Is sincerely such a blessing that the Airlift has touched so many, many individuals, and two in particular have volunteered to coordinate this year’s Airlift. Given the little later start and such, is recognized that may not achieve quite the number of pilots participating as last year, although the core mission of delivering quality donations for the Navajo Nation can still be maintained. Similar to the challenging interruption of just a couple years ago with Covid and such, am confident our pilots will again shine through. And certainly in reaching out to Southwest Indian Foundation the immediate response was a huge affirmation and appreciation for the what you have accomplished in keeping the Airlift continuing.
The plan is the Airlift will occur over a three-day period of November 14, 15, and 16 (Thursday through Saturday). The consideration is to attempt to simplify the Airlift, and manage the Airlift exclusively into Gallup KGUP. We know the Gallup tarmac has plenty of ample space, with KT Aero having both fuel truck and Self Serve fuel available. Additionally, Gallup- provides ready walking access to the likes of El Charitto for a Brunch and such if desired.
With the kind offer by Jim Hesseman and Michael Apodaca to be coordinating, the ongoing communications and the like will be sourced by them.
Jim Hesseman jhesseman@me.com
Michael Apodaca IFlyA36@yahoo.com
So full of optimism with varying background planning, believe we can leverage the same three-day playbook to safely navigate the collection, preparation, and delivery of the donations to the Navajo Nation. Also trusting that Mother Nature will fully cooperate for great weather that will enable the team to safely navigate from throughout the region to KGUP Gallup. The three-day period has worked well to date, spreading out concurrent activity on the Ramp reducing the demand on the FBO team, providing flexibility for the pilots, as well as potentially providing some weather options. In keeping with the reducing the complexity, there is not any ground transport being planned for Phoenix.
After your remarkable successes last Fall that well exceeded 25K pounds, would be a monumental blessing to simply maintain the Holiday spirit across our Pilots and Donors to continue to support the Navajo nation. For so many of us, the Airlift is that very special kickoff to the Holiday season and a wonderful representation through the hundreds of pilots and donors that the Navajo Airlift has touched so many hearts for four decades. More details will be shared over the course of the preparations, as we want to ensure we are continuing to make this a successful, safe and enjoyable event for all.
If you are available and interested in participating in this year’s airlift, please respond to Jim and Michael so that Roster planning can be maintained. In the event you may have a conflict for this year, please feel free to advise accordingly to kindly remove your name from the distro and further email intrusions. If you might know of others that would like to participate, please ask them to reach out accordingly.
Thank You for your impressive support over the years, Blessings and Tail Winds,