FLIGHT TO END POLIO 2025

By: Ron Smith, District 7780 PolioPlus Chair, Fryeburg Area RC, and Nancy Hawes, District 7780 Foundation Committee Treasurer, SP-CE RC 

 

Rotarians, family and friends—mark your calendars for a truly inspiring event!  October 5^th, 1 -3 pm at Portsmouth International Airport (formerly Pease Airbase)

 

The Flight to End Polio is completing the final legs of its second world record-setting journey, which began in late August. Pilots Peter Teahen and Ed Galkin have made extraordinary progress in their mission to circumnavigate the Atlantic and raise awareness for Rotary’s End Polio Now campaign.

 

Their route has taken them across continents, including a memorable stop in Portugal where Peter was seen kissing the ground after a long flight from England. As this newsletter reaches you, they will tentatively have flown from the Azores on a challenging 1,300-mile transatlantic leg to Gander, Newfoundland, before arriving in Portsmouth, NH around October 3^rd or 4^th.

Join Us in Welcoming the Pilots!

On October 5th at 1:00 PM, join District Governor Emma Bodwell, Rotary International Polio Chair Michael McGovern, and members of the Hampton and Portsmouth Rotary Clubs at the Port City Aviation hangar to welcome Peter and Ed.

 

The pilots will share highlights from their journey, followed by opportunities to:

This event is open to all Rotarians in District 7780 and neighboring districts. Prospective Rotarians would be welcome as well.

 

 

Whether or not you can attend, you can honor Peter and Ed’s dedication by donating to PolioPlus via their Raise for Rotary page (https://www.flighttoendpolio.com/donate). Donations made through this page will be:

If you were planning to support PolioPlus this year, this is a meaningful way to do so—while recognizing two extraordinary Rotarians for their sacrifice and commitment.