"The best way to predict your future is to create it." — General B.O. Davis

Hello MHF Students and Supporters,

It’s been a wonderful Summer, and the Mile High Flight Program is ready to kick off another year of new opportunities and once-in-a-life-time experiences. Though our last group event of the 2023 – 2024 year was in June, the MHF “Crew” was busy monitoring the progress of our four Phase 2 solo flight students and preparing for what we hope will be a banner 2024 – 2025 year.

In this edition, we’re excited to report on the continued success of current and former MHF students, as they take big steps towards bright futures. We hope you’ll enjoy reading about their journeys.

Tailwinds,

Captain Mosley and the Mile High Flight "Crew"

Phase II: Ascending to New Heights

As we reported, this was a big year for MHF, and under the leadership of Captain John Frazier, we selected four outstanding students to receive Phase 2 solo flight training. We are excited to announce that Jacob Kalema, Anna James, and Kelsy Palacio successfully completed their solo flights in this year's summer program!

As mentors, one of the most exciting things we’re privileged to experience, is to witness firsthand the steps our students take towards fulfilling their dreams. The Mile High Flight program is proud of its legacy, and we continue to “pay it forward.” The last picture below is Phase 2 student Kelsy Palacio, as she receives her wings after her first solo. Kelsy’s cousin, (and MHF grad Andrea Martinez) had the honor of pinning on Kelsy’s wings. Andrea soloed with the MHF program in 2004, advanced quickly and is now a pilot and Boeing 737 instructor at United Airlines. She and her husband Willy, (also a United Airlines pilot), have been mentors with the MHFP for many years, and their leadership by example has motivated countless students over the years.

Honoring Heritage, Igniting Promise

MHFP Kick-Off Meeting

Get ready for an exhilarating adventure with the 2024-2025 Mile High Flight Program! We're kicking off this year with an exciting launch meeting on Sunday, October 20th, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Wings Over The Rockies Air and Space Museum, 7711 E Academy Blvd, Denver, CO 80230. Whether you're an aviation enthusiast or simply curious about taking your first step toward soaring through the skies, this program is for YOU! Come meet like-minded students, connect with passionate mentors, and get a sneak peek at the thrilling experiences ahead. Mark your calendars and gear up for an unforgettable year of learning, flying, and reaching new heights!

If you or someone you know would like to participate in our program, please be sure to complete an application by the October 10, 2024 deadline. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to be part of an exciting aviation adventure!

Onward & Upward!

Kamia Bradley

MHF grad Kamia Bradley continues to shine. Kamia received her wings from MHF in 2015 and hasn’t stopped soaring since then. A distinguished graduate from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University she now flies jets for SkyWest Airlines. Kamia was recently recognized to receive the prestigious 2024 Amelia Earhart Pioneering Achievement Award. The press release announcing her achievement reads:

“Bradley, a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Science, will be a featured speaker during the annual Amelia Earhart Festival in Atchison, Kan.

Growing up homeless in Colorado, Kamia is the first in her family to graduate high school and college, going on to overcome tremendous obstacles to pursue her dream of flight as a pilot. To help others achieve their dreams, Kamia educates future pilots as a certified flight instructor. 

“With the Pioneering Achievement Award, we are proud to honor Kamia Bradley for her accomplishments and her dedication to inspiring and educating future aviators,” said Jacque Pregont, Amelia Earhart Festival coordinator. “Kamia’s life and career exemplify Amelia Earhart’s legacy of perseverance and spirit of determination,” Kamia has also been recognized by The Woodson Center in Washington, DC, as a “modern-day Bessie Coleman.” Coleman, who is highlighted in the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum in Atchison, Kansas, blazed a trail for female pilots when in 1921, she became the first Black woman to earn a pilot’s license. 

Previously, Kamia was awarded a flying instruction scholarship from the “Fly with Amelia Foundation,” a nonprofit formed by Amelia Rose Earhart, a 2013 Pioneering Achievement Award recipient and pilot who gained national acclaim for being the youngest woman to follow her namesake’s flightpath to circumnavigate the world.”

In addition to this national recognition, Kamia added:

“Along with the award, I received $20,000 to donate to whatever charity of my choosing that benefits young women. In the spirit of Amelia Rose, I decided to use the award the same way she did back in 2014 and use the money to create my own non-profit: the Kamia Flies Foundation.

The Kamia Flies Foundation has one mission: to provide financial support and mentorship for young women who have overcome tremendous adversity and are pursuing a career to be a professional pilot.”

Kamia’s achievements and deep desire to serve her community represent the very best values of the Tuskegee Airmen. We look forward to what her bright future holds.

Marrisa Coney

2021 MHF Phase 2 solo graduate Marissa Coney reports that “I passed my CFI check ride today!! Planning on moving back to the Denver area and starting flight instructing!” The Certified Flight Instructor certification is considered by many to be the most challenging in the aviation industry. Marissa is proving once again why she’s one of our best.

Jacob Kalema & Roman Wilkerson

They say that Fall is a season of change, and for MHF grads Roman Wilkerson and Jacob Kalema, that’s certainly true. Kanika Wilkerson writes: “FIRST WEEK AT MSU for Jacob Kalema and Roman Wilkerson! I wanted to send over a photo of two new students as they started their first week at MSU (Jacob and Roman 🙂). It is truly wonderful to see students from the MHFP program continue to have shared experiences as they pursue the next chapter of their aviation careers. Roman and Alexander also have a class together through MSU's aviation program.  

Thank you for all you do to support our young men and women through this wonderful program. I hope all is well.”

Celebrating Achievements & Successes

Sareina Corvid & Hakeem Khaleel

We are grateful to announce that two of our outstanding MHF Phase 2 graduates, Sareina Corvid and Hakeem Khaleel, each received $3,000 donations from a long-time supporter of the Mile High Flight program. These generous contributions are to be used exclusively for flight training expenses and come just in time to help each continue their long journeys towards becoming professional pilots. To our “long term supporter”, who wishes to remain anonymous, once again we say “THANK YOU” for making a profound difference in the lives of these hard-working aspiring aviators. 

Preston Jones

MHF student Preston Jones is taking full advantage of every opportunity available. Preston was recently awarded an Aim High Flight Academy scholarship, (offered by the United States Air Force) and learned how to fly! But his successes don’t end there. Preston shared more good news: “After the Mile High Flight Program I was selected for Aim High. Then when I returned to Colorado, I immediately interviewed for the EAA $11,000 scholarship and was selected for that as well. It's been an extremely eventful summer, and it has set me up for my path to the Airlines!”     

Roman Wilkerson

Roman Writes: I wanted to email you to say hello and to keep you updated on my aviation journey.

For starters, I've received a scholarship through the ASCENT program offered through my high school. This is a scholarship opportunity where my former high school pays for the books, fees, and tuition for my first year of college. I will start at MSU Denver in August and continue to pursue a degree in aviation through their aviation and aerospace science department. 

Second, I am continuing my flight training through the Private Pilots scholarship I received through Wings over the Rockies, I began flying again a few weeks ago with Front Range Flight School. My instructor is "Paul Myers" and he's great. I have some flights scheduled with him leading up to Aug 13 and will be scheduling more soon once I figure out my school schedule. I have also been using my simulator regularly to practice the proper maneuvers such as Steep turns, Standard rate turns, Power on & off stalls, and Proper landing techniques. 

College will be a big transition, but I am excited. This concludes everything that happened this month and I look forward to writing you with regular updates. Thank you again for your time and your mentorship. I truly appreciate everything you all have done for me. 

Gratitude in Flight: A Heartfelt Thank You!

Mrs. Elizabeth Kalema writes: “Capt. Frazier, Mrs. Frazier and the entire Mile high crew, The Kalema family would like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation for making today a Day of remembrance in Jacob's life.

We have watched Jacob's milestone from a little boy who was so inspired even more to sticking to his dream when you made that visit in 2019 at his former middle school,Thunder Ridge in Aurora. Today's Solo has proved to Jacob that he can do anything in this world with determination and hard work, such a great empowerment to solidify his dream. He is ready to take upon more tasks to make sure that his dreams in Aviation is successful. 

Thank you for all the encouragement, education, exposure to all the opportunities that we have had in the last four years in the program. All the events we visited helped Jacob to confirm exactly what he wants for his future career. And with phase two successful completion today, the Solo opportunity just iced the cake. 

We shall keep you updated with developments as he continues to pursue his dream of becoming a commercial pilot.