If you can’t do it and don’t we’ll figure out another way.” -Michael Burks
“We’re going to keep moving forward. We’re not giving up. We’re not stopping. This is only the beginning of a big thing.” -Joe McNeal
Angel Flight West is a nonprofit organization that has been arranging air travel for both children and adults with compelling needs since 1983. Thousands of volunteer pilots fly over 12 western states to give a ray of hope to families in need. Pilot Michael Burks is one of these angels in the cockpit who devote their time, skills, and energy. His wife, Kiomi is one of the earth angels who also contribute greatly to land scenarios. One of the angel passengers who benefited from this arrangement was Mya Toone, a teenager born with brittle bone disease. When Joe McNeal learned about this initiative, he quickly reached out to make this noble cause get the recognition it deserves. Together, they created a heart-warming documentary that captures what it means to serve. Join Bruce, Michael, Kiomi, Mya, and Joe in an inspiring conversation about working together, weaving different interests for the greater good, connecting with people, and giving back. Tune in and learn more about what Angel Flight West can do for you!
Takeaways:
01:11 Meet the Angels of the Cockpit
06:49 Whatever It Takes To Get the Job Done
11:44 Misconceptions About Non-Profit Flights
16:09 Give Yourself Credit
21:39 Bring People Together
28:53 Meet Mya
34:21 You Will Not Die Today
37:32 We’re Not Giving Up!
Resources:
Book
Society
Articles
Media
- Volunteers Pilot Angel Flights To Get Sick Patients To Out Of State Appointments
- Angel Flight West Volunteers Helping Montana Patients
- Jadyn Fred Foundation, Angel Flight West Help Sick MT Families
- Award-Winning Documentary Highlights Angel Flight West
How do we help each other in times of need? Angel Flight West, a volunteer-driven organization knows how to take their services high above the clouds. Join Bruce, pilot Michael Burks, Kiomi Burks, Joe McNeal, and Mya Toone as they lift you in… Share on X
Quotes:
08:39 “Angel Flight is an amazing organization that will do whatever it takes to get the job done.” -Michael Burks
09:30 “If you can’t do it and don’t we’ll figure out another way.” -Michael Burks
15:39 “If somebody can help in a scenario, that added stress is taken down.” -Bruce Jepessen
18:16 “Why reinvent the wheel when you have something that’s working so well.” -Joe McNeal
25:45 “There’s a lot that are very unhappy in life in general, because they’re so focused, but once they get that taste of giving back, the floodgates can open.” -Bruce Jepessen
37:43 “We’re going to keep moving forward. We’re not giving up. We’re not stopping. This is only the beginning of a big thing.” -Joe McNeal
38:58 “One person can make a difference in the world.” -Joe McNeal
Meet Our Guests!
Michael Burks
Michael Burks, the sole owner and founder, created Fuel Fitness & Nutrition, Inc., Helena location for one purpose only, to create an exciting new way for the Helena community to Ignite a new love for health and fitness.
Michael is a self-made entrepreneur that has a passion for helping communities to not only reach a new level of fitness, but to also give back to the communities that support his entities. This ideal did not only include Fuel Fitness, but other companies that were owned and operated by Burks including Garden of Read’n, Missoula Maulers Junior Hockey Team and the Butte Cobras Junior Hockey Team.
After Helena was off and running, Michael focused his interests in Butte Montana, as that was another community that needed a health club that was not only affordable but provided high-end equipment, Life Fitness. Michael continued his passion with clubs in Bozeman, Billings, Kalispell, CDA, ID and then finally in his home town of Missoula Montana.
Michael spends most of his available time flying Angel Flight patients from various locations in Montana, Idaho and Washington to their respective appointment locations. Michael lives with his wife Kiomi and has 3 children, Ashley, Matthew and Dylan as well as 3 grandchildren Manny, Solana and Jimmy.
Joe McNeal
Joe McNeal has worked in diverse areas of productions from Short Films, Music Videos, Television and Major Films. His experience has taken him from planning stages to filming. Joe has Directed, Produced, Consulted and performed as an actor. As his mentor, influence and dearest friend and colleague, Galyn Gorg has been a guidance that has been unmatched in building Universal Spectrums Entertainment as a respected Entertainment Company.
Joe McNeal is a former 25-year law enforcement officer, a national instructor on crisis management, threat assessment and post blast investigations. As a result of his expertise and attention to detail in these areas, he has been requested as a technical advisor for television, film and music video productions. As a producer, actor and screenwriter he continues to be integral to the development of successful projects in the entertainment industry. Mr. McNeal has worked on projects with Academy Award winners Rami Malek and Patty Duke. Mr. McNeal’s knowledge of the backcountry and western life of Montana has made him a sought after consultant on western genre films, as well as, assisting with armorer duties and handling of all makes and models of firearms on set. He currently resides in the state of Montana.
Mya Toone
Mya was born with brittle bone disease, a condition that causes continuous fractures mostly in her femurs and hips, producing ongoing pain. She’s had surgeries to alleviate the pain, but her disease is terminal and she is on palliative care. Angel Flight Wings is able to lessen the pain of travel for Mya who suffers from brittle bone disease and car travel is painful.
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