Chris Bedzis - RTAG Scholarship Fund

Chris Bedzis is a veteran Marine who dedicated his military life serving as CH-53 pilot. In 2014, after 10 years in the Corps, Chris was hired by PSA airlines allowing him to fulfill his life long dream of flying for the airlines. During his first few years he not only worked tirelessly as an airline pilot but also began to share his passion for aviation through recruiting. 

Unfortunately in 2016 his dream of a life in the cockpit came to an abrupt end after receiving a diagnosis of Stage 4 Synovial Sarcoma, a rare soft tissue cancer. Given the advanced stage of the disease he was given a prognosis of 12-24 months. Despite the grim outlook of the disease Chris entered the battle of his life without fear and forged on. 

During his multiple treatments and clinical trials he continued to work with PSA in the development and implementation of the Rotary Transition Program, a program which allowed Chris to give back to the community that had given him so much. In the last two and a half years Chris has not only seen this program grow from inception to a successful asset of PSA but also had the honor of representing American Airlines in 2019 fundraiser for “Stand Up To Cancer” an organization dedicated to finding a cure. 

Chris continues his courageous fight, despite the lack of treatments, supported by his family: wife Stephanie and his 2 children, James (1 year old) and Charlotte (Charlie, 6 years old). 

Chris is one of the founders of the RTP movement and a hero to those in RTAG. He has helped well over 200 veterans start new careers as airline pilots. This community owes so much to Chris and we want to show our appreciation to him and his family for the untold sacrifices they’ve made to help others. Please join us in starting a scholarship fund for those who wish to continue their passion in aviation. Disclaimer: Withdrawals from this campaign will be made by RTAG Vice President, Joshua Lee, on behalf of Rotary To Airline Group - RTAG, for the express purpose of distributing funds to the scholarship winner.