Celebrating Our 2026 LifeLine Pilots Volunteer Award Winners 

2026 LifeLine Pilots Awards

Behind every LifeLine Pilots mission is a volunteer using their aviation skills to help someone access the care they need. We’re proud to recognize the recipients of our 2026 Pilot Awards for their exceptional contributions to our mission.

🏆 Pilot of the Year: Jason Smoker (Indiana)
🏆 Wanda Whitsitt Founder’s Award: Ken Reily (Minnesota)
🏆 Hangar of Honor Award: Will Minnette (Michigan)
🏆 Blue Sky Award: Mike Quist (Wisconsin)
🏆 Special Recognition Award: John Greco (Pennsylvania)

While every LifeLine Pilots volunteer plays an important role in our mission, these individuals are being recognized for their contributions over the past year. Through missions, mentorship, recruitment, leadership, and collaboration across the public benefit flying community, they have helped expand access to care and strengthen our organization.

Please join us in congratulating these award recipients and thanking all of the volunteer pilots who generously donate their time, talent, aircraft, and resources to ensure distance is never a barrier to healthcare.

If you’re a pilot interested in joining our mission, visit www.lifelinepilots.org/volunteer to learn more.  

To request a free medical flight or support LifeLine Pilots mission, call 1-800-822-7972 or visit www.lifelinepilots.org.