Veterans at LifeFlight of Maine

October 24, 2025

LifeFlight of Maine currently has 143 employees across the organization. Thirty-four people — almost one quarter of the LifeFlight staff and crew — are either veterans or current members of the armed forces.

These men and women serve in nearly every role and crew position at LifeFlight and are a vital part of our team. They make us stronger as an organization, lend unique skills and expertise to our mission, and demonstrate, on a daily basis, what service means.

Many of our veterans received some initial training or certification in their discipline through the military — flight school, aviation maintenance technician training, medic training. Others served their country in ways unrelated to their role at LifeFlight. All of them gained a penchant for teamwork, leadership skills, a commitment to a shared mission, a dedication to serving others, and a calm demeanor amidst chaos. These themes come up again and again when talking with them.

Veterans at LifeFlight of Maine: In Their Own Words

“Having that service mentality of teamwork and a mission-oriented way of working together to achieve a desired outcome has helped me tremendously in my years at LifeFlight. And I see my colleagues with military backgrounds. They tend to be extremely team-oriented. They understand what it means to work toward a goal that is larger than themselves.”

Chuck Hogan, Chief Clinical Officer

Chuck served with the 22nd air refueling wing at March Air Force Base in Moreno Valley, California. He worked as a command and control specialist and deployed multiple times across the globe.

“The Military experience of my colleagues varies greatly. However, there is a common thread that helps to strengthen us. We know the value of teamwork. It shows in our dedication, in our willingness to work together every day to accomplish our mission.”

Bill Bradley, Communications Specialist, MedComm

Bill served in the US Navy as an operations specialist in the Combat Information Center on an aircraft carrier.

“Working the line here at LifeFlight has similarities to my time in the Marine Corps, such as the high importance placed on aircraft safety and readiness. The crews at LifeFlight are determined to provide the best care to the people of Maine and accomplish the mission. I can’t help but to feel proud when one of our birds fly by and I’m partly responsible for it.”

Scott Clark, Aviation Maintenance Technician

Scott served on active duty in the US Marine Corps for 20 years before retiring as a Staff Sergeant.

“My military experience relates well to flying because it was a no-nonsense type of job with no room for error. I was taught to be extremely effective in everything I take on, and flying is no exception.”

Drew John, Rotor Wing Captain

Drew served in the US Army for eight years. He was deployed to Iraq and later learned to fly helicopters and airplanes while working for a small private security firm.

“A common thread among veterans is a strong sense of duty, accountability, and purpose. These qualities, along with a dedicated work ethic, strengthen our team at LifeFlight and foster a shared commitment to our mission and to the people of Maine.”

Pete Cartmell, Director of Operations (Aviation)

Pete is the senior leader of LifeFlight’s aviation department. Pete retired from the Army as a UH-60 Blackhawk pilot after 30 years of combined service between active duty and the National Guard, including three combat tours as a medevac pilot.

Veterans at LifeFlight of Maine