For years, Ed flew patient missions but now he flies an overworked desk.

Exciting news this week: Mercy Medical Airlift’s founder, CEO and president, has been selected for induction into the Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame. A reception, dinner and formal ceremony will be held on November 13 at the Virginia Aviation Museum in Richmond to honor him and other inductees. Mr. Boyer has been called the “father” of charitable medical air transportation because he’s devoted most of his life to make sure that no patient in need of specialized medical treatment is left stranded because of inability to pay for long-distance flights.

     All that sounds pretty formal. The truth is, around here, in the offices where we work, we think of our chief as a kind-hearted teddy bear with a no-nonsense manner who regularly writes email messages of import to colleagues at 2 a.m. and who often surprises us with a funny joke or wry remark.

       What is the significance of his award? As stated on its website, “The Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame was created by the Virginia Aeronautical Historical Society with the two-fold purpose of honoring those Virginians who have made significant and lasting contributions to aviation while preserving their stories for future generations. 

     “Since 1978 The Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame…has recognized 104 individuals from all areas of aviation including business, research and development, flight, maintenance, military service and government.”

            A few other things you should know about Ed Boyer: he’s a private pilot who gave up his airplane to fly the desk; his wife, Carol, is a creative soul and guiding light who served for years to serve as a fund developer for MMA; he has won numerous other awards such as the Virginia Department of Aviation’s Lifetime Achievement Award, AARP The Magazine’s Inspire Award, an Elder Statesman Award from the National Aeronautic Association; and a Spirit of Service Award from the Corporation for National and Community Service.

          He will tell you that his motivation in creating a national system of charitable medical air transportation is his desire to serve the Lord and help those in need.

     One final note: his favorite filler (one of his own invention) to use when a precise word isn’t necessary is “hooblobby.”

     Fortunately, we have a word for Ed that IS necessary: Congratulations! We’re so proud of you!

One Response to “A Happy Hooblobby for Ed Boyer”

  1. Harold Says:
    July 30th, 2010 at 3:28 pm

    Congratulations and thank you for all you do to help those in great need.