A.J. Hollaway moved from Washington state to pursue missions and aviation at SOAR in January 2018. A.J. met his wife Stephanie while serving at a local ministry in Bolivar and they were married during the pandemic of 2020. While A.J. has been training at SOAR, he has received his A&P, Private Pilot Certificate, Instrument Rating and his Commercial Pilot certificate. Stephanie is an elementary teacher teaching 2nd grade. A.J. and Stephanie begin their cross-cultural missions training this fall at Ethnos360 Training Center.

Initially fearful of flying, at first take off a 12-year-old Phillip Sneed found he had a love for flying. Phillip grew up flying at the Bolivar airport and had the opportunity to watch and participate in supporting the growth of SOAR from the beginning. His desire to combine his passion for discipleship and aviation grew after 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 and began training as an A&P apprentice. Phillip completed his Instrument rating in March of 2021 and is working towards his Commercial Pilot certificate. Brooke is an elementary school art teacher. Pray for direction for the Sneeds as they consider mission organizations with which to serve. They view their lives as always being on mission and both follow their calling to make disciples by leading in youth ministry organizations.

Madeline Hooks joined SOAR in August of 2021 to train as an A&P apprentice and work as a flight instructor. Raised in Indiana, she developed an interest in aviation. With the intent of pursuing flight training after, Madeline attended a year of Bible training at Emmaus Bible College. While there, God opened her eyes to the great need for pilots in missionary aviation. She went on to earn her pilot’s licenses and become a Certified Flight Instructor - Instrument (CFII) at Indiana State University.

Bailey George will be joining SOAR to begin his flight training and to gain valuable maintenance experience in the aircraft maintenance shop. Born and raised in South Carolina, Bailey grew up wanting to fly for as long as he can remember. While in college, he was challenged by friends and family to pursue missions and aviation together. Bailey attended aircraft maintenance school to become an aircraft mechanic. Pray for Bailey as he makes his way to SOAR and begins to learn!