This February, MATRIX is pleased to support the Flying Wings of Louisiana organization. Their mission is to ensure that Louisiana cancer patients will always have air transportation to the regional medical care they need. They offer the convenience and flexibility of picking patients up at small airports close to their home, reduce wait times as well as minimize exposure to germs. All of these benefits are offered at no charge to the families.

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Rusty Lavergne is the founder of Flying Wings of Louisiana along with his wife and co-founder, Kelly Lavergne. Rusty is a former Army Blackhawk Helicopter Pilot (1994-2002) and has been fulfilling his passion of aviation by flying helicopters for the past 31 years. Rusty's love of aviation has led him to
flying fixed wing airplanes where he has acquired his CFI, CFII and MEI. Rusty was awarded the Louisiana Aviation Professional of the Year 2024 by DOTD.

 

Having raised their 3 sons, Rusty and Kelly were ready for another chapter in life of giving back. Cancer has affected both of their families and they decided to focus their efforts by supporting those who are in any stage of cancer. Flying Wings serves cancer patients with free flights in general aviation planes by volunteer pilots to MD Anderson in Houston and St. Jude in Memphis. Flying Wings is Rusty and Kelly’s contribution to the community. The organization has expanded its geographical reach by
frequently partnering with other organizations to get patients to the necessary medical treatment they need. You can learn more about this organization here.