Mission San Juan Island: Hero Retrieval brings together a group of eight Heroes, medevac industry leaders and volunteers from outside the industry, for a common cause… to raise money for vital medevac research and education programs.  The event will be held Saturday, October 20 on San Juan Island, just prior to the start of the Seattle, WA hosted – 2012 Air Medical Transport Conference (AMTC).  It is shaping up to be the largest single day fundraising event in the Foundation’s history.

“Each of these Heroes has accepted a “mission” to raise money for the Foundation, which is just incredible,” remarks Mike Stanberry, Chief Hero and CEO of Metro Aviation.  “They are passionate about medical transport and excited to give back to the medevac community.  With San Juan Island as the mission location, we are sure to have a very memorable and successful event.”
The Heroes will be flown from Seattle to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island Saturday morning, where they will be sequestered at Roche Harbor.  Using only their cell phones to solicit donations, the Heroes will remain on the beautiful but remote island until they have each completed their mission, at which point they will be “retrieved” by the MedEvac Foundation.

San Juan Island, famous for the largest concentration of bald eagles in the U.S. and its resident pods of Orcas, is located 80 miles north of Seattle.  It is only accessible by water or air – there are no bridges to the island.  When our Heroes make their calls, they will convey that “time is of the essence” since the last ferry boat leaves for the U.S. mainland at 4PM.  Expecting each of the Heroes to go above and beyond their personal goal, a celebration party is scheduled for Saturday evening at Roche Harbor Resort.

“We could not have put together a better group of Heroes to help launch this new Foundation event,” remarks Rick Sherlock, CEO of Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS) & MedEvac Foundation International.  “We are very grateful for these leaders of our industry, who have agreed to donate their time and use their contacts to make a difference in the medevac community.”

2012 San Juan Island Heroes
Mike Stanberry “Chief Hero” – Metro Aviation, CEO
Wade Black – SevenBar Flying Service, CEO/Owner
Fred Buttrell – Air Medical Group Holdings, CEO/Med-Trans Corporation, CEO
Eileen Frazer – CAMTS, Executive Director
Kevin Hutton – Golden Hour, CEO/Owner
Howard Ragsdale – Air Methods, Senior Vice President
Larry Roberts – Bell Helicopter, Senior Vice President
J. Mike Throne – Throne Aviation Insurance, Principal/Owner

The public and the medevac community are encouraged to get involved in this event.  YOU can help “retrieve” your favorite Hero from the island by pledging your support.  Not only will your generous gift fund research and education initiatives that help make medical transport safer, it will help rescue one of the Heroes.  Visit www.medevacfoundation.org and click on the “Special Events” tab.  Coming to Seattle early? You may also join the event on San Juan Island.  Click on the Foundation’s website for details.

A special thank you to Hero Retrieval Sponsors
Airlift Northwest
Cessna Aircraft Company
Island Air
San Juan Islands EMS
PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center
Pratt & Whitney Canada

About MedEvac Foundation International
Founded by the Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS), MedEvac Foundation International is dedicated to identifying and promoting air medical and critical care transport best practices and improvements worldwide.  The Foundation is a strong supporter of Vision Zero which targets crew complacency and funds research and disseminates safety, patient care, and operational resources throughout the industry via the web, educational presentations, and printed publications.  For more information on the MedEvac Foundation and how to become involved, visit www.medevacfoundation.org.

About AAMS
The Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS) is the only international trade association serving the entire air and ground medical transport community.  AAMS strives to enhance the medical transport industry by promoting the highest level of industry safety; promoting quality patient care; inspiring commitment to the industry’s work, causes, and viability; and providing superior service to its members.  For additional information, visit www.aams.org