A Message From Our Founders

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In the sprit of service to the community, as owners of American Helicopters and American Aviation, we formed the Virginia Airborne Search & Rescue in 2009. As Virginia’s first all volunteer on call Search & Rescue Helicopter 24/7, VASAR was operational in late 2009 providing statewide Search & Rescue and Project Lifesaver Support.

Shortly after founding VASAR, we formed a board of directors dedicated to both serving the community and, saving lives. VASAR became certified by the IRS as a 501c3 non-profit Rescue Squad. We committed to several fundraising events to fund our training, missions and operations. Since our founding, VASAR has raised 100% of its budget due to the generosity of our sponsors, members and fundraising events taking zero taxpayer dollars. VASAR is 100% all volunteer.  In January 2021, our board voted to drop our Virginia EMS Agency License and operate as Virginia Airborne Search & Rescue, Inc. providing the same services as a helicopter unit and drone unit.  

As we have grown and expanded our Airborne Search & Rescue capabilities, VASAR has become a full Project Lifesaver Agency and has a memorandum of understanding with the US Coast Guard for air support. VASAR also supports hundreds of other state and federal public safety agencies in Virginia and the Metropolitan Washington, DC area as well as the public. Recognized by the United States Congress, the Commonwealth of Virginia, Project Lifesaver and dozens of counties and cities for our dedication and support, we continue to serve in our mission “Flying to Save lives”.

There is nothing more satisfying than seeing the many dedicated and well trained VASAR Pilots, Flight Officers and Air Support members dedicating their time in flying to save lives. As the founders of VASAR, we continue to serve as the Chief and Board Chair leading this amazing group of heroes standing ready 24/7 for Airborne Search & Rescue missions. So please take a moment to review our website. If you are interested in being a personal or business sponsor, member or perhaps know of someone who would like to be, please forward our website to them. There is no greater calling in life than helping to save a life. Please consider being one of our heroes.