A.J. moved from Washington state to pursue serving the Lord through missions and aviation in January 2018. While attending Bible college, a friend told him about SOAR, where he could pursue both missions and aviation. A.J. met his wife Stephanie while serving at a local ministry in Bolivar. A.J. joined SOAR in January 2018. A.J. has completed his Private Pilot Certificate and his Instrument Rating and is working towards his Commercial Pilot Certificate. A.J. has completed his 30-month A&P apprenticeship and received his A&P in September 2020.

Phillip grew up flying at the Bolivar, Missouri airport. He had a desire to combine his passion for discipleship and aviation. He was encouraged to become a missionary pilot by his now wife, Brooke.  In the Lord’s timing, Phillip decided to pursue missionary aviation which led him to SOAR. He joined SOAR in 2019 having already completed his Private Pilot License. He completed his Instrument rating in March of 2021. Phillip is halfway through his A&P apprenticeship while continuing his training for his Commercial Pilot certificate.