Mack Secord, 77, of Atlanta was honored by the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) and Air Care Alliance for his 26 years of service to Angel Flight. He provided transportation to those with medical needs in his 1975 Cessna Skylane 182P.
He was named Distinguished Volunteer Pilot as part of the 2009 National Public Benefit Flying Awards. Secord is a former U.S. Air Force pilot who flew North American Aviation F-86 Sabre jets for 10 years and later transferred to the Lockheed C-130 transport aircraft. His U.S. Air Force service lasted 22 years. Secord bases his aircraft at Dekalb-Peachtree Airport in Atlanta.
The award was presented in the Lyndon B. Johnson Room of the U.S. Senate. NAA also honored Robert J. Munley as the 2009 outstanding volunteer. The Corporate Angel Network was given the Outstanding Achievement in Public Benefit Flying.
“Public Benefit Flying is one of the most selfless, compassionate, and civic attributes of our nation’s general aviation industry,” said Jonathan Gaffney, president and CEO of NAA and chairman of the award selection committee. “Every day across America, men and women contribute their skill, time, and expertise putting their aircraft to use to the benefit of their fellow man, their communities, and our country. To acknowledge their actions through this awards program is one of the most rewarding responsibilities of NAA.”
