"I'm just soft-hearted. I'm not the only one."
Oscar Victor says he's just one of hundreds of pilots nationwide who combine their love of flying with their desire to help others. For over 20 years, Oscar has volunteered with AirLifeLine, an organization that provides free flights to patients who need medical care but can't afford a plane ticket.
Oscar founded AirLifeLine's Minnesota chapter in 1980 by recruiting pilots and setting up missions. He had to give up flying missions in 1995, but has remained very involved. Children attending Camp Heartland, a camp for kids impacted by HIV/AIDS, fly there for free thanks to Oscar. It is estimated that he has volunteered nearly 30,000 hours of service.
Oscar says his wife's support has been invaluable since his responsibilities would often interfere with family plans. If a patient needed to fly on the fourth of July, Oscar would make sure they could. He's proud to say that AirLifeLine has helped save lives.
"When you get through with a lot of these missions, you break out with a tear in your eye. I do. I'm supposed to be tough."
Designated Charity: $1100 to AirLifeLine