Local man takes to the sky to help those in need
30/06/12 00:01
Local man takes to the sky to help those in need
Unsung Heroes: Daniel Diamond
June 30, 2012 | By Marlene Roberts, Special Correspondent
Name: Daniel Diamond
Age: 28
Residence: Boca Raton
Family: Parents, one brother and one sister
Career: Aviation business, flight instructor and aircraft mechanic
Cause: Vital Flight, a South Florida-based nonprofit that coordinates air transportation for individuals with compassionate, humanitarian or medical needs. As part of the Air Care Alliance, pilots arrange to transport qualified patients throughout the United States at no charge. It is generally used when commercial air service is not available, is a health risk or is not affordable.
Q: Why do you volunteer?
A: Vital Flight combines my two favorite activities: flying and volunteering. The man next to me in the photo is a legally blind veteran. We flew him to Palm Beach from St. Petersburg to enter a rehabilitation hospital for the blind and learn how to function with his disability. Then we flew him home
. Or it could be a child who is battling cancer who smiles at me, or helping a transplant patient with a lifesaving second chance get where they need to go. The words "Thank you so much, you've helped change my life" are powerful. There is nothing more satisfying.
Q: How did you choose this organization?
A: Two years ago, I heard of a new, local, nonprofit volunteer flight organization. I met with the people and found it to be a perfect fit.
Q: Describe your volunteer role.
A: As a flight captain (or command pilot), I accept and fly missions that are called in. I also help with outreach and fundraising.
Q: What goals do you have?
A: My volunteer goal is to fly six to eight missions within the calendar year. My personal goal is to one day own my own companies: one in the aviation business, the other in private security.
Q: What challenges have you faced?
A: Our challenge is to get people to know about Vital Flight. Vital Flight works alongside other volunteer pilot organizations, such as Angel Flights of Georgia and Mercy Flight, which are older and bigger. Vital Flights needs to establish its own identity and continue to evolve and grow.
Q: Are there special events or programs coming up that you would like mentioned?
A: Each year, Vital Flight hosts an event called Special Day for Special Kids at the Boca Raton airport. The highlight of the event is when our pilots take to the skies for a scenic 30- to 45-minute flight up and down South Florida's beautiful beaches and coastline with children with a mental or physical disability and their families. To stay updated, go to our page on Facebook.
Q: What have you gained?
A: New friends, a whole lot of self-satisfaction and a great experience.
Q: Aside from money, what does your organization need?
A: Volunteers, either pilots or plain enthusiasts, who want make an impact on the lives of others specifically through our organization.
For more information, call 800-276-0300 or visit http://www.vitalflight.org or http://www.facebook.com/groups/vitalflight.
Originally posted to South Florida SunSentinel.
Unsung Heroes: Daniel Diamond
June 30, 2012 | By Marlene Roberts, Special Correspondent
Name: Daniel Diamond
Age: 28
Residence: Boca Raton
Family: Parents, one brother and one sister
Career: Aviation business, flight instructor and aircraft mechanic
Cause: Vital Flight, a South Florida-based nonprofit that coordinates air transportation for individuals with compassionate, humanitarian or medical needs. As part of the Air Care Alliance, pilots arrange to transport qualified patients throughout the United States at no charge. It is generally used when commercial air service is not available, is a health risk or is not affordable.
Q: Why do you volunteer?
A: Vital Flight combines my two favorite activities: flying and volunteering. The man next to me in the photo is a legally blind veteran. We flew him to Palm Beach from St. Petersburg to enter a rehabilitation hospital for the blind and learn how to function with his disability. Then we flew him home
. Or it could be a child who is battling cancer who smiles at me, or helping a transplant patient with a lifesaving second chance get where they need to go. The words "Thank you so much, you've helped change my life" are powerful. There is nothing more satisfying.Q: How did you choose this organization?
A: Two years ago, I heard of a new, local, nonprofit volunteer flight organization. I met with the people and found it to be a perfect fit.
Q: Describe your volunteer role.
A: As a flight captain (or command pilot), I accept and fly missions that are called in. I also help with outreach and fundraising.
Q: What goals do you have?
A: My volunteer goal is to fly six to eight missions within the calendar year. My personal goal is to one day own my own companies: one in the aviation business, the other in private security.
Q: What challenges have you faced?
A: Our challenge is to get people to know about Vital Flight. Vital Flight works alongside other volunteer pilot organizations, such as Angel Flights of Georgia and Mercy Flight, which are older and bigger. Vital Flights needs to establish its own identity and continue to evolve and grow.
Q: Are there special events or programs coming up that you would like mentioned?
A: Each year, Vital Flight hosts an event called Special Day for Special Kids at the Boca Raton airport. The highlight of the event is when our pilots take to the skies for a scenic 30- to 45-minute flight up and down South Florida's beautiful beaches and coastline with children with a mental or physical disability and their families. To stay updated, go to our page on Facebook.
Q: What have you gained?
A: New friends, a whole lot of self-satisfaction and a great experience.
Q: Aside from money, what does your organization need?
A: Volunteers, either pilots or plain enthusiasts, who want make an impact on the lives of others specifically through our organization.
For more information, call 800-276-0300 or visit http://www.vitalflight.org or http://www.facebook.com/groups/vitalflight.
Originally posted to South Florida SunSentinel.