posted October 30, 2025

Air Medical Base to Participate in 19th Annual Aviation Education & Career Expo

HAGERSTOWN, MD — October 30, 2025 — When U.S. Army Staff Sergeant (E6) and combat medic Reuben Layton left the military, he knew one thing for certain, he couldn’t leave behind the adrenaline, readiness, and purpose that had shaped nearly a decade of his life. Today, as a clinical base lead and flight nurse for LifeNet 8-1, which is part of Air Methods, Layton continues his mission serving his community from the skies through helicopter emergency services (HEMS).

“Duty, honor, and country. Those values from my military service are the same ones I carry with me every day in this job,” said Layton. “As a combat medic in Iraq, I treated patients under fire. Now, I manage critically ill or injured patients at 150 miles per hour. The mission is still the same – help people on their worst day. And, flying medevac has been my life goal after watching my father being flown from a farming accident in 1989.”

After serving nine years in the U.S. Army and completing two deployments between 2001 and 2005, Layton transitioned into civilian medicine, working in intensive care and emergency departments before finding his calling in air medical transport. For more than 15 years, he’s been part of the LifeNet 8-1 team, based in Hagerstown, MD, where he serves with other veterans.

“More than half of our flight crew is made up of veterans,” said Layton. “The veteran culture with Air Methods has been fantastic. I’ve worked with some of the absolute best pilots and clinicianswhile flying medevac with LifeNet 8-1. We have pilots and crew members from every branch of service, people who understand discipline, teamwork, and the importance of completing the mission safely. I can’t speak highly enough of those I work with.”

Showcasing the impactful service of HEMS, LifeNet is participating in the upcoming 19th Annual Aviation Education & Career Expo on Friday, Nov. 7, at Hagerstown Regional Airport, hosted by Rider Jet Center and Paragon Aviation Group. The Expo, the largest aviation career fair in the Mid-Atlantic, invites students ages 16–22 to explore careers in aviation, aerospace, and emergency services through hands-on exhibits, demonstrations, and direct connections with industry professionals.

Attendees will meet representatives from the military, emergency services, flight schools, and other aviation organizations. Highlights include a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter display, performances by the U.S. Army Golden Knights, and opportunities to learn directly from professionals like Layton who have turned their passion for aviation and saving lives into a lifelong career of impact.

“Events like this expo are exactly where the next generation of flight nurses, pilots, and emergency responders get inspired,” Layton said. “If one student walks away thinking, ‘I want to do that,’ then it’s worth it.”