Oshkosh 2009

Oshkosh was a great success this year! Many opportunities to fellowship with other mission aviation groups, individual Samaritan supporters, and network with several new people.

Left to right: Mark Palm, Ambassador Evan Paki, Gary Bustin & Tom Hamilton.

Our wonderful host family, Bill & Linda!

An evening of fellowship, group dinner & Samaritan presentation.

The Spirit of Paradise was on static display at the main base this year. We were one of many organizations representing IAMA's "Fly for Life" theme this year, highlighting the humanitarian work we do with our aircraft.

Samaritan's 7th Annual Golf Tournament & Dinner/Auction Fundraiser!

Over 150 poeple attended the dinner and 26 teams showed up to golf! We were blessed to have raised nearly $30,000 from this event which will go towards our first year's operations in Papua New Guinea!!!

Kristi Ward was our guest speaker for the evening. It was really neat to hear part of her & Eric's story. To read more about Eric, visit our homepage.

Co-founders Mark Palm (right) and Gary Bustin (left) gave a presentation in Pidgin, one of the native languages in Papua New Guinea.

Boars head tucked away in the brush representing authentic wild animals in PNG for the evening's theme "Spirit of Paradise".

A hut was built by one of our volunteers to give a more native feel & help represent again the theme of the evening.

Post-chemo party for Sierra Smith!

For those of you who have followed Sierra's story, she finished her last round of chemo the week after Easter! She is also scheduled to have more surgeries in the fall for the prosthesis in her leg, so please keep her in prayer! The Smith family would like to extend their great gratitude and sincere thanks for all of your prayers lifted up during Sierra’s treatment.

(See Party details below!)

You're Invited: Post-chemo "potluck" party for Sierra

Hosted by: Sierra's parents

When: Sunday - May 17, 2009 (12:30-4:30pm)

Location: Pa-Co-Chu-Puk Ridgway State Park shelter A

"We'd love it if Samaritan Aviation supporters who have prayed for and helped us out would join us. Bring along a side dish or dessert to share. We're providing hotdogs and the entry fee of $6 for the first 20 vehicles after 12pm. Tell the entry ranger you're there for Sierra's Celebration. And please call (970) 497-2205 to leave a message and let us know how many in your party are coming!" - The Smith Family

Mercy Flight News

We recently flew Eric & his wife Kristi to Denver where he received some initial medical treatment, and then back home to Delta, CO. Eric is a Youth Pastor, husband and father of three that has been diagnosed with “carcinoma of unknown primary”. Doctors are treating Eric’s cancer like a Germ Cell Tumor, which can have a rare distribution pattern and begins in the abdomen. Please join us in lifting this family up in prayer as they continue to move forward with treatment. Eric and his wife both have amazing hearts and are living their lives out loud for God! It’s been a privilege hearing their story, getting to know them, and standing by their side through this difficult time.

Eric & his wife Kristi...en route to Denver.

Kristi, Eric & Gary Bustin (pilot).

The gang in front of Samaritan's 210 and hangar, preparing for departure.