December 5, twenty-eight
aircraft from Phoenix and Sierra Vista flew in the Arizona Blue Sky Flyers
annual Navajo Indian Christmas Airlift to Window Rock, AZ, (RQE).
Started by Dick and Betty
McColley, the first Airlift to the Navajo Nation took place in 1985. In
2000, Dick and Betty moved from Phoenix to Sierra Vista, AZ and started a
group from there to join the Airlift. Now, son Greg, coordinates the flights
out of the Phoenix area at Deer Valley while Dick coordinates flights out of
the Sierra Vista area at Fort Huachuca.
Each aircraft this year,
including one helicopter, filled with donated clothing, toys and food,
converged on RQE joining in on this record setting round trip flight. This
marked the 25th consecutive year of the event and a new record
number of aircraft participants.
Pilots taking part in the
Airlift must plan proactively and be responsible for collecting donations of
adult and children’s clothing, food and toys to fill their planes. The
donations come from a variety of sources; friends, schools, churches,
businesses and other groups/individuals interested in contributing. Each
plane typically has a pilot and one passenger, with all remaining space
filled with donated materials. Organizers strive to ensure that all planes
are filled to capacity.
Following an 8:00 a.m.
briefing, aircraft began departing northeast bound for Window Rock. Upon
arrival at Window Rock, a brief celebration/presentation of certificates
took place this very chilly morning, recognizing the 25-year
accomplishment and significance of the donations to the Navajo people.
Dewey Harnagel was recognized for his continuous participation these
past 25 years.
The
event culminated with a breakfast buffet provided by the Navajo Nation
and our return trip home.
The Airlift wouldn't be possible without all the generous donations and
the help of so many volunteers including the hundreds of those working
in the background. Joining the numerous Blue Sky Flyer members were
pilots from the surrounding pilot community.
