I am Michael 'Rocket' Blackstone, a pilot for American Airlines and the CEO of Air Combat USA. I wanted to urgently reach out and share the unfolding crisis in Maui with you. In addition to my role flying the Boeing 777 for American Airlines, I am also deeply committed to helping others become interested in aviation. Our Fighter Pilot For A Day™ program in our fleet of Marchetti SF-260s over the past 36 years. We have brought hope and have made dreams come true. Flying to Hawaii for American Airlines has brought my family great joy over the past 24 years. It's now my time to give back and help those in Maui who have been good to us for all of these years with their Aloha Spirt and 'Ohana which is Hawaiian for family. I have always felt at home in Hawaii and will help our Hawaiian family in their time of need.

Tragically, Lahaina, a cherished town on Maui, has been ravaged by an unreported wildfire of unprecedented magnitude. The devastation is immense, with lives lost and countless individuals now facing the loss of their homes, possessions, and basic necessities. In response, we have launched daily emergency rescue missions to Maui, aiming to evacuate residents and deliver essential supplies, water, and personnel to aid in recovery and rebuilding efforts.

On a personal level, some of my friends are among those who have suffered unimaginable losses in Maui. It's with this sense of empathy and unity that I'm reaching out to you. We are dedicated to raising support for the families and individuals profoundly affected by this crisis. Your contribution, regardless of its size, will have a significant impact in alleviating the immense suffering they are enduring.

For those in a position to do so, we humbly request donations of any amount to our emergency fund. All funds will be sent directly to the Panlasigui Family in Maui.

Please note: I made an error in my video. Per the GoFundMe rules and regulations, we are not able to offer any incentives to help. We cannot give flights away to any of our doners. Please give what you can afford to give with no expectations to receive anything in return. We apologize for any confusion. It's important to note that 100% of all donations, will go directly to support the families and individuals in Maui who are grappling with the aftermath of this devastating event. Let's unite as a community and extend our support to our friends and family in Maui during this critical time. Your compassion and support will create a tangible impact and offer hope to those who need it most. Your consideration is deeply appreciated. Thank you.