Midwest Aviation Expo Becomes LifeLine Pilots Waypoint for Future Service Dogs

By Carmelo Turdo

The Midwest Aviation Expo, recently held at Mount Vernon, IL Outland Airport, was more than just an exhibit event for light sport and general aviation aircraft brands. It was also an opportunity for the Midwest Aviation community to bring out the best in each other as we celebrate aviation. On Thursday, a LifeLine Pilots flight arrived with two special passengers of the canine variety winging their way to a new home. The dogs are seen here getting a break from flying before being transferred to another plane and crew to complete their trip.

Stuart Rauh, John Sellers, Mason Green and Bob Briggs

Pilots Bob Briggs and Mason Green brought the dogs from Scottsboro, AL to Mount Vernon. There they met Stuart Rauh and John Sellers who flew down from Des Moines, IA to pick up the dogs and fly them back to Cedar Rapids where our four-legged friends will be delivered to Defintiely Dogs for service dog training. Rauh recalled that the last dog he flew was recently graduated as a PTSD service dog.

LifeLine Pilots coordinates air transportation for patient and humanitarian needs mostly within the northern Midwest.states. Pilots volunteer their time and aircraft for these flights, including the one featured in this story. Definitely Dogs provides trained service dogs to patients living with PTSD, anxiety disorders and hearing loss. Both are non-profit organizations who would appreciate your support to continue their missions.