OMAHA, Neb. — On Tuesday, October 28, the Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS) proudly recognized the outstanding achievements of individuals and programs across the emergency medical transport industry during the 2025 Community Awards presentation at the Air Medical Transport Conference (AMTC) in Omaha, Nebraska. The AMTC Awards Celebration—sponsored by Golden Hour—honored excellence, innovation, and impact across a range of categories.
AAMS is pleased to announce the 2025 Community Award recipients:
Program of the Year – Sponsored by Airbus
Boston MedFlight – Bedford, Massachusetts
Recognized for exceptional patient care, visionary leadership, safety, community service, and a steadfast commitment to the medical transport community.
Marriott-Carlson Lifetime Achievement Award – Sponsored by Bell
Jacqueline C. Stocking, PhD, MBA, MSN, NEA-BC, CMTE, CEN, CFRN, FP-C, CCP-C, RN, NRP, FAASTN - UC Davis Health
Sacramento, California
Honored for a career of transformative contributions to the advancement and leadership of emergency medical transport.
Jim Charlson Safety Award – Sponsored by Life Flight Network
Eric Thresher – Air Methods
Jacksonville, North Carolina
Celebrated for advancing safety culture and practices within the air and critical care ground transport community.
Neonatal/Pediatric Transport Award of Excellence – Sponsored by Airborne
Dr. Kelli Lund and the University of Utah AirMed Neonatal Team
Salt Lake City, Utah
Recognized for outstanding contributions to neonatal and pediatric transport care, safety, and advocacy.
Transport Mechanic Award of Excellence – Sponsored by Leonardo
Eric Scoggins – Air Methods / UNC Air Care
Charlotte, North Carolina
Honored for excellence in maintaining and enhancing the safety of medical transport vehicles.
AAMS Excellence in Transport Leadership Award
Leanne Reaves, MSN, RN, CMTE, LIFT-C, CEN – UNC Air Care Charlotte, North Carolina
Recognized for visionary leadership, operational excellence, and unwavering dedication to the transport community.
NEW: Eileen Frazer Spark Award – Sponsored by AAMS and CAMTS
Kevin Rixmann, CCRN, CFRN, CSC, NRP – Life Link III
Shoreview, Minnesota
Inaugural recipient of this award honoring bold vision and emerging leadership in out-of-hospital patient care.
AAMS Community Impact Award
LifeMed Alaska – Anchorage, Alaska
Recognized for expanding access, improving equity, and strengthening the future of medical transport in their region.
AAMS Making a Difference Award
Posthumously awarded to Dr. Gregory Powell – Founder of STARS
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Honored for a legacy of life-saving innovation and dedication to patient outcomes.
AAMS Rising Spirit Award
Sacramento Good Samaritans
Recognized bystanders who showed remarkable bravery by rushing to help and working together to lift a downed air medical aircraft and free a trapped crew member earlier this month in California—an act of true heroism.
Congratulations to all the 2025 Community Award honorees! Your work continues to elevate the standard of care and inspire the future of medical transport.
