On may 2nd our Foundation lost one of our dearest volunteers.

Michael (70), a retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer, served with distinction on the U.S. Army Parachute Team, The Golden Knights. For 33 years he made sure that ‘his’ two beloved F-27’s ‘Excalibur’ & ‘Ambassador’ were kept in pristine condition.

After our Foundation acquired ‘Excalibur’, in 2019, Michael was eager to get her airborne again. Between chemotherapies he worked endlessly on our Fokker and was ecstatic when ‘Excalibur’ took to the skies again.

Michael, a recipient of the Charles Taylor “Master Mechanic” award for 50 years of safe aviation maintenance, knew his way with aircraft like no other man. Our Dutch engineers frequently contacted him for advice. He really knew the F27 ‘inside out’…

Our foundation will be forever in Michaels debt and will proudly honor his legacy by returning Excalibur to the skies in 2024.

All our volunteers would like to express our sincerest sympathies to his wife Susan, their children and grandchildren.

Paul Reijnen
Chairman St VNCE