BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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The current members of the Honor Flight Michigan Board of Directors were hand-picked by our founder Dave Cameron in 2006-2007 from his circle of business and personal friends. Dave believed each of these individuals could contribute to the realization of his dream of flying every Michigan World War II Veteran to see their memorial in Washington D.C. When Dave passed away in June 2008 the board became even more dedicated to fulfilling Dave's promise to the Michigan WWII Veterans. As more and more applications came in, it was necessary for Honor Flight Michigan to grow and expand. That expansion included the creation of an Auxiliary Board of equally dedicated people who have been invaluable to the ongoing mission of Honoring Our Michigan Veterans. The Auxiliary Board was formed from our Volunteer Committee Members who expressed interest in being more involved everyday with Honor Flight Michigan. What a great asset the Auxiliary Board is to Honor Flight. If you have interest in becoming more involved with Honor Flight Michigan, one of the first steps we suggest is to Volunteer at one of our events. All you have to do is be willing to donate some of your time and we will show you how you can help. If you Volunteer, you will then be eligible for consideration to join our Auxiliary Board and from the Auxiliary Board we add members to our Honor Flight Michigan State Board of Directors. For a Volunteer Application, go to our Applications page on this web site. Current Board of Directors Ed Burkhardt Mike Cameron Cynthia Canty The proud daughter of Army Corporal Milton Bruce, who served in the Philippines. Cyndy grew up in Ferndale, Michigan. She's a 30-year veteran of the Detroit radio and TV airwaves, including her Emmy-winning stint as an anchor/reporter for WKBD-Channel 50. These days, she's part of Jim Harper & The Magic Morning Show on WMGC, Magic 105.1, where she also serves as News Director. She's been married to her husband Sean for 32 years. They have a daughter, Siobhan and son & daughter-in-law, Brendan & Megan. Melissa Press-Downey Volunteering and fundraising are what drives Melissa. Her father, Sam Press, was a dedicated and decorated World War II soldier and a proud American and that is what inspired her to join the Board of Honor Flight Michigan. She loves continuing the wonderful work started by Honor Flight Michigan Founder, Dave Cameron. Married to fellow board member, Tim Downey (HFM Merchandising). They have two children and have resided in beautiful Huntington Woods for 25 years. Even though raising money in the state of Michigan is a challenge, Melissa looks forward to planning future fund-raisers to help send every Michigan World War II veteran to Washington, D.C. "It warms the heart to be involved with the "Greatest Generation." Tim Downey Tim is self-employed has owned and operated his own companies since he was 19 years old. Specializing in product development and marketing, he and his partners of almost 30 years have have created and popularize many familiar products and gift items in North America. Married to his best friend Melissa (Honor Flight Michigan Director of Fundraising), they are the proud parents of daughter Jessica and son Gabe. Tim loves volunteering for HFM - designing and manufacturing "Official Honor Flight Michigan Merchandise" and is inspired to do so in loving memory of his father-in-law Sam (Red) Press, a decorated WWII Veteran and his own father Wilfred who served in the Civilian Conservation Corp. during WWII. Tim believes that "To Whom Much Is Given, Much Is Expected" and that we all need to do our part to give back with love and appreciation for all we have thanks to the WWII Veterans. Catherine Kavanaugh Catherine Kavanaugh, 44, of Dearborn is a writer at the Daily Tribune, Royal Oak, which has supported and promoted the Honor Flight Michigan effort ever since it was launched in late 2006. At the urging of founder David Cameron, Kavanaugh chronicled the start of the non-profit group and then joined the board to document the role of south Oakland County veterans in World War II and to keep the public informed about fundraisers. She graduated with honors from Eastern Michigan University in 1986 and began an award-winning career in community journalism. Michael McCarthy Pam Robbins Pam Robbins grew up and has lived in Royal Oak, MI for the past 55 years. Pam comes from a military family and her father served in New Guinea during WWII. She is actively working for Universal Flow Monitors, Inc. as the MIS Director. She is one of the original Board members picked by Founder David Cameron. Pam has worked tirelessly as Administrative Assistant to Honor Flight Michigan and developed the original website www.honorflightmichigan.com Rick Sage Rick is a retired Royal Oak Fire Dept. Captain and a Vietnam combat veteran with 7 years’ service in the U.S. Army. Being involved with WWII veterans for many years through his Dad's WWII reunion group has always been very rewarding. Currently, a full-time volunteer with Honor Flight Michigan since its inception in the Fall of 2006. Rick is a proud member of the American Legion and Elks clubs. He is married to wife, Maureen and is the father of three daughters. Rick is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys golf, biking, camping, hiking, canoeing and kayaking. Nate Strong Nate Strong has been involved with WWII veteran groups and events for over a decade. He commemorated both the 60th Anniversaries of D-Day and The Battle of the Bulge in Normandy and Belgium respectively. And for the 60th Anniversary of V.E. Day, he helped escort a group of 20 WWII veterans across Europe. He has been an avid supporter of Honor Flight Michigan since its inception and now serves on the board and acts as a part-time photographer for our trips to DC. Nate lives in Wixom with his wife and three children and works for an advertising agency as an Associate Creative Director. Kevin Sutherland Kevin is the Court Administrator for the 44th District Court located in Royal Oak, Michigan. Appointed Treasurer for Honor Flight Michigan by Dave Cameron at the inception of Honor Flight Michigan. Kevin earned his Bachelor Degree from University of Detroit in Administration and a Masters Degree from Wayne University in Education. Kevin taught High School for 22 years before joining the Court System Court as an Administrator in 1984. Married to his lovely wife Jennie since 1984, they have one child, Anne Marie, a senior at Shrine High School. Bud Wease Nathan A. White Founding Partner of the Hilgendorf & White Law Group l.l.c Brad Ziegler Brad Ziegler is a Native Bostonian who relocated to Michigan 4 years ago. A regular contributor for HOUR Detroit, Brad is a dedicated photographer who has been documenting HFM's mission. His Grandfather served on the USS Tuscaloosa (CA-37)from 1942 to 1945. Brad's award winning HOUR Detroit pictorial on B17 crewmembers entitled "Flyboys" led him to HFM founder Dave Cameron's office in October of 2006 where Brad offered his photographic services to Dave and HFM to thank the Veterans for their service. Chris Zimmel Chris Zimmel RN, BSN has 37 years of nursing experience and has held national certifications in Emergency Nursing and Flight Nursing. Currently she is a Clinical Analyst and Learning Coordinator for St. John Health. She joined Honor Flight Michigan as the Medical Consultant in 2007. Catherine Zimmerman, (Cathy) A real hometown girl, born and raised in Royal Oak. Cathy is the widow of former Royal Oak Fire Marshal, Larry, and "Mom" to Amanda and husband, Ken, Nicole and husband, Steve, and Jason and wife, Kim. Proud "Grandmama" to Madelaine, Hannah, Isabelle, Hayden, Corban, and Trevor. When her dear friend, Dave Cameron (HFM Founder), called and asked her to help with Honor Flight Michigan in the Fall of 2006, she was honored and readily joined the group. As a long-time employee for the Royal Oak Schools, Cathy serves as the "HFM Schools Liaison" for Michigan as well as handling "flight trip prep" and working in fundraising. Cathy notes "I have met some wonderful people and has never looked back. What a rewarding mission we have undertaken. I am so privileged to honor these WWII Veterans." "I do so proudly in memory of my father, Frederick A. Naas, who flew on 65 missions for the Army Air Corps in B-26's." "Thanks for the memories".
Current Auxiliary Board Carole BurgessCarole Burgess is the proud granddaughter of WWII Navy veteran, George Rychlinski, and niece to several great uncles who also served. Several of her uncles also served in the Korean War and one earned a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. In addition, her father was in the Army. Her sister is fellow board member Catherine Kavanaugh. Carole has been married to Dennis for 12 years and has two step-children, Misty and Ryan. She works in the accounting department for Big Boy Restaurants. James C. Johnson Jim is a Senior Accountant/Office Manager since 1949 At Clarence H. Johnson, P.C., CPA's. Married to his wonderful wife Marge for 57 years, they are the proud parents of two children and grandparents to two fantastic grandchildren. A life-long Royal Oaker, Jim attended K-12 in Royal Oak Schools and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration - Detroit Institute of Technology. He serves on the Royal Oak Salvation Army Advisory Board-1993 to Present. Red Run Golf Club-Member since 1968 to Present and Chairman/Treasurer = 1968 to Present of the Faith Baptist Church-Royal Oak. Jim enjoys his involvement with Honor Flight Michigan
Maureen Sage Maureen was born and raised in Royal Oak. After a 30 year absence, she has returned to Royal Oak, and is employed at Beverly Hills Department of Public Safety as a communications specialist. She was recently married to Rick Sage, Honor Flight Board Member, and has two grown children. She has earned a black belt in karate, and is an avid outdoorswoman, enjoying hiking, roller blading, biking, cross country skiing and golf. A recent auxillary board member, Maureen assists with applications, mailings, and phone calls. As with any volunteer with Honor Flight, she wears many hats. "It is an honor and a privledge". M.S. Wil WhiteWil White is the Fire Chief for the City of Royal Oak. Wil grew up in Royal Oak, Michigan and he has been a member of the Royal Oak Fire Department since September of 1988. He's been married to his wife Nancy for 23 years and they have two children, Amanda and Nicholas. Wil has lent his support and knowledge to Honor Flight Michigan since its inception. Jan Williams 
Copyright 2008 © HONOR FLIGHT MICHIGAN, Inc. All rights reserved. |
 Ed Burkhardt  Cynthia Canty  Melissa & Tim Downey  Mike McCarthy  Pam Robbins  Rick & Maureen Sage  Chris Zimmel  Cathy Zimmerman  Jim Johnson |