FORT WORTH, Texas — American Aero FTW, an FBO at Fort Worth Meacham International Airport (KFTW), recently presented the Navy SEAL Foundation with a check for $18,875, its 2022 donation to the foundation to fund flight scholarships for active duty and veteran U.S. Navy SEALs and Special Warfare Combat Crewmen (SWCC).
The 2022 donation pushes the FBO’s total donations since 2017 to $170,000, according to FBO officials.
The FBO’s annual donation is funded by a portion of its fuel sales, officials added.
“The aviation industry is facing a severe pilot shortage, and who better to step into those roles than the unique breed of men and women who have served our country as SEAL team members,” said Bob Agostino, American Aero vice president.
In 2022, the foundation awarded more than $61,000 in scholarships.
According to FBO officials, American Aero is a long-time supporter of the U.S. military and holds the exclusive Defense Logistics Agency contract to serve all military and government flights into and out of Meacham International Airport.
It also actively recruits veterans as employees, officials said, noting that at any given time, nearly one-third of the FBO’s line service team includes reservists or retired military personnel.