January 2025

Hello April,

Welcome to the January 2025 edition of the Challenge Air for Kids & Friends newsletter!

As we kick off a new year, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible community of pilots, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters who make our mission possible. Over the past 31 years, Challenge Air has brought the joy of flight to thousands of children with special needs, building confidence and creating unforgettable memories. This year, we’re excited to soar to new heights together, with Fly Days, partnerships, and opportunities that continue to inspire and empower.

Please continue reading to catch up on all the new things happening for Challenge Air: new headquarters on the first floor at Signature Aviation, new Board leadership, and new trustees. Save the date for our Spring fly days and read about how you can host a fly day in your city. We are looking for 2 more fly day locations for the Fall.

Thank you for being part of this amazing journey—we couldn’t do it without you!

April Culver

CEO/ Executive Director

Upcoming Events

📣The first Fly Day of 2025 is almost here! ✈️ Registration is open!



Pilots, families, and volunteers, get ready to take off on January 25, 2025, for an incredible day filled with fun, friendship, and flight. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the excitement—sign up now and join us for an unforgettable experience!

Bring Fly Day Magic to Your City

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and youth with special needs through the power of flight? We're always looking to expand our reach and bring the magic of Challenge Air to new communities. If you're interested in hosting a Fly Day in your area, join Challenge Air Program Director, Juliet Siddons, in the video below as she shares details about how to host a Fly Day in your city. 

submit your application to Juliet.siddons@challengeair.org

Exciting News: A New and Improved Challenge Air Website is Coming Soon!

Welcoming Fresh Faces: Meet Challenge Air's

3 New Board Members!

Meet Dr Trish Myers

Dr. Trish Myers serves as a Global IT Delivery Leader and business strategy consultant across numerous industries. Her innovative design approach to e-commerce and self-service provides companies with omni-channel optimization of operations and performance. She has served non-profit organizations for over 25 years through service and leadership.

Trish was introduced to Challenge Air at our Tulsa Event, assisting with registration where she was able to connect with each of the families and gain a deep understanding of how impactful Challenge Air is to our co-pilots and families. "The joy of the co-pilots and compassion of the Challenge Air staff and volunteers was amazing. I had heard about the fly days through my sister and finally had a chance to attend. What a fantastic organization!" I am honored to join the Board of Trustees and look forward to assisting Challenge Air reach as many families as possible.

Meet Scott Dubee

Scott Dubee is a retired Air Force veteran and private pilot with a deep passion for aviation and a heartfelt dedication to children with special needs. After more than 20 years of military service, Scott transitioned to education, teaching special education before focusing on aviation and aerospace.

Through this work, he has had the privilege of inspiring the next generation of aviators while advocating for inclusive opportunities. Participating in Challenge Air events in Chattanooga and Atlanta allows Scott to bring his passions together. As he puts it, "Aviation isn’t just a career for me—it’s a way to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others."

Meet Jess Evans

Jess Evans has been a dedicated volunteer with Challenge Air for Kids for the past three years, bringing her family along to share in the rewarding experience. As the wife of a pilot and a mom to two boys, ages 11 and 16, aviation and family are at the heart of everything she does.

Growing up in a military family, Jess spent much of her childhood living in Europe before eventually settling on the East Coast. In 2003, she made the move to Colorado to be with her husband. With over 20 years of experience in pediatric healthcare, Jess has held various roles, including Medical Assisting, managing a medical office, and working in quality and compliance.

Now working part-time, Jess has more time to devote to Challenge Air, combining her passion for helping others with her love for adventure. When she’s not volunteering, Jess enjoys reading, camping, boating, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Recognizing Our Incredible

2025 Challenge Air Leadership Team!

Recognizing our incredible 2025 Challenge Air Leadership Team! This dream team is leading the charge to bring more smiles, flights, and unforgettable experiences to children and youth with disabilities.

Shown from left to right: Carl (1st Vice President), April Culver (CEO/Executive Director), Joe Montag (Secretary/Treasurer), and D Schieferstein (President).

Volunteer Pilot Spotlight: Bartley Stevenson

Meet Bartley Stevenson, one of Challenge Air’s amazing volunteer pilots who helps make dreams take flight! Bartley joined Challenge Air in September 2023, and last year alone, flew three events.

When asked how he got involved, Bartley credits fellow pilot and mentor Bill Valbracht for introducing him to Challenge Air. “Bill is a fantastic person, a great pilot, and sets a phenomenal example for everyone. He said it would change my life, and he was right!” Bartley shared. While he doesn’t have a single favorite memory, he says every Challenge Air event is unforgettable.

Bartley’s aviation journey began on December 16, 2018, when he took his first flying lesson. By May 30, 2019, he had passed his check ride and was officially a pilot! Since then, he’s achieved his CFII and multi-engine ratings, with plans to become a multi-engine instructor next.

Bartley flies out of the Daniel Boone Flying Club in Boonville, MO (KVER), where he has access to three Cessnas—a 172, 177, and 182RG. He also loves flying a Piper PA-32R-301, which he says might just be his favorite.

As for his favorite destinations? Bartley is a fan of mountain flying. “I love the challenge of figuring out safe routes with a non-turbo airplane,” he explains. He’s also enjoyed international flying and island-hopping around the Bahamas.

Bartley’s passion for flying and his commitment to the Challenge Air mission inspires us all. Thank you, Bartley, for your generosity, skill, and dedication to helping kids and families soar! ✈️