The mercy medical angels logo is blue and white

High-Flying Honors

January 27, 2022

New Award

The beginning of 2021 was a sad time for Mercy Medical Angels, as Robb Alpaugh had passed away. He served as the President and CEO of Mercy Medical Angels for 5 years, and as a volunteer pilot for 15 years. In his memory, the Pilot of the Year award was renamed “Robb Alpaugh Memorial Pilot of the Year Award.” 



In 2021, this new award went to Mark Cross, a volunteer pilot based in Virginia. 


Meet Mark Cross

Mark Cross is the Chief Flight Instructor at APS Flight School. He has held this position since 2011. Cross earned his flight instructor certifications in the early 1980s. In addition to his service as a volunteer pilot for Mercy Medical Angels, he has also flown as an air ambulance pilot and a part-time corporate pilot. 


Cross enjoys fly fishing in his spare time. He also restores vintage aircraft, including his 1940 J3 Cub. 


A Team Effort

Cross is one of more than 500 volunteer pilots who fly for Mercy Medical Angels. They help patients in need across 10 states and Washington D.C. by transporting them to life-saving care. Altogether, the volunteer pilots flew 999 missions in 2020. 


Join us in congratulating all our volunteer pilots during Mercy Medical Angels’ 50th anniversary! 


Share this story with others.

Share your thoughts about this story.

Read More Patient Stories

By Stephanie Singer March 28, 2025
She survived breast cancer, but the treatments affected her health and quality of life. Find out how Mercy Medical Angels and the Hogan Family Foundation helped her.
Brain surgery patient after receiving charitable flights to medical care
By Stephanie Singer March 27, 2025
Read how a brain surgery patient accessed a needed neurology follow-up, thanks to charitable flights from Mercy Medical Angels... in her own words.
Nevin Showman (left) and Capt. John Billings (right) in front of their plane, 49Bravo.
By Stephanie Singer March 7, 2025
Read a heartfelt letter from Nevin Showman, one of our volunteer pilots, about how he's continuing Capt. John Billings' legacy.
By Stephanie Singer February 27, 2025
InsightsCare.com recently published an interview with our President and CEO about Mercy Medical Angels.
Woman with rare stomach cancer after receiving care at MD Anderson and University of Miami
By Stephanie Singer February 19, 2025
She was diagnosed with a rare form of stomach cancer that only a few doctors in the country could effectively treat. Find out how Mercy Medical Angels helped her access the care she needed.
Man with two cancers after receiving treatment at MD Anderson in Houston thanks to volunteer pilots
By Stephanie Singer February 17, 2025
Read the story of a man suffering from cancer, who received distant care thanks to volunteer pilots... in his own words.
Woman with cancer who received treatment at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida thanks to gas cards
By Stephanie Singer February 15, 2025
Her best shot at beating cancer was at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. But she couldn't afford the cost of driving there... until Mercy Medical Angels stepped in.
Cancer patient after receiving treatment at Cleveland Clinic, thanks to gas cards
By Stephanie Singer February 13, 2025
Read the story of a cancer patient who's winning her battles with help from charitable ground transportation... in her own words.
Man with multiple myeloma after receiving care, thanks to gas cards
By Stephanie Singer February 11, 2025
He was battling multiple myeloma, but couldn't afford the long drives to access treatment. Find out how Mercy Medical Angels helped him.
Patient with multiple rare diseases after receiving treatment
By Stephanie Singer February 8, 2025
Read the story of a patient with multiple rare diseases, who received help via gas cards... in her own words.
More Posts
Share by: