Sunday, November 24, 10 a.m., Emmanuel Episcopal
— from Barbara and David Evans —
Above and Beyond. . .That describes the volunteer work of the Orcas Mercy Pilots.
Today, on this Sunday before Thanksgiving, November 24, 2019, we honor and give thanks to our friends and neighbors who offer themselves, their time and flying expertise to help our Island Community.
Just how many members of this Community the Mercy Pilots have helped is hard to say, as over the past two decades, they have been there to serve, often in repetitive schedules, or providing transportation in various needs for our friends, family, and neighbors who require off-Island medical care or therapy.
The pilots do not receive any pay for this Service. They do this voluntarily, from their hearts to ensure timely medical services are met — above and beyond our Island’s capabilities. Only donated funds replenish the aviation fuel account, so that each Mercy Pilot can utilize a special credit card to cover the cost of their flight fuel. for each trip, which is FAA approved.
None of this is funded by the County. A flight may take under 15 minutes, and compared to taking an all day ferry round trip, the energy and health of the individual is not compromised.
One of many cases is, as an example, a mother needing to undergo weekly radiation treatments off-island, who can be flown, once her children are in school, receive her scheduled therapy, and be back before her children come home from school. This peace of mind is substantial healing in itself, thanks to the Orcas Mercy Pilot ‘s transportation.
Emmanuel Episcopal Parish, in our effort to walk the walk and talk the talk of giving back to our island community, have appropriated funds from the St. Agnes Guild Giving Back Program.
We wish to thank our Orcas Mercy Pilots at this time of Thanksgiving., Sunday, November 24, 2019, at our 10 a.m service. They are: Audrey Wells – Flight Coordinator, Gil Blinn, Jack Becker, Rick Fant, Beverly Franklett, Dwight Guss, Jack Huffman, Pat Muffet, Tony Simpson, Michael Triplett, and
Bob Waunch.
All donations are tax deductible, 501-C-3 Orcas Mercy Pilots. P.O. Box Eastsound, WA 98245
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Many years ago Bob Waunch flew Gene and me to St. Joseph’s behind a helicopter that carried a very injured Jake in it. Bob will always be an angel to our family.
These men and women are the true heros in our little Island world!!! We can never thank them enough.
These pilots, the coordinator, and those who help fund this program make a huge contribution to people in need in our community. We are very fortunate to have them all!
Mercy pilots flew my mother, Monique Gincig, for years when she barely had energy to go to the mainland for her treatments and medical appointments. Merci, Mercy angels!
Where should donations be sent? You forgot to put the P.O. Box #######? in the article above.
The last appeal I saw designated the address to be: Mercy Flights, c/o Audrey Wells, P.O. Box 164, Eastsound, 98245. Is that still correct?
Thank you so much Barbara and David for expressing acknowledgment and gratitude to the Mercy Pilot program. I have several island friends who have received help and care from the pilots of the Mercy Pilots program. And administration is an important “gear” in the “machinery” of such an effort. Thank you all, I’m sending a contribution to “put the stamp” on my appreciation,
Margie Doyle