ABOUT US
Mission
The Air Rescue Association (ARA) has a multi-faceted mission that’s been in existence since 1976. The first is to honor past and present USAF Rescue professionals and capture their history for future generations. The ARA also sponsors multiple USAF-Level awards including the Kight Award, the Jolly Green Rescue Mission of the Year, and the Rescue Squadron of the Year. Another important mission for the ARA includes building its member base and actively recruiting any Airman or family member who serves/served in any capacity supporting USAF Rescue operations. ARA partners with the That Others May Live Foundation in helping with fundraising for its mission of scholarships for Rescue families, warfighter appreciation support, and immediate tragedy assistance. Lastly, the ARA plans and sponsors an annual Air Rescue Symposium that includes reunion activities, informative briefings, heroic rescue mission recaps, and an awards gala where our award winners are recognized.
Goals
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Honor our award winners and members
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Work together with the USAF Air Staff to recognize our Rescue professionals
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Create an annual AF-Level Rescue Maintenance Award
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Build our membership base
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Strengthen the relationship with TOMLF toward mutual success
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Stay relevant and in contact with Total Force Rescue leaders
ARA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MIKE TILLEMA
President
Mike is a retired USAF Colonel with 26 years of AF Rescue experience. After his AF career he served as the NASA Chief of Flying Operations at Kennedy Space Center.

MANDY HUTCHISON
Vice President
Mandy was an HH-60G Instructor Pilot with 16 years AF Rescue experience. After separating from AD, she served in various roles in the Rescue community including time as a schoolhouse academic and simulator instructor. She is currently the F-16 Flight Manual Manager at Hill AFB, UT.

BRAD DOW
Secretary
Brad is a retired USAF Lt Col and former Command Pilot with 20 years of AF Rescue experience. He retired from HQ AETC In 2017 where he continues work as a civil servant.

BOB REMEY
Historian
Bob is a retired USAF Lt Col and a former command pilot with 23 years of AF Rescue experience. He was most recently at NATO Headquarters Allied Air Command as Senior Joint Personnel Recovery Staff Officer in Ramstein Air Base Germany.
