Thursday, October 1, 2026
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Cornelius, NC (WNN) - Operation Helo has stepped in to fill the voids left in emergency relief efforts. When a natural disaster strikes, time is of the essence for search and rescue operations. Delivering medical supplies and rescue operations can be the difference between life and death. If someone is stranded without power for oxygen machines, if there is no way to keep insulin cool, or medications are not available, the situation can quickly turn fatal. First responders can face many obstacles, and one of the significant issues with conditions such as those encountered with Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina was accessibility to affected areas. Roads and bridges were partially or even destroyed, leaving no way for emergency vehicles to get to those virtually cut off by flood and wind damage. This created the situation in which Operation Helo was born.
They help spread the word about their 501 (c) (3) nonprofit through appearances and demonstrations at area events. Recently, they flew three helicopters into Veterans Field at Keeter Stadium in Shelby, NC, to deliver the game ball for the 2025 American Legion World Series championship game on August 19, 2025. This allowed those in attendance to see the type of aircraft they use in their missions and glimpse the small, limited-access areas they can maneuver into. This was the first time helicopters had ever flown into Keeter Stadium.
Operation Helo delivering the game ball - Game #15 - ALWS - Veterans Field Keeter Stadium - August 19th, 2025
Ashley Reep (WNN)
Doug Jackson runs a fixed-wing aircraft operation out of Texas called Operation Airdrop. As the name implies, they airdrop emergency supplies into areas during rescue and recovery efforts after emergencies or natural disasters strike. In the days following the flooding in Western North Carolina, he called his friends Eric Robinson and Matt McSwain. He needed their advice as locals to assess the situation and what was required to proceed. They quickly informed him that the terrain and the problem would not allow his aircraft to be used; they stated it could only be reached by helicopter. It was evident that only a helo operation would stand a chance of reaching the remote mountainous areas. Pilots are a tight-knit group; thus, there is an extensive network of connections. Everyone knows either everyone or knows someone who knows them. This camaraderie made a huge difference in the early days of relief efforts in Western NC. Jackson used his connections in the aviation world to spread the word about what they would undertake. McSwain and Robinson initially thought they would see about five or six pilots show up to offer their aircraft and assistance; they were amazed when over one hundred arrived. Private helicopters and pilots were used to deliver aid, perform evacuations, and provide relief supplies to areas cut off by the storm.
Doug Jackson urged the two to consider forming their 501 (c) (3) nonprofit. Operation Helo (Humanitarian Emergency Logistics Organization) would soon grow from a grassroots idea into a national relief organization. During this event and its aftermath, a partnership was formed with Operation Airdrop. It was a perfect marriage; OAD can get into airports, and OH can get from airports to basically anywhere. Recently, Eric Robinson stepped into the role of Executive Director as co-founder Matt McSwain had to step down due to obligations associated with an opportunity he had accepted that was a better fit for his family. McSwain has been an asset in building the organization and will be greatly missed.
Through the efforts of volunteers and over 200 pilots, there have been 4000 plus missions flown covering over 5273 square miles. 450 evacuations were performed, 167 landing zones were established, and over 2 million pounds of supplies were delivered, much of which contained critical medications such as insulin. They built the nation’s largest star link network of over 523 star links. This was a crucial accomplishment that allowed the reestablishment of communications. Generators were also donated. There were 2125 calls for assistance. Operation Helo has vowed not to abandon their Western NC neighbors; they will help for as long as needed. Disaster relief and recovery are so much more than replacing items. It is more about rebuilding lives and returning to some sense of normalcy. The organization demonstrated this by providing 900-plus Thanksgiving meals and gifts to over 1000 children at Christmas.
Another example can be seen in the delivery of 212 campers and propane tanks to those left homeless. These were supplied with clothes, generators, cooking utensils, basically everything needed to restart their lives. The list contained 350 families that had been vetted to receive campers. These families had been left to survive living in tarps, cars, and tents. Each camper came at a cost of $15,000. These have been purchased through private donations; no federal tax dollars have been used. Recently, Operation Helo aided in the Texas floods. They flew 101 missions in two days.
A huge innovation used by Operation Helo is a mobile command center. This state-of-the-art high-tech system runs inside a 53’ expandable Featherlite trailer. This center can be set up and fully operational in less than four hours. Time can be an enemy in critical rescue operations; this quick setup can save lives by cutting down the time needed for full operation. This is also a key component in them being the first in and last out in an emergency. They stay until the mission is accomplished.
This command center serves as the nerve center of the operation. It is a self-contained, high-tech unit used for communications and managing operations during emergencies, critical events, and mission-critical situations. It can be set up almost anywhere. A typical procedure for the arrival of volunteers would be to check in, then be paired with an available mission. They are given a mission card that lists their contact person and details of whom they are helping, what that entails, and what they need to take in the form of supplies. Upon their return, they will be debriefed about any obstacles or problems encountered. This information is entered into the system for pilots and volunteers of upcoming missions to be aware of.
The communications commander oversees the star link system and provides coms to pilots and volunteers. Computers are used to track all pilots, aircraft, and volunteers. Information is constantly updated to keep everyone apprised of the current situation. This is critical information, such as up-to-date terrain conditions and landing zones. There is also computer monitoring in real-time conditions of events such as wildfires and storms. This data, along with the briefings from pilots, is gathered and analyzed to predict future events.
Operation Helo has innovated changes in how disaster relief and critical emergency response are carried out. They operate as a 501 c 3 nonprofit, relying upon volunteer responders and donations. Operationhelo.org provides details on ways to volunteer and how and what to donate. An Amazon wish list has been utilized to streamline donations of hard goods. Some volunteer positions needed are for pilots, doctors, nurses, logistics in the command center, those trained in SAR, tech support, or call center help. Plenty of positions are available, and all roles are needed to continue carrying out these missions. Operation Helo can be contacted through the website, by phone 984-687-2490, or by email to info@operationhelo.org. The links provided on the website are the best to use.
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