Wings of Hope Chairman To Receive National Aviation Award
Wednesday, August 17, 2011 - 1:43pm
Larry Lemke to be recognized in Washington, D.C.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ST. LOUIS, August 17,2011. Wings of Hope, a global Humanitarian charity headquartered in St. Louis, has recently learned that Board Chairman, Larry Lemke, will be recognized at the Capitol by the National Aeronautic Association (NAA). Lemke, a retired McDonnell Douglas executive, will receive the Distinguished Volunteer Award at the 2011 National Public Benefit Flying Awards in September. These awards were created to honor volunteer pilots and others who use aircraft to assist people in need. The NAA is the oldest national aviation organization in the United States.
"We are delighted that Larry's volunteer service as Chairman and Field Pilot for Wings of Hope is being recognized by this prestigious association. Larry's public benefit flying has brought fundamental change to innumerable needy people. His
charitable accomplishments with Wings of Hope include 1100 volunteer domestic medical flights comprising 6000 flight hours. Furthermore, his leadership impact as Chair expands the charity's programs to raise the poor to self-sufficiency," says Douglas Clements, Wings of Hope President. In addition to domestic missions, Larry has flown internationally with Wings of Hope, making numerous trips to Central and South American countries, flying in and out of jungle airstrips to bring aid to the impoverished indigenous Amerindians.
About Wings of Hope
Wings of Hope is a nonprofit organization headquartered in St. Louis with a vast global Humanitarian reach. It operates 150+ bases in 45 countries, providing every manner of assistance so the poor reach a level of sustainability. More than 1 million
people are served annually. Founded in 1962, it is the largest and oldest volunteer aviation charity in the world and the largest volunteer charity in the Midwest. In 2011, Wings of Hope was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Wings of Hope created its St. Louis based Medical Relief and Air Transport (MAT) program in 2003 with the goal of providing air ambulatory service to critically ill children in the Midwest region. To date, MAT has provided service to 3,000 children, conducting more than 600 patient flights every year.
Inquiries: please contact, Michele Rutledge, Vice President, (636) 537-1302.
