Fort Worth FBO donates to Navy SEAL Foundation

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L-R: Steve Savage (former Navy SEAL), Angela Thurmond (American Aero FTW general manager), Lindsey Leland (customer service representative) and Olivia FitzGerald (customer service) at the donation presentation to the Navy SEAL Foundation at the 2019 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition in Las Vegas.

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Fort Worth, Texas, FBO donates to Navy SEAL Foundation

When American Aero FTW opened its doors in 2012, the FBO at Meacham International Airport (KFTW) in Fort Worth, it committed to supporting military service members.

Oct. 22, American Aero demonstrated that backing once again by delivering a check for $16,210 to the Navy SEAL Foundation at the 2019 National Business Aviation Association conference in Las Vegas.

This marks the seventh donation to the Foundation in as many years, for a total contribution of more than $116,000. The annual gift is partially funded by customer contributions and matched 2-to-1 by the FBO, American Aero said in a news release.

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In 2017, American Aero designated donations to support scholarships for SEALs interested in obtaining their pilot certification.

Since then, 10 active and retired SEALs have been awarded scholarships for that purpose, pursuing educational programs for certifications such as FAA Rotary Wing Pilot Commercial Add-on, Rotorcraft-Helicopter Private Pilot and Commercial Pilot Aviation Instrument Rating certifications.

“We are so grateful to American Aero and its patriotic clientele for their continued support of the Navy SEAL Foundation with this, their seventh annual donation. Advanced education creates more opportunities, especially in today’s competitive job market where many transitioning military members find themselves,” said Robin King, CEO of the Navy SEAL Foundation.

Earlier this year, American Aero was also awarded a four-year Defense Logistics Agency contract to serve all military flights into and out of KFTW. That means the FBO is the lone provider for those services at the airport.

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“We are sincerely honored to serve our military personnel and thrilled that we can create opportunities for those who wish to join us in our love of aviation,” Robert M. Bass, founder of American Aero, said in the news release.

“The men and women in every branch of our military demonstrate courage and integrity, and their commitment to service is one that we seek to reflect in our daily interactions with customers,” Bass said.

American Aero also shows its support for servicemembers through employee recruitment and hiring. At any given time, nearly one-third of the FBO’s line service team is made up of reservists or retired military personnel.

“The qualities that make for an exceptional military career are also highly valued by American Aero, and those employees are a tremendous asset to our team,” said Angela Thurmond, American Aero general manager. “Attributes that contribute to success in the military align with our stringent culture of safety and service.”

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In 2019, the annual AIN FBO reader survey ranked American Aero FTW the #1 FBO in Texas and the Southwest, and one of the top 5 FBOs in the world.

The FBO also supports an annual holiday toy drive at KFTW for the U.S. Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program, donating hundreds of bicycles and toys to local children in need each year.

– FWBP Staff