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PALS SkyHope Volunteer pilot, Sree Velicheti has been nominated for the 2025 Endeavor Award

VOTING DATES:
STARTS MONDAY AUGUST 19, 2024 AT 10 AM (PST)
ENDS ON TUESDAY AUGUST 27, 2024 12PM (PST)
THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN THE FALL!

PALS SkyHope thrilled to announce that PALS SkyHope volunteer pilot Sree Velicheti has been nominated for the prestigious 2025 Endeavor Award! This honor recognizes pilots who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to public benefit flying, and Sree’s dedication to our mission makes him a standout candidate.

Since joining PALS in late 2014, Sree has shown remarkable passion and commitment. Originally setting out to fly just one mission a month, he was deeply moved by the stories of the passengers he met. Like the Maine resident who, after being given just six months to live, is now cancer-free thanks to multiple flights to Philadelphia, and the Virginia father whose son’s leg was saved from amputation due to timely flights to New York. Inspired by these stories, Sree quickly expanded his involvement, flying 26 missions in his first year alone.

Over the past decade, Sree has flown nearly 100 missions in his Piper Malibu Mirage, but his contributions go far beyond the cockpit. As a mentor, Sree plays a crucial role in guiding new pilots, ensuring they are well-prepared and confident in their ability to serve. His leadership as a Pilot Ambassador helps to recruit new pilots, forge connections, and raise awareness about the lifesaving work of PALS SkyHope. Additionally, Sree is a Director and Organizer of the Mid-Atlantic Pilots Association, further demonstrating his dedication to aviation and the community.

Sree’s selflessness is evident in everything he does. In a true testament to his character, he even asked his wedding guests to donate to PALS SkyHope in lieu of gifts. This act of kindness reflects the depth of his commitment to our mission.

Sree’s nomination for the Endeavor Award is a well-deserved recognition of his unwavering dedication, empathy, and the incredible impact he has made on countless lives. We are proud to have Sree as part of the PALS SkyHope family and wish him the best of luck as the 2025 Endeavor Award selection process unfolds. Congratulations, Sree!

“Flying PALS patients is by far the most rewarding use of my airplane, flying skills, and experience. When I started with PALS in late 2014, my ‘budget’ was one flight per month. But after hearing the stories straight from passengers during my initial flights, like from a Maine resident who was given six months to live by his local doctor but is now cancer-free after several flights to Philadelphia, from a father in Virginia who attributed the saving of his six year old son's leg from amputation due to bone cancer to PALS flights to New York, I started booking flights on as many weekends as were allowed by my schedule and weather. I ended up flying 26 missions in the first year. I have heard many more touching stories since then and feel privileged to be a part of the lives of these families.”

About Sree

Sree has been a volunteer pilot for more than 10 years, and has been involved in public benefit flying since 2003.

He flies a Piper Malibu Mirage. He’s completed 99 flights so far!

Sree has mentored many pilots and follows up with new pilots after their orientations, guiding them through their initial flights, and ensuring they are well-prepared. In addition to flying, Sree volunteers as a Pilot Ambassador and has been using his time to make connections, help recruit pilots, attend events, and spread the word about PALS. Sree also is a Director and Organizer of the Mid-Atlantic Pilots Association.

“Sree’s exceptional dedication is evident in his willingness to adjust his schedule on short notice to meet urgent needs, a testament to his commitment and flexibility. He consistently provides support with unwavering patience and kindness, even when managing his busy schedule. Sree is empathetic, soft-spoken, and humble.

Sree’s selflessness and dedication are demonstrated by his request for wedding guests to donate to PALS SkyHope instead of giving gifts. Volunteer flying is always in his heart.