A 16-year-old pilot-in-training flew into Butler Airport Saturday, July 18,2020, delivering personal protective equipment for Butler Hospital.
T.J. Kim is from Virginia and started an effort to delivery PPE to rural hospitals during the pandemic in his Cessna while using his flight training sessions to make the trip with his instructor. He typically makes deliveries close to home but this was his 1st out of state delivery.
He chose Butler to honor Congressman Mike Kelly as he and Kim’s family met a few years ago at a Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington. Ever since, Kim says, Kelly inquires how he is doing and keeps that connection with the family.
Operation S.O.S. stand for Supplies Over Skies. He and his father gathered the many items to donate. Kim started his weekly trips in Virginia but has since expanded his efforts. He’s visited multiple hospitals. Kim even had the opportunity to speak at the White House.
Dr. David Rottinghaus, from Butler Health System, was on hand to receive the gloves, masks, and other PPE. Kim brought 8 boxes of PPE with him for the delivery. That equates to 4,020 pieces of PPE, which is more than he usually takes on a delivery.
#PPE
#ButlerAirport
#teen
#pilot
#donations
