Membership Directory

Born in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1949, Pat Lynch is a decorated Army Vietnam veteran (Silver Star, Bronze Star, Air Medal with “V” device) whose assignment was crew chief on a UH1 (Huey) helicopter.  Pat, a retired Boeing 757 Captain, America West Airlines, is a contract pilot fighting wildfires for the US Forest Service.  In 1988 Pat founded Operation Freedom Bird, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization providing a unique healing journey and therapeutic program helping combat veterans from all wars to continue healing from symptoms of post-traumatic stress and unresolved grief and loss.  During four days in Washington, D.C., approximately 50 veterans shared their experiences and paid tribute to their fallen comrades-in-arms in a supportive environment of fellow veterans and professional counselors. After 29 years, Operation Freedom Bird is still going strong under the leadership of its founder, Pat Lynch.