Our Origins
From Grassroots Beginnings to a Historic Response in Hurricane Helene
Operation Airdrop began in 2017 as a grassroots response to Hurricane Harvey. In the chaos that followed the storm, a small group of pilots realized they could put their aircraft to work delivering lifesaving supplies to communities cut off by flooded roads and collapsed infrastructure. Founded by Doug Jackson and fellow aviation enthusiasts, Operation Airdrop was born out of urgency, compassion, and a firm belief that ordinary people, equipped with the right tools, can do extraordinary things in times of crisis. Since then, our mission has remained focused on rapid response: mobilizing volunteer pilots to deliver essential supplies to hard to reach communities during disasters. From the skies, we’ve provided hope, relief, and critical resources to families when they need it most.
Hurricane Helene: A Defining Moment
In September 2024, Hurricane Helene struck with catastrophic force. A powerful Category 4 storm, Helene, devastated large parts of North Carolina and Tennessee, cutting off access to entire towns. Over 1,000 bridges and more than 5,000 miles of roadways were rendered impassable, leaving families, first responders, and whole communities isolated without food, power, or communications. Operation Airdrop responded with the largest and most complex mobilization in our history. With the help of over 200 volunteer pilots and a fleet of small aircraft and helicopters, we delivered over 1 million pounds in critical supplies. These weren’t just general donations; every delivery was tailored to urgent needs on the ground.
Our missions included:
Diapers and baby formula Shelf-stable, high-energy food supplies to sustain communities in the first days after disaster strikes Insulin and vital medications for those with chronic health conditions Hygiene kits and communication devices When roads failed, we didn’t stop. Fixed-wing planes and helicopters reached mountaintop communities. Every load we carried meant survival, dignity, and relief for someone who thought the world had forgotten them.
Expanding Our Reach—While Staying True to Our Mission
Operation Airdrop’s mission has always been focused on the first 24 to 72 hours after a disaster. We exist to fill the critical gap before traditional relief systems can fully mobilize. Our strength lies in rapid response, getting essential supplies into the hands of families when they need them most. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the need was so overwhelming that we stepped beyond our usual scope. We helped provide 150 temporary housing trailers and supported local businesses in reopening their doors. These efforts were never meant to replace the work of long-term recovery agencies but served as a vital bridge, offering stability in the most uncertain of times and helping families begin the journey back to normal. Though these expanded efforts were extraordinary, they were rooted in the same principle that guides everything we do: meeting urgent needs with speed, compassion, and action. We delivered stability, restored livelihoods, and helped families take the first steps back to normal.
Our Ongoing Commitment
Hurricane Helene marked a turning point for Operation Airdrop. It tested our limits and showed us that we could rise to meet even the most overwhelming need. What began as a small volunteer force has grown into a national model for nimble, compassionate disaster response. As we look to the future, we remain grounded in our mission: to fly into the hardest-hit areas and bring help to those who need it most.
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