The 2026 Endeavor Awards Honorees
Inspiration Awardees
Will Cutter is the President and CEO of Cutter Aviation, representing the third generation of leadership for the oldest family-owned fixed-base operator (FBO) in the United States. A lifelong aviation enthusiast, Cutter began his career sweeping hangars and washing planes at age 12 before officially joining the family business in 1979. Since taking the helm in the mid-1990s, he has overseen a period of significant growth, expanding the company from two locations to a network of facilities across the Southwest. In 2022, he was inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame for his contributions to the industry. Beyond business operations, he honors his family legacy through initiatives like the William R. “Bill” Cutter Memorial Scholarship at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Cutter Aviation
Founded in 1928 by William P. Cutter in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Cutter Aviation has evolved from a small flight service into a major general aviation leader!
- Current Operations: Headquartered at Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX), it operates at ten major airports across Arizona, New Mexico, California, Colorado, and Texas.
- Services: As a full-service provider, Cutter offers:
- Values: The company attributes its nearly century of success to its core values of trust, integrity, and respect.
Cutter Aviation has been a proud and longstanding supporter of Angel Flight West (AFW)!
Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah is the National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center for Utah, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Wyoming. With a legacy of innovative cancer research, groundbreaking discoveries, and world-class patient care, we are transforming the way cancer is understood, prevented, diagnosed, treated, and survived. Huntsman Cancer Institute focuses on delivering the most advanced cancer healing and prevention through scientific breakthroughs and cutting-edge technology to create pioneering cancer treatments beyond the standard of care today. We have more than 400 open clinical trials and more than 300 research teams studying cancer. More genes for inherited cancers have been discovered at Huntsman Cancer Institute than at any other cancer center. Our scientists are world-renowned for understanding how cancer begins and using that knowledge to develop innovative approaches to treat each patient’s unique disease. Huntsman Cancer Institute was founded by Jon M. and Karen Huntsman. A community of generous supporters to Huntsman Cancer Foundation have been instrumental, supporting more than one million square feet of space advancing hope and healing for cancer.
Endeavor Awardees
Command Pilot Chris Bennett has volunteered with Angel Flight West since 2014, completing over 700 missions transporting patients to vital medical care. His love for aviation sparked at age three. “My dad took us flying in his 172,” recalls Chris. “That was my first exposure to aviation.” Later, his father owned a series of Turbo 210s, which enabled family trips across the Western US and Canada during the limited time he could step away from his business. Chris fondly recalls those early adventures, including several trips to the Reno Air Races.
Although flying captivated him from childhood, Chris earned his pilot certificate later in life. After earning an engineering degree, he launched a 32-year career in the tech industry. In 2012 he took a break, earned his certificate, and found himself completely hooked on flying in a way he hadn’t anticipated. He focused on flying instead of returning to tech. “There’s no experience like being the one who’s flying the plane,” he says.
In 2013 Chris purchased a Diamond DA40 and soon began volunteering. He flies missions for Angel Flight West and for the EAA’s Young Eagles program, where he has introduced over 1,100 young people to general aviation through free introductory flights. For Angel Flight West, Chris provides essential transportation for patients from remote areas to medical centers in the Bay Area.
“Joining Angel Flight West was an obvious way to help people meaningfully,” Chris explains. He particularly enjoys building lasting relationships through regular flights. One passenger, Eileen, has flown with him over 300 times and proudly calls herself president of the “Chris Bennett Fan Club.” “Chris and I have become a team,” she says. “I have a feeling that is true for the myriad of other lives he’s touched and continues to touch.”
From childhood flights to earning his wings as an adult and dedicating himself to volunteer service, Chris Bennett has made a profound impact in the skies and in countless lives. He lives in Cupertino, California, with his wife, Elizabeth.
Jerry began flying in 1989, taking lessons at the Kansas City Downtown Airport. For many years, he rented planes and logged 15-20 hours annually, enjoying flights with friends around Kansas City and the surrounding area.
In 2005, he earned his instrument rating and joined Angel Flight Central, where he has completed 164 missions to date. Jerry’s involvement with Angel Flight opened the door to a lifelong commitment to aviation-based volunteer work, giving him the opportunity to combine a passion for flying with serving others.
In 2009, Angel Flight Central requested pilots to volunteer for the Kansas City Challenge Air event — one of many nationwide Fly Days hosted by the organization giving children with special needs the opportunity to co-pilot an airplane and empowering them to find courage within themselves while building self-esteem in areas where they may struggle. Jerry flew seven missions that day and was instantly hooked.
The following summer, he attended a local committee meeting and volunteered to serve as Chief Pilot for the Kansas City event — a role he has proudly held ever since.
As Chief Pilot for Challenge Air, Jerry recruits pilots, coordinates with ATC personnel to conduct flight briefings, and manages all operations once the aircraft leaves the ramp. Each year, Kansas City hosts 15-20 volunteer pilots who collectively fly as many as 112 flights in a single day, creating unforgettable experiences for children and their families.
To date, he has flown 16 Challenge Air events in Kansas City, 6 in Tulsa, 3 in Chattanooga, 1 in Denver, and 1 in McKinney, Texas, serving a total of 161 families. Jerry has also volunteered on the ground at several other events. “It is truly an honor to be nominated for this award by LC Catalano and April Culver, Challenge Air’s CEO and Executive Director,” says Jerry.
Jerry has been married to his wife, Donna, for 43 years. Together, they have three children and three grandchildren, who are the center of their lives.