Disaster relief aviation group awards Texas pilots for flood response

The organization began in 2017, when Hurricane Harvey devastated many parts of southeast Texas. Operation Airdrop mobilized volunteer general aviation pilots and aircraft to deliver critical supplies to communities cut off by floodwater. Its second mission came weeks later, after Hurricane Maria caused destruction across Puerto Rico.

Since 2017, the organization has mobilized volunteer pilots, aircraft, ground crews, donors, and community partners to deliver critical supplies when roads are blocked, infrastructure is damaged, and traditional response efforts are delayed. The organization has filled immediate logistics gaps in the aftermath of more than a dozen natural disasters—including Hurricane Helene in 2024 and the 2025 floods—organizing more than 1,700 flights carrying more than 1.75 million pounds of relief supplies.

On July 4, Operation Airdrop Executive Director Russ Keith presented the Wings of Hope Award to Ed Holley and the Commemorative Air Force’s Highland Lakes Squadron in support of their efforts one year earlier in a ceremony at the Highland Lakes Squadron Museum at Burnet Municipal/Kate Craddock Field.

As the disaster unfolded, Holley and the Highland Lakes Squadron helped Operation Airdrop stage, coordinate, and deliver more than $101,000 in direct disaster relief that included 106 flights and the delivery of 77,876 pounds of food, water, cleaning supplies, chainsaws, boots for search and rescue operations, and more.

The award honors those whose service, leadership, and support have a meaningful impact on the organization’s mission.

“Ed Holley and the Commemorative Air Force’s Highland Lakes Squadron stepped up when communities needed them most,” said Keith. “Their support enabled us to deliver critical supplies quickly and efficiently to those affected by flooding. The Wings of Hope Award recognizes their extraordinary service, leadership, and commitment to helping their neighbors.”