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Journey
Jan 12, 2025•6 min read
Flight Log: Overcoming the Flames of Compton
A personal reflection on the 1992 Los Angeles riots that destroyed my first store, and the journey of building anew in Montana.
BY MICHAEL BURKS
READMontana Mike — Michael Burks
Missoula, MontanaContact
300+ ANGEL FLIGHT MISSIONS
THE JOURNEY & VENTURES OF
Michael Burks— Montana Mike
Entrepreneur, volunteer pilot, and community builder. Completing over 300 free medical transport missions with Angel Flight West to help families across the western United States.
300+
MISSIONS FLOWN
5+
AWARDS & HONORS
9+
Ventures Built
LOG NO. 300
Michael Burks, Volunteer PilotKMSO / MISSOULA
46.8721° N
Angels Do Fly West
Cannes & IndieFest Humanitarian Award Winner
"Angels Do Fly West" is a short documentary that has received over 24 national and international awards including Two prestigious world Humanitarian Awards from the Cannes World Film Festival and IndieFest World Film Festival. It also received numerous "Best Inspirational Film Awards" from the Los Angeles Film Awards, Vegas Movie Awards and The Filmcon Awards, as well as Top 5 Nominations in London, Paris, Tokyo, Rome, and Milan, Italy. We are so proud and honored to show you this documentary aimed at spreading the wonderful news of the Angel Flight West Organization.
We truly hope you are touched by the courageous story of Mya and her mother Carly, for their strength and resolve to never give up, no matter what odds are put in front of them...
So come follow Mya Toone and her mom Carly Brown, as they meet "Angel" Pilot Michael Burks in a story of true compassion, love, and unsung heroism. Follow along with Michael, Mya, and Carly as you learn about Angel Flight West — a non-profit company that brings together true "Angels", helping families during the tragedies that consume so many lives.
Imagine a family member becomes ill or is even born with an affliction. Medical bills roll in, one after another. But there is a doctor or medical treatment facility that can help your loved one. The catch? This facility is hundreds of miles away. Enter "Angel Pilot" Michael, and all of the other "Angel Pilots". At no cost to you, they fly you and your loved one to what could be a life-saving treatment.
"I want to be able to use all the blessings that I have to help other people."
Behind the Lens
In 2018, Joe McNeal, a retired Law Enforcement Officer turned actor and producer, saw a post on social media about Angel Flight West. After contacting Pilot Michael Burks and discovering the desperate need for more pilots, Joe decided to produce a documentary to help promote and recruit.
Consulting with actress and film producer Galyn Gorg (who spent a lifetime in the TV and Movie industry alongside her documentary-producer parents Alan and Gwyn Gorg), Joe embarked on a 3-year project.
This short documentary became a labor of love for all involved. Our hope is that everyone will share this to recruit pilots, inform families of this free travel option, and possibly help promote NEW Angel Flight organizations worldwide!
The Foundation of Purpose
The Story of Montana Mike
Michael Burks — known to many as Montana Mike — is a Missoula-based entrepreneur, volunteer pilot, and community leader. Overcoming a deeply challenging childhood in California to build a staggering portfolio of regional businesses, Michael's journey is a powerful story of survival, faith, and redemption.
For Michael, entrepreneurship has never been just about profit; it is a platform for service. He views his business success as a vehicle to bless others, actively funding community initiatives and dedicating his time as a pilot to fly over 300 free medical transport missions for critically ill patients across the western United States.
Michael Burks, Missoula, MT
9+
Ventures
Enterprise With a Mission
View All VenturesMissions & Ventures
Angel Flight West
"I love flying and I love helping... I want to be able to use all the blessings that I have to help other people."
300+ free medical transport flights.
Serving remote communities.
Cannes Humanitarian Award, 2021.
AFW LOG
APPROVED
PILOT:M. BURKS
COST:$0.00
Angel Flight West
VolunteerVolunteer pilot flying 300+ free medical transportation missions for families in need across the western United States.
LEDGER ENTRY
Big Sky Specialized Carriers
ActiveA Missoula-based regional trucking and freight logistics corporation recognized on Entrepreneur magazine's "Hot 500" list.
LEDGER ENTRY
Missoula Maulers
LegacyA Tier III junior ice hockey franchise in the Western States Hockey League (WSHL).
LEDGER ENTRY
Butte Hockey (Butte Cobras / Butte Irish)
LegacyA secondary junior ice hockey franchise bringing competitive hockey to Butte, Montana.
LEDGER ENTRY
Missoula Phoenix
LegacyA semi-professional regional American football team franchise based in Missoula.
LEDGER ENTRY
HockeyWolf
ActiveA retail sporting goods specialty store specializing in regional hockey and lacrosse gear.
LEDGER ENTRYA Visual Journey of Giving
Aviation & Venture Filmstrip
KODAK SAFETY FILM 5063TX 400
▸ 1AAFW-300
Pre-flight check, Missoula KMSO
KODAK SAFETY FILM 5063TX 400
▸ 2AAFW-301
At the controls of the Beechcraft Baron
KODAK SAFETY FILM 5063TX 400
▸ 3AMT-1999
Relocating to Big Sky Country, 1999
KODAK SAFETY FILM 5063TX 400
▸ 4AMK-FAM
Family moments in Missoula
KODAK SAFETY FILM 5063TX 400
▸ 5AMHL-2012
Missoula Maulers team photo rinkside
KODAK SAFETY FILM 5063TX 400
▸ 6AAFW-302
Angel Flight patient boarding
KODAK SAFETY FILM 5063TX 400
▸ 7AAFW-AWARD
Distinguished Volunteer Pilot awards wall
KODAK SAFETY FILM 5063TX 400
▸ 8AMAG-2021
Missoula Lifestyles cover feature
Insights & Stories
Latest Journal Entries
Aviation
Feb 28, 2025•8 min read
Angel Flight 300: The Faces of Hope at 10,000 Feet
Looking back on my 300th volunteer medical transport flight, carrying courage, hope, and the incredible families who inspire me every single day.
BY MICHAEL BURKS
READ
Film & Media
Mar 15, 2025•5 min read
Angels Do Fly West: Carrying Cannes' Humanitarian Spirit
Reflections on the award-winning documentary by Joe McNeal, the Humanitarian Award in France, and how it raised awareness for volunteer flying.
BY MICHAEL BURKS
READLog entry: Bottom Line
Sign the Guestbook
Have comments on my aviation logbook, questions about community development in Missoula and Butte, or need connection regarding Angel Flight West command flights? Write a line in the digital ledger below.
Make a Difference
Support Angel Flight West
Angel Flight West has provided over 90,000 free flights for people who need to travel for medical care. Your support helps keep these missions flying.
