Events
JULY 2025
Thanks to a generous donation, our volunteer group and their partners gathered at our summer appreciation event, held in a hangar at David Wayne Hooks Airport.
Board members were present to welcome our volunteers and express gratitude for their ongoing dedication in transporting patients to their treatments – one journey at a time. The 2024 Volunteer of the Year, Dick Stabell, received the Castiglie Award in recognition of completing the most missions over the past year. President David Smith made the presentation, also acknowledging all our volunteers for their commitment. David also announced that Derek King will be added to the Ground Angels “Wall of Honor” in appreciation of his contributions to the Website and Mission system operations.
As of July 26th, 2025, we have received over 3,600 ride requests and completed more than 2,370 journeys, placing us on track to achieve a new annual record. With the continued generosity of public support, each volunteer received a gas card as a token of appreciation.
Phillip Thomas, President of Pilots for Patients, traveled from Monroe, Louisiana, to join the gathering. His organization regularly assists flying patients from Louisiana to various airports around Houston, where Ground Angels volunteers then provide ground transportation.
Photographs show:
President David Smith, addresses the assembly of volunteers.
Presentation of the Castiglie Award to Dick Stabell
Sheila Castiglie, Philip Thomas (Pilots for Patients), and HGA Executive Director Rebecca talk shop
General views of the venue/awesome Volunteers.
JULY 2024
Many volunteers and their significant others joined Board members to celebrate our 2023 achievements, gathering at the Vietnam War Museum at the Ellington Airport . This museam has an impressive display of American and foreign military aircraft. Volunteer of the Year Dick Stabell recieved a rousing congratulations as he was presented with the Castiglie Award. Our most distinguished volunteer driver – Dick Stabell completed 820 patient rides during 2023 and is now our highest all time volunteer. BBQ and drinks were served and all had the opportunity to have a guided tour of the aircraft and historical display.
Here are a few pictures . Executive Director Rebecca – addresses the volunters. Volunteers tour the display. Dave Smith (President) and Derek King (Board member) present the Castiglie Trophy to Dick Stabell.
February 2024
The Board of Directors in recognition of Anthony (Tony) Castiglies’ long and dedicated service to Houston Ground Angels as Vice-President and Treasurer – gathered with a number of our most dedicated volunteers to celebrate his birthday . President David Smith declared In honor of Tony Castiglie; his over 20 years service; all he has given, contributed and done for our organization to keep it going and to enable it’s continued success, The Board of Directors declared that going forward – the Volunteer of the Year award will now be known as the Anthony “Tony” Castiglie Trophy.
JULy 2023
Our July 2023 social was held at the West Houston Airport – inside the historical World War II – Commemorative Air Force Museum. Around 30 volunteers plus their partners had the chance to wander the various aircraft that are displayed, and see engines and airframes being worked on by their volunteers in preparation for their next flying event. See https://www.houstonwing.org/
Tasty BBQ was served in the recreated WW2 briefing room and thankfully the A/C kept us all cool.
This was a welcomed opportunity for our Board members to greet many long term volunteers and meet those who have joined us in recent months. Please watch out for coffee meets starting up again at the end of the summer. Come along and share your experiences with our volunteer group.