Cox Air Care pilot Steve Allen was recently presented with three awards that recognize his career in aviation and his expertise in aviation safety.
Allen retired from the Army National Guard in January, having served a total of 37 years in active duty and the reserves. He’s been an Air Care pilot for the last two years and he previously flew with Air Care when the department had a helicopter stationed in Branson.
At this year’s National Guard Aviation Safety Conference, held in March at Lake of the Ozarks, Allen received:
The Gary B. Hayes Award for Aviation Safety – An annual honor presented by the National Guard that recognizes significant contributions to National Guard aviation.
Order of St. Michael – A peer-nominated award presented by the Army Aviation Association of America that recognizes significant contributions to Army aviation.
Army Legion of Merit – One of the highest non-combat medals a service member can receive. The medal recognizes exceptional conduct and lifetime achievement.
Allen says he gravitated toward specializing in aviation safety after doing “just about every aviation job in the Army.” He served as an assault helicopter pilot, a maintenance officer and a heavy-lift cargo pilot, among other things.
“I always wanted to be the guy looking out for the troops and getting the job done without anyone getting hurt,” he says.
He earned a master’s in aviation safety and began flying medical helicopters in the years after his active-duty service.
“There’s really nothing you can do with a helicopter that’s more satisfying than picking someone up who needs a trip to the hospital.”
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