INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Sometimes a visit to the doctor can be complicated because of a patient’s inability to travel long distances due to physical or financial challenges. That’s when Marc Snell, David Rivero, and Manfred Brecker come to the rescue.
Snell, Rivero, and Brecker volunteer with Angel Flight Southeast, donating their time, personal aircraft and fuel to fly patients to life-saving medical appointments that otherwise would be too far away or too costly. They are part of a network of 650 pilots who volunteer to make approximately 3,000 missions each year.
The three men are being recognized as honorees for the “2015 Pilot of the Year” Award for the South Florida region. They will be honored on Friday, April 8 at the Dr. Franklin G. Norris Pilot Awards Gala for Angel Flight Southeast, to be at the River Ranch Resort and airport (2RR) in River Ranch, Fla. One of the three will be named “Pilot of the Year,” the highest honor for Angel Flight Southeast pilots.
Snell, who flies a Piper Seneca1, is based out of Sebastian Municipal Airport. He has beenan Angel Flight Southeast pilot since 2000 and resides in Sebastian.
Rivero, who joined the Angel Flight Southeast network in 2012, flies a Grumman Tiger out of Tamiami Airport. He resides in Kendall and was the 2013 Pilot of the Year recipient.
Brecker, who flies a Diamond Twin Star, is based out of Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport. He has been flying for Angel Flight Southeast since 2004 and resides in Delray Beach.
“Our Angel Flight Southeast pilots may sign up to fly a passenger to a medical appointment any day of the week. Some flights require multiple legs and these volunteers play an important role in coordinating the trips with precise timing so their passengers arrive safely and on time,” said Steve Purello, CEO of Angel Flight Southeast which is based in Leesburg, Fla.
“Often pilots will fly the same passenger to multiple appointments and they develop close relationships with the patients and their families and friends. While the pilots often say their reward is the smile or hug from the passengers, we want to recognize each of them for their unselfish dedication to our Angel Flight Southeast passengers,” Purello added.
For information about the event or to learn more about Angel Flight Southeast, please call (352) 326-0761 or visit http://www.angelflightse.org/events.