The Valor Flight Crew
Produced in partnership with ECHO (Every Coast Helicopter Operations), the Valor Flight Crew Podcast promotes the personnel and life-saving equipment behind helicopter air ambulance services.Join hosts Mike Fadale and Blake Shrider for in-depth interviews and expert insights from air medical personnel, pilots, communication specialists, and maintenance crews who play critical roles in airborne emergency response.Both members of the ECHO team, Mike and Blake, have diverse backgrounds in public safety aviation and leadership, allowing them to bring unique perspectives and expertise to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast.Â
The VFC Flight Log: More than just a podcast | Ep 85
Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus.
This week, we're doing things a little differently. No special guests, no featured programs — just hosts Mike Fadale and Blake Shrider taking a moment to look back on nearly two years behind the microphones and reflect on the conversations, connections, and unforgettable moments that have shaped the show.
What started as an unexpected opportunity has become something far greater than either of us imagined. From powerful stories of resilience and mental health to lessons in...
Beyond the Hospital: Trauma & Critical Care in Motion | Ep 84
Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus.
In this special episode of the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, we come to you live from the 2026 ECHO Conference in Philadelphia - where we sit down with Melanie Bowman from VIGILINT to explore a non-traditional journey from military trauma and medical care, to government contracting and remote aeromedical operations from around the world.Â
Melanie shares her experience working in resource - limited environments where adaptability, preparation, and teamwork are essential to providing the highest l...
Beyond the Algorithm: Technology, Trust & Patient Care, part 2 | Ep 83
Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus.
In this episode of the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, we sit down with Christian Greengrass to explore the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, particularly in helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) and critical care transport.Â
We discuss how AI has the potential to support clinical decision-making, reduce the burden of documentation, connect medical technologies, and ultimately improve patient care. But with that potential comes significant responsibility. The conversation examines concerns surrounding da...
Beyond the Algorithm: Technology, Trust & Patient Care, part 1 | Ep 82
Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus.
In this episode of the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, we sit down with Christian Greengrass to explore the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, particularly in helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) and critical care transport.Â
We discuss how AI has the potential to support clinical decision-making, reduce the burden of documentation, connect medical technologies, and ultimately improve patient care. But with that potential comes significant responsibility. The conversation examines concerns surrounding da...
A global flight plan: What HEMS can learn across borders part 2 | Ep 81
Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus.
Helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) may share the same mission around the world, but the systems built to accomplish that mission can look very different.
In this episode, hosts Mike Fadale and Blake Shrider are joined by Jens Schwietring from ADAC Luftrettung for an international look at HEMS through the lens of the German and U.S. systems.Â
Together, they explore the similarities and differences in system design, crew training, pre-hospital care, o...
A Global Flight Plan: What HEMS Can Learn Across Borders, part 1 | Ep 80
Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus.
Helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) may share the same mission around the world, but the systems built to accomplish that mission can look very different.
In this episode, hosts Mike Fadale and Blake Shrider are joined by Jens Schwietring from ADAC Luftrettung for an international look at HEMS through the lens of the German and U.S. systems.Â
Together, they explore the similarities and differences in system design, crew training, pre-hospital care, o...
The culture we create: Building teams that want to stay, part 2 | Ep 79
Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus.
In this episode of the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, we explore the culture behind LifeFlight of Maine and the work being done to support the people behind the mission. We ask the question, what makes a helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) organization a place where people genuinely want to work and stay?
From fair and transparent pay to innovative recruitment, onboarding, peer support, and mental health initiatives, we look at how organizational culture can...
The culture we create: Building teams that want to stay, part 1 | Ep 78
Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus.
In this episode of the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, we explore the culture behind LifeFlight of Maine and the work being done to support the people behind the mission. We ask the question, what makes a helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) organization a place where people genuinely want to work and stay?
From fair and transparent pay to innovative recruitment, onboarding, peer support, and mental health initiatives, we look at how organizational culture can...
The Weight We Carry: Trauma, Resiliency and Mental Health part 2 | Ep 77
Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus.
In this episode, we sit down with flight paramedic and mental health advocate James Boomhower for an important conversation about mental health, resiliency, and peer support within the healthcare world. Drawing from his experience in the field, James shares insight into the realities of working in high-stress environments and the lasting impact those experiences can have on first responders and healthcare professionals.Â
James pursued higher education and is now a mental health practitioner, helping o...
The Weight We Carry: Trauma, Resiliency and Mental Health part 1 | Ep 76
Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus.
In this episode, we sit down with flight paramedic and mental health advocate James Boomhower for an important conversation about mental health, resiliency, and peer support within the healthcare world. Drawing from his experience in the field, James shares insight into the realities of working in high-stress environments and the lasting impact those experiences can have on first responders and healthcare professionals.Â
James pursued higher education and is now a mental health practitioner, helping o...
Tactical Labs, Zero Ego, Real Training: Why ECHO 2026 Is a Must-Attend | Ep 75
Welcome to this special joint episode of the Hangar Z Podcast and the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, brought to you by HeliCASTS, in partnership with Valor Plus.
In this special episode, Jon Gray of Hangar Z and Blake Shrider and Mike Fadale of the Valor Flight Crew, preview the 2026 ECHO Public Safety Aviation Conference.
High-quality public safety aviation training doesn’t need a massive price tag. The 2026 ECHO Public Safety Aviation Conference is heading to Philadelphia Sept. 20 to 23 at the Sheraton Downtown.
ECHO covers the full mission spectrum law enforcement aviation, helicopter emergency me...
Finding Purpose Every Day: The Key to Staying Motivated in EMS and Aviation | Ep 74
Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus.
Most of us remember what it felt like when we first entered emergency medical services (EMS) or stepped into a flight suit—the excitement, the nerves, and the drive to learn everything we possibly could. But as experience grows and the job becomes familiar, something can quietly begin to change. Confidence can turn into comfort, comfort can become complacency, and the passion that once pushed us forward can start to fade.
In this episode, Mi...
Leading while carrying: The weight of public safety aviation Part 2 | Ep 73
Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus.
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Today’s public safety aviation leaders face challenges unlike any before. Staffing shortages, aging aircraft, limited resources, and a new generation of clinicians stepping into leadership roles earlier than ever have transformed the profession. Clinical excellence alone is no longer enough — the ability to lead, mentor, and develop others has become just as essential as providing exceptional patient care.
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In this episode, we sit down with Terence Sheehy, operations deputy chief for Dare County EMS, t...
Leading while carrying: The weight of public safety aviation Part 1 | Ep 72
Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus.
Â
Today’s public safety aviation leaders face challenges unlike any before. Staffing shortages, aging aircraft, limited resources, and a new generation of clinicians stepping into leadership roles earlier than ever have transformed the profession. Clinical excellence alone is no longer enough — the ability to lead, mentor, and develop others has become just as essential as providing exceptional patient care.
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In this episode, we sit down with Terence Sheehy, operations deputy chief for Dare County EMS, t...
Safety deviation: The drift you don’t see coming part 2 | Ep 71
Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus.
In this episode of the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosts Mike Fadale and Blake Shrider sit down with Bryan Evans, an experienced aviation and emergency medical services (EMS) leader, to explore what truly shapes a resilient safety culture.Â
From the subtle drift of normalized deviations to the power of accountability, mindfulness, and open communication, this conversation examines how both organizations and frontline crew members contribute to safer operations.
Bryan shares powerful real-world s...
Safety deviation: The drift you don’t see coming part 1 | Ep 70
Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus.
In this episode of the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosts Mike Fadale and Blake Shrider sit down with Bryan Evans, an experienced aviation and emergency medical services (EMS) leader, to explore what truly shapes a resilient safety culture.Â
From the subtle drift of normalized deviations to the power of accountability, mindfulness, and open communication, this conversation examines how both organizations and frontline crew members contribute to safer operations.
Bryan shares powerful real-world s...
The Fatigue Factor: How Tired Crews Make Dangerous Decisions Part 2 | Ep 69
Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and partnered with Valor Plus.Â
Today's episode is a special collaboration with our friends from the Hangar Z Podcast, and we're tackling a topic that impacts every one of us in aviation — fatigue. Â
Joining us for this outstanding panel discussion is Hangar Z Podcast host Jack Schonely, along with highly respected aviator and former HEMS pilot Woody McClendon, whose decades of operational experience bring valuable insight to this important conversation. Â
Fatigue is truly the danger you can't see. Unlike weath...
The Fatigue Factor: How Tired Crews Make Dangerous Decisions Part 1 | Ep 68
Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and partnered with Valor Plus.Â
Today's episode is a special collaboration with our friends from the Hangar Z Podcast, and we're tackling a topic that impacts every one of us in aviation — fatigue. Â
Joining us for this outstanding panel discussion is Hangar Z Podcast host Jack Schonely, along with highly respected aviator and former HEMS pilot Woody McClendon, whose decades of operational experience bring valuable insight to this important conversation. Â
Fatigue is truly the danger you can't see. Unlike weath...
The Helicopter Air Ambulance Identity Crisis: Blending Aviation and Critical Care Part 3 | Ep 67
Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus.
In today’s episode, we are joined again by researcher, educator, and seasoned flight paramedic Russell Griffin for a thought-provoking conversation about the powerful connection between identity, culture, and safety, in the air medical world.
Together, we explore what really shapes safety culture inside high-risk organizations—from the policies written on paper to the behaviors crews live out every day. We dive into how personal identity, professional background, and organizational expectations influence decision-making, communication, and...
The Helicopter Air Ambulance Identity Crisis: Blending Aviation and Critical Care Part 2 | Ep 66
Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus.
In today’s episode, we are joined again by researcher, educator, and seasoned flight paramedic Russell Griffin for a thought-provoking conversation about the powerful connection between identity, culture, and safety, in the air medical world.
Together, we explore what really shapes safety culture inside high-risk organizations—from the policies written on paper to the behaviors crews live out every day. We dive into how personal identity, professional background, and organizational expectations influence decision-making, communication, and...
The Helicopter Air Ambulance Identity Crisis: Blending Aviation and Critical Care Part 1 | Ep 65
Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus.
In today’s episode, we are joined again by researcher, educator, and seasoned flight paramedic Russell Griffin for a thought-provoking conversation about the powerful connection between identity, culture, and safety, in the air medical world.
Together, we explore what really shapes safety culture inside high-risk organizations—from the policies written on paper to the behaviors crews live out every day. We dive into how personal identity, professional background, and organizational expectations influence decision-making, communication, and...
The Silence After Chaos: Culture Shock at 3000 ft Part 2 | Ep 64
Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast — hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus.
In this episode of the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, we sit down with Ashley Barnes for an honest and educational conversation about the realities of entering the world of flight medicine. Together, we explore the transition from ground emergency medical services (EMS) into critical care air medical transport, the steep learning curve many new providers experience, and the emotional and professional challenges that come with working in high-acuity environments.Â
Ashley shares her personal journey int...
The Silence After Chaos: Culture Shock at 3000 ft Part 1 | Ep 63
Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast — hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus.
In this episode of the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, we sit down with Ashley Barnes for an honest and educational conversation about the realities of entering the world of flight medicine. Together, we explore the transition from ground emergency medical services (EMS) into critical care air medical transport, the steep learning curve many new providers experience, and the emotional and professional challenges that come with working in high-acuity environments.Â
Ashley shares her personal journey int...
Episode 62 - Future Flight Leaders: Preparing the Next Generation of Aviation Leadership Part 2
Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast — hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus.
In this episode, we take a deep dive into a program that’s helping develop the next generation of leaders in our industry — the Future Flight Leaders initiative.Â
Leadership in air medical transport goes far beyond clinical expertise or flight experience. It requires strong communication, mentorship, emotional intelligence, and the ability to guide teams through some of the most challenging roles in healthcare and aviation.
Throughout this conversation, we’re joined by Christian...
Episode 61 - Future Flight Leaders: Preparing the Next Generation of Aviation Leadership Part 1
Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast — hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus.
In this episode, we take a deep dive into a program that’s helping develop the next generation of leaders in our industry — the Future Flight Leaders initiative.Â
Leadership in air medical transport goes far beyond clinical expertise or flight experience. It requires strong communication, mentorship, emotional intelligence, and the ability to guide teams through some of the most challenging roles in healthcare and aviation.
Throughout this conversation, we’re joined by Christian...
Episode 60 - Feel the HEAT: Training for Helicopter Emergencies - Part 2
Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus.
In this episode, we’re joined by Chelsea Sibold ([email protected]) from Carilion Clinic Life-Guard to talk about a critical piece of aviation safety that often happens long before a mission ever launches—HEAT, or Helicopter Emergency Accident Training.
Chelsea shares how realistic, hands-on training helps prepare aviation crews and first responders for the moments we all hope never happen—aircraft emergencies on the ground. From aircraft shutdown and door operations to coordinated rescue...
Episode 59 - Feel the HEAT: Training for Helicopter Emergencies - Part 1
Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus.
In this episode, we’re joined by Chelsea Sibold ([email protected]) from Carilion Clinic Life-Guard to talk about a critical piece of aviation safety that often happens long before a mission ever launches—HEAT, or Helicopter Emergency Accident Training.
Chelsea shares how realistic, hands-on training helps prepare aviation crews and first responders for the moments we all hope never happen—aircraft emergencies on the ground. From aircraft shutdown and door operations to coordinated rescue...
Episode 58 - Unexpected Turbulence: When the Patient Becomes the Threat Part 2
Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast — hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus.
In this episode, we’re talking about something that continues to impact healthcare providers across every setting — from the emergency department to ground EMS, and especially in the air medical environment — and that’s violence against healthcare workers.
We’re joined by Jamie Moran and Jonna Meyer for an honest and powerful conversation about what providers are experiencing in the field right now. We dive into personal stories, how the landscape of healthcare changed after COVID...
Episode 57 - Unexpected Turbulence: When the Patient Becomes the Threat Part 1
Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast — hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus.
In this episode, we’re talking about something that continues to impact healthcare providers across every setting — from the emergency department to ground EMS, and especially in the air medical environment — and that’s violence against healthcare workers.
We’re joined by Jamie Moran and Jonna Meyer for an honest and powerful conversation about what providers are experiencing in the field right now. We dive into personal stories, how the landscape of healthcare changed after COVID...
Episode 56 - No Rank Required: Leadership from the Front Line P2
Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast — hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus.
In today’s episode, we sit down with Zane Atencio for a candid, practical conversation about what leadership really looks like on the front lines of emergency medical services. From the back of the ambulance to the flight deck, Zane shares his journey from fire medic to flight medic—and the lessons he’s learned about communication, accountability, and the responsibility that comes with leading from wherever you stand.
Together, we dig into the realitie...
Episode 55 - No Rank Required: Leadership from the Front Line P1
Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast — hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus.
In today’s episode, we sit down with Zane Atencio for a candid, practical conversation about what leadership really looks like on the front lines of emergency medical services. From the back of the ambulance to the flight deck, Zane shares his journey from fire medic to flight medic—and the lessons he’s learned about communication, accountability, and the responsibility that comes with leading from wherever you stand.
Together, we dig into the realitie...
Episode 54 - Small Town, Big Missions: A closer look into Big Bear Fire Aviation Part 2
Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus.
In this episode, we sit down with Ken Fox from Big Bear Fire Department for a grounded, real-world conversation about emergency medical services (EMS), aviation, and the communities we serve. From the challenges of aircraft operations in a small, seasonal, tourist town to the life-saving impact of air medical partnerships, Ken shares the realities of delivering critical care where resources are limited but expectations are high.
We talk about the importance of strong relationships b...
Episode 53 - Small Town, Big Missions: A closer look into Big Bear Fire Aviation Part 1
Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus.
In this episode, we sit down with Ken Fox from Big Bear Fire Department for a grounded, real-world conversation about emergency medical services (EMS), aviation, and the communities we serve. From the challenges of aircraft operations in a small, seasonal, tourist town to the life-saving impact of air medical partnerships, Ken shares the realities of delivering critical care where resources are limited but expectations are high.
We talk about the importance of strong relationships b...
Episode 52 - Mental Health Resilience with Kacee Griffin Part 2
Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast — hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus.
Today’s episode is different. It’s personal. It’s honest. And it’s one that so many in our community need to hear.
Today, we sit down for a two-part episode with Kacee Griffin, a fellow flight nurse, as she shares her deeply courageous story about battling post-traumatic stress disorder, facing suicidal thoughts, and navigating the difficult road toward healing. This is a conversation about realities that often go unspoken in public safety aviation ...
Episode 51 - Mental Health Resilience with Kacee Griffin Part 1
Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast — hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus.
Today’s episode is different. It’s personal. It’s honest. And it’s one that so many in our community need to hear.
Today, we sit down for a two-part episode with Kacee Griffin, a fellow flight nurse, as she shares her deeply courageous story about battling post-traumatic stress disorder, facing suicidal thoughts, and navigating the difficult road toward healing.
 This is a conversation about realities that often go unspoken in public safe...
Episode 50 - Raising the Safety Bar with VyClimb Part 2
Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast — hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor Magazine.
Today, we’re joined by Michael and Linda Benton from VyClimb for an honest, thoughtful, and incredibly relevant discussion on safety culture, organizational values, and leadership in aviation—especially in the air medical world.
We dig into the real factors that shape safe operations every day: From psychological safety and communication, to fatigue and training realism, to how organizations can align their stated values with what employees actually experience on the line.
We...
Episode 49 - Raising the Safety Bar with VyClimb Part 1
Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast — hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor Magazine.
Today, we’re joined by Michael and Linda Benton from VyClimb for an honest, thoughtful, and incredibly relevant discussion on safety culture, organizational values, and leadership in aviation—especially in the air medical world.
We dig into the real factors that shape safe operations every day: From psychological safety and communication, to fatigue and training realism, to how organizations can align their stated values with what employees actually experience on the line.
We...
Episodes 48 - Beating All Odds: Aaron Hamm’s Journey from Patient to Pilot Part 2
Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor Magazine.Â
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In this episode the rotors are turning, the banter is strong, and the stories remind us why this mission matters.Â
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Today, we’re joined by Aaron Hamm, a seasoned helicopter pilot with a truly unique aviation journey. Aaron has experienced this profession from both sides of the stretcher and the cockpit, and his story is one of resilience, grit, and purpose.Â
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We dive into his experiences in flight instruction, crew resource manageme...
Episodes 47 - Beating All Odds: Aaron Hamm’s Journey from Patient to Pilot Part 1
Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor Magazine.Â
Â
In this episode the rotors are turning, the banter is strong, and the stories remind us why this mission matters.Â
Â
Today, we’re joined by Aaron Hamm, a seasoned helicopter pilot with a truly unique aviation journey. Aaron has experienced this profession from both sides of the stretcher and the cockpit, and his story is one of resilience, grit, and purpose.Â
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We dive into his experiences in flight instruction, crew resource manageme...
Episode 46 - Beyond the First Year: Technology, Innovation, and the Future of Public Safety Aviation
Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor Magazine.
Today… the keys have been temporarily handed over.
In this special takeover episode, Jon Gray and Jack Schonely from the Hangar Z Podcast step into the cockpit for a fun, reflective, and forward-looking conversation as we mark one full year of the Valor Flight Crew Podcast. From the moments that defined our first year to the conversations that challenged, inspired, and connected our community, this episode is all about where we’ve been—and wh...
