Air Methods Salutes National Hire a Veteran Day: James Schmittle

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Veteran recounts inspirational journey from military service to EMS aviation

BARSTOW, CA – July 17, 2025 – In recognition of National Hire a Veteran Day on July 25, Air Methods is proud to celebrate the contributions of military veterans across its ranks, including one of their own, Mercy Air 66 Pilot James Schmittle in Barstow, CA. A U.S. Army chief warrant officer veteran, Schmittle’s journey from military service to emergency air medical care is both inspiring and deeply personal.

When Schmittle transitioned out of the Army after more than eight years of service, including a deployment to Afghanistan as a Kiowa Warrior pilot, he initially joined the airline industry through the support of the Rotary to Airline Group (RTAG). While that career path provided a much-needed reset, Schmittle knew his true calling was elsewhere. He needed to fulfill a fundamental promise he had made while in the Army.

“I decided to work for Air Methods due to a promise I made to myself and an Army instructor pilot after the passing of my son,” Schmittle said. “I swore I would fly medevac and give others the same chance at potential life-saving interventions that the medevac Black Hawk crew gave my son. Although my son had passed away at the hospital due to his injuries, what the medical crew and pilots did for me and my family during that tragic time inspired me to give back—to fly with a newfound purpose and help bring hope to other families.”

Since joining Air Methods over three years ago, Schmittle has found more than a job. He has found a community and teammates who have become like family.

“I’ve had the honor of working alongside fellow veterans who bring loyalty, honor, and integrity to every mission,” said Schmittle. “They feel like extended family. The veteran culture here is strong and adds tremendous value to the company as a whole.”

Schmittle sees clear parallels between his military service and his role in EMS aviation. These shared similarities can be seen in a strong sense of duty among teammates, mission readiness, pride, and camaraderie at his base.  

“The professionalism, work ethic, and the mission are all still part of the job, just in a different uniform,” said Schmittle. “What I appreciate now is the work-life balance and stability this role provides. It’s less stressful, and I know when I’ll have time with my family. That balance makes a big difference. I enjoy the fact that what I do as a pilot helps contribute to defending someone else’s tomorrow.”

Veterans like Schmittle are essential to Air Methods’ mission of delivering critical care when every second counts. The company is deeply committed to supporting those who’ve served, recognizing the unmatched value that veterans bring through their leadership, discipline, and operational expertise.

“Veterans possess a unique blend of leadership, resilience, and mission-first mentality that aligns seamlessly with the demands of emergency air medical services,” said Paul Williams, Vice President of Talent Acquisition at Air Methods. “We’re not only grateful for their service, we’re intentional about creating career pathways that honor their skills and support their transition. People like James Schmittle are incredible examples of how military experience translates into lifesaving impact.”