UPDATE: In a heartfelt tribute, volunteers from Seuk’s Army successfully rescued 117 pets on November 24, 2024, marking the anniversary of pilot Seuk Kim’s tragic plane crash. The event took place at Culpeper Regional Airport in Virginia, as 16 passengers, including three cats and 13 dogs, disembarked from a private flight that changed their lives forever.
The day was particularly special; the volunteers transported nearly double the usual number of animals to honor Kim, who died in a rescue flight accident last year. Co-founder Sydney Galley expressed the group’s collective sentiment: “Everybody really feels it. He would be so excited to see us with so many dogs.”
Kim, 49, was an avid animal lover and a dedicated volunteer who participated in multiple rescue flights weekly. His passion for flying and helping animals grew after connecting with Galley through the animal rescue initiative Pilots N Paws. Tragically, on his last flight, Kim’s plane crashed in New York’s Catskill Mountains after he reported turbulence, resulting in his death and the loss of one dog, although two others were saved and later adopted.
After Kim’s passing, many volunteers, including Kley Parkhurst, faced uncertainty about continuing the flights. “I just want to keep the legacy that we started together going,” Parkhurst stated. His commitment to the cause has inspired others, leading to a surge in volunteer support and increased animal transports.
Since the crash, Seuk’s Army has expanded its operations dramatically, now transporting two to three times as many animals as before. This growth has been fueled by Kim’s tragic story, which garnered media attention and drew in new volunteers. The organization is primarily run through WhatsApp chats and Facebook posts, with pilots using their personal planes and covering flight costs that can reach hundreds of dollars per hour.
In addition to the airlifts, the group has organized fundraising efforts, including a 5K charity run last June. Airport manager Tanya Woodward is actively seeking grants to improve facilities for the animals, highlighting the ongoing need for rescue efforts.
The impact of these flights is significant. The Heard County Animal Control Center in Franklin, Georgia, which often faces overcrowding, collaborates with Seuk’s Army to transport as many as eight pets per week. Director Kyli Putzek emphasized, “It wouldn’t be the same story without the rescue flights.”
During the memorial flights last month, volunteers donned T-shirts bearing Kim’s photo as they unloaded and cared for the animals. Among them were dogs like Daisy, a 96-pound bloodhound whose owner had passed, and Jenny, a pit bull mix facing euthanasia alongside her puppies.
As the volunteer pilots navigated the skies, the emotional weight of their mission grew heavier. Co-pilot Michael Nuzback connected with the animals aboard, ensuring they felt comforted during the journey. The group transported these animals across 16 airfields, showcasing a remarkable logistical effort.
Upon landing at Groton-New London Airport in Connecticut, the animals were welcomed by local rescue groups, ready to find loving homes. Volunteer Danielle Barth shared the heartwarming outcome: “They’re all headed to people’s homes, a warm house.”
The legacy of Seuk Kim lives on through the passionate volunteers of Seuk’s Army, who continue to fight for the lives of countless animals. As rescue efforts expand, the need for support remains critical. Stay tuned for more updates on this inspiring initiative, as the community rallies to save lives one flight at a time.
