Welcome to the website for the West Point Aviation Foundation! No longer are we just a Facebook Group or a good idea, we are now an official Nonprofit Corporation registered in the State of Delaware (look it up here) and have been issued a Federal Employee Identification Number (FEIN). So what’s next? On the business side, we are applying for 501(c)3 status from the Internal Revenue Service. This will reduce our operating expenses and allow your donations to be counted as itemized deductions on your Federal Tax Return. On the operating side, as you know from reading this post, we are launching the Foundation’s Official Website and Membership Portal.
For most of the people reading this, your careers have been impacted significantly by the unique brotherhood of aviation. Whether you’re a career military aviator, professional pilot, engineering genius, or want to get the most out of your private pilot’s license, we are all bound by a common love for flying. This organization is intended to preserve that relationship by creating a platform for ideas and experiences, allowing aviators to learn from each other and make lasting relationships. As you have hopefully seen on the homepage, we plan to accomplish this in three ways:
- Scholarships – This organization is intended to benefit more than just ourselves. Based on Donations and Future Sponsorships we plan to provide several Cadet and Veteran Flight Scholarships each year to contribute to the overall progress of the Aviation Industry.
- Networking – Connections amongst our members will create lasting relationships, mentorship opportunities, and job opportunities.
- Events – We plan to host several Official/Officially Sanctioned Member Events each year.
Thanks to Rich MeInykand Tanya Estes, the Foundation is establishing a relationship with the West Point Aviation Club/Flying Team so we can provide scholarships to cadets with a desire to fly. Additionally, WPAF intends to provide at least one Veteran Scholarship every year. Both of these scholarships at a minimum will require $10,000 Annually. The members of WPAF, who are some of the most talented and connected professionals in the world, should easily be able to internally or externally raise that amount. We all recognize that the networking and event aspects of WPAF will be invaluable, but we collectively need to pay it forward and promote the growth of Veterans in Aviation.
Our networking goal will be greatly enhanced by the new website Member’s Area that features a sortable member directory, member messaging, and a mentorship program. If you want to transition to a warrant officer, become a CAB Commander, or enter the airlines, there is someone within this group that is able to help you. As for events, we are excited to bring members passionate about aviation together. In a more professional sense, we want to liaise between this unique group and corporations that are interested in establishing a bridge to our pool of talent. The endstate is to establish deeper connections among the members of our group while providing them with industry opportunities and training during fun events.
So what can you do?
- Become an Offical Member – Being in the Facebook Group does not make you an actual member of WPAF. Click Here to register and ensure you don’t miss out on all the benefits of the free membership. In the future joining the group on Facebook will require users to enter their membership number.
- Consider Donating During Registration – We have some pretty sweet membership levels badges for those that donate. You can donate as little as $1. Our goal is to raise $1,500 in the next 14 days to cover all startup expenses.
- Apply to Volunteer – Complete a brief form in the Member’s Area to apply to volunteer. We are currently in need of the following leadership positions: Director of Mentorship, Director of Communications, Director of Events, and Director of Fundraising. We also are looking for contributing authors.
- Apply to be a Mentor – Almost everyone is qualified to mentor someone. All you have to be is a few years ahead of where your mentee wants to go!
- Request a Mentor – You should be a Mentor and Mentee! We can the awkwardness away by matching you with a mentor and providing structure to the process.
- Help us Secure Corporate Sponsorships
- Share with Potential Members
Here’s to a great start to the West Point Aviation Foundation!
