NEW CADETS BEGIN JOURNEY FOR ‘WINGS’
TransPac Aviation Academy to welcome foundation’s first two pilots-to-be
PHOENIX, Ariz. – July 24, 2009 – Two teenage young men who a year and a half ago were nearly out of options will soon arrive in Phoenix to open up a future of possibility – thanks to the On Wings of Eagles’ Foundation and TransPac Aviation Academy. The cadets are the first two to be selected for the program, which will provide full-ride scholarships for the TransPac pilot training program and followed by a two-year paid internship as a certified flight instructor.
“This is a dream come true for these cadets,” said Bruce D. Oaster, chairman and CEO of the On Wings of Eagles Foundation. “It’s also thrilling for our foundation because these are the first two cadets we have awarded full-ride scholarships.”
To qualify for the scholarship, cadets Wesley Jones and Donte Tungey, both exemplary graduates of the National Guard Youth Challenge program went through a rigorous interview and selection process. After overcoming dropping out of high school and turning his back on a future as a gang banger, Jones graduated first in his class from Youth Challenge with a 4.0 grade point average. Tungey, bounced around much of his childhood in Atlanta, raised by a single mother with his nine sisters and no knowledge of his father. Overcoming hardships, Tungey excelled academically and graduated first his class with a 3.5 grade point average.
“We are excited to work with the On Wings of Eagles Foundation and have these two young men join our aviation training program,” said Stephen Goddard, TransPac president and CEO. “It is an honor to be able to welcome these two young men and to have the opportunity to make a difference in their lives.”
Both young men recently completed Fort Gordon Youth Challenge, outside of Augusta, Georgia, a 17-month program that takes recent high school drop-outs and \"at-risk\" youth and provides them with academic and life skills training aimed at improving employment potential and creating productive citizens.
Jones and Tungey will arrive in the Valley for a kick-off reception on Saturday, July 25 at TransPac Aviation Academy that will include a number of executive leaders from the academy, the Youth National Guard, and the On Wings of Eagles Foundation. The Cadets will officially begin classes and training will Monday, July 27.
TransPac Aviation Academy has been in operation in Phoenix since 2001 at Deer Valley Airport. The academy enrolls approximately 450 students annually from all over the U.S. and across the globe. Training programs adhere to aviation academy training criteria outlined by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
About TransPac Aviation Academy
TransPac develops and provides education and professional training to individuals with no prior aviation experience using classroom, small plane, and flight simulator training to achieve FAA-licensed commercial pilot status. The academy is considered one of the top flight schools in the U.S. and a leading program globally.Visit or call 1-866-857-2375 http://www.TransPacAcademy.com
About On Wings of Eagles Foundation
On Wings of Eagles is a foundation of professional aviators working to introduce young people to the aviation industry and the thrill of flight. The foundation’s purpose is to turn 1,000 at-risk and under-privileged youth into aviation professionals each year, through leadership, scholarships, professional training and personal mentoring.
Media Contact:
Juliet Straker
602-549-7188
juliet@marketingworxpr.com
