Volunteer Pilot Joe Howley Flies 1,000th Flight for Patients and Veterans in Need
Rye, NY – November 4, 2022 – Volunteer Pilot Organization PALS SkyHope today announced that PALS SkyHope Founder and President Joe Howley has achieved his 1,000-flight milestone with the organization, an unprecedented achievement that has helped thousands of people in need.
For over twelve years, Howley has been a leader among a group of nearly 500 general aviation pilots who volunteer their time, talents, and their aircraft to transport patients and veterans to medical treatments, retreats, and on humanitarian missions.
Volunteer flying allows Howley to use his talents for the greater good, and on August 21, 2022, Howley reached a new height by achieving a milestone 1,000 flights for PALS SkyHope. PALS SkyHope is a nonprofit that provides free air transportation to people in need through a network of General Aviation pilots such as Howley. Each year PALS connects thousands of patients to specialized medical treatment far from home and hundreds of veterans to life-changing rehabilitative retreats and morale-boosting events.
Whether it’s flying a baby with a congenital disorder to specialized care, a mother with cancer, or a veteran with PTSD, Howley has answered the call. Instead of a stressful and possibly painful 10-hour ride in a car, Howley provides people in need with a quick, easy and free private plane ride on his Embraer Phenom 300. Howley co-founded PALS SkyHope and currently serves as its president.
Over the past 12 years and 1,000 flights, Howley has helped 1,681 passengers, has traveled 33 states and countries, and 329,000 miles. Howley hit the 1,000-flight milestone bringing four veterans to an Atlanta Braves game through a partnership with Major League Baseball to celebrate and bring together veterans.
“Flying to help others is what I love to do. The 1,000-flight milestone is not just a milestone for me, but also for PALS SkyHope. It’s a testament to a great organization. I’m grateful to have had the time and resources to be able to do this. I’ve learned so much from the patients and military veterans I have flown, so I say thank you to them,”
“We are so excited to celebrate Joe’s 1,000th flight. We are humbled and inspired by Joe’s passion and dedication,” said Donna Collins, Executive Director of PALS SkyHope.
The achievement will be celebrated at a breakfast ceremony on November 4, 2022 at Westchester Country Club.
About PALS SkyHope
PALS SkyHope provides free transportation to people who need to travel long distances for lifesaving medical treatments and veterans who need access to support programs. We do this through our amazing volunteer pilots. PALS makes critical flights happen so that our passengers can focus on what matters and keep fighting for their lives.
For more information visit www.Skyhope.org
