TULSA, OK--(Marketwire - Dec 20, 2011) - Working in partnership with Veterans Airlift Command, CEO Collective (www.ceocollective.com) announces its CEOs Helping Heroes initiative. CEO Collective, an exclusive online shopping experience designed to accommodate the discriminating tastes of CEOs and top-level executives while providing opportunities for personal generosity, has made it possible for its members to directly support post 9/11 combat wounded by underwriting the cost of critical air transportation for them and/or their families.
Utilizing a network of volunteer pilots and donated flight time, Veterans Airlift Command (VAC) provides free private air transportation to combat wounded for medical and other compassionate purposes. Although VAC volunteers absorb most missions, there are gaps to be filled.
VAC has been given the exclusive use of an Eclipse Jet for this purpose. Sponsorship of these flights (FAA designated call sign "hero flight") is an open unmet need and thus an opportunity for CEOs Helping Heroes to make a significant difference with direct personal involvement.
Wounded warriors typically spend months, often years, in hospitals or rehab centers, separated from home, family and the troops with whom they have served.
VAC Founder Walt Fricke says, "With more than 40,000 wounded service men and women from Iraq and Afghanistan alone, the need for partner support and personal sponsorship is tremendous. Because of their injuries, many of the heroes we fly aren't able to travel commercially, or if able, only with major inconvenience, from TSA searches of prosthetics, to very uncomfortable and often painful seating. We are the transport lifeline for many wounded veterans."
Brent Lollis, founder, CEO Collective, explains, "The opportunity to make such a huge difference in the lives of true American military heroes by enabling them to reunite with their family or military unit is a humbling and deeply rewarding opportunity for our members. Living a full life is as much about what we give back as it is about what we gain. We are honored to partner with Veterans Airlift Command."
Often, VAC missions include reuniting the veteran with his or her unit, when that unit returns to the U.S., a process that helps bring emotional healing and closure for many veterans. With more U.S. troops heading home in coming months, the requests for air transport are expected to escalate.
To learn more about how you can be a part of CEOs Helping Heroes, go to www.ceocollective.com/hero
About Veterans Airlift Command
Veterans Airlift Command is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization based in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. VAC provides free air transportation to wounded veterans and their families for medical and other compassionate purposes, through a national network of volunteer aircraft owners and pilots.
About CEO Collective
CEO Collective is an exclusive online shopping experience designed to accommodate the discriminating tastes of CEOs and top-level executives while providing opportunities for personal generosity. The company specializes in unique luxury goods and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The selections offered to members change frequently and include private jets, original artwork, yachts, rare chocolate, private concerts, custom guitars and antique wine collections.
Contact Information:
CEO Collective
888-CEO-8014
media@ceocollective.com