American Aero FTW Donation to Navy SEAL Foundation
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Riggs Brown (far right), American Aero FTW general manager, presents a $22,000 donation from the FBO to Eddie Everett, representing the Navy SEAL Foundation. (Also pictured are Angela Thurmond and Miranda Wade.)
‘Red, White and Blue’ matching funds program allows FBO customers
to help provide scholarships to former SEALs interested in pilot certification
American Aero FTW, a fixed base operator (FBO) at Meacham International Airport in Fort Worth, Texas, helped launch a new scholarship program with the Navy SEAL Foundation today, with a $22,000 donation to support pilot training for former SEALs. The check was presented on the first day of the NBAA 2017 Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition in Las Vegas.
The Navy SEAL Foundation provides immediate and ongoing support to the Naval Special Warfare community and its families. The new scholarship program will help fill a gap in funding from the GI Bill, by covering pilot training.
This marks the FBO’s fifth annual contribution to the Foundation, for a total donation of more than $83,000. Funding comes from the American Aero FTW “Red, White and Blue” program, which enables customers to contribute 10 cents from every gallon of fuel purchased. The FBO matches those donations dollar for dollar.
“American Aero FTW leaders and team members share a passion for private aviation that is clearly displayed every day in the service and safety we provide for our customers,” Brown said. “We are honored to extend that effort to support those who have served this country at the highest level and give them a chance to pursue their own dreams in aviation.”
Foundation CEO Robin King said there is considerable interest in pilot education among Foundation clientele. “This scholarship is a great way to support former SEALs as they transition out of the military and into new career opportunities,” King said. “Navy SEALs are the best that this country has to offer, and we are grateful for companies like American Aero FTW and its customers for aligning themselves with our mission.”
The Navy SEAL Foundation supports elite warriors and their families by empowering and assisting them through challenges and triumphs. The Foundation delivers services through six program areas—Warrior & Family Support, Educational Opportunities, Tragedy Assistance & Survivor Support, Warrior Transition, Veterans Support, and Legacy Preservation.