convenience, but a lifeline.  “We must rise to the occasion together.”

The awards, emceed by the “pink jet pilot” Stephanie Goetz, concluded with a live auction. By the end of the night, Angel Flight West had raised over $700,000.

In 1983, Angel Flight West began as the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Medical Support Flight Team before rebranding and becoming an independent organization in 1986. The public benefit organization transports patients to medical care in GA aircraft, and at times, airline travel and ground transportation. Angel Flight West celebrated 40 years and 100,000 flights in 2023.

Visit the Angel Flight West website to learn more.