David Linton: Exceptional Pilot and Experienced Leader

January 5, 2022

From Volunteer Pilot...

David Linton has volunteered as a pilot for Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic (a program of Mercy Medical Angels) since 2016. In 2018, Mr. Linton flew the most missions out of the volunteer pilots based in Virginia, winning the Virginia Pilot of the Year award.



Mr. Linton has flown more than 100 missions for Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic. In total, these missions have covered more than 50,000 miles in his logbook. Each mission removes the barrier to medical care for low-income children, Veterans, and families. 

...To Board Member

In addition to his record of service as a volunteer pilot, Mr. Linton has been a board member for Mercy Medical Angels. His leadership experience includes 38 years in market-leading industries, including aerospace and defense.


Mr. Linton was selected as the new Board Chair in April 2021, replacing Gib Godwin who became Mercy Medical Angels’ President and CEO. 

A Servant's Heart

Others involved with Mercy Medical Angels recognize that Mr. Linton is qualified in more ways than one. In addition to his leadership experience, he is also involved in the more personal parts of Mercy Medical Angels. As a volunteer pilot, he directly serves patients in need of transportation to medical care.



Kelly Murphy, Board Chair for Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic, foresees Mr. Linton playing a key role in Mercy Medical Angels’ growth. Ms. Murphy said, “Our critical mission to serve others will continue to expand, as Mr. Linton has a servant’s heart.”

"Honored and Excited"

As Mercy Medical Angels marks its 50th anniversary, Mr. Linton looks to the future. In his words:


“I am honored to serve as the Board Chair, and excited about the opportunity to work with Gib Godwin, the Mercy Medical Angels staff, and the generous volunteer pilot network that deliver hope daily to those with critical needs.”


Join us in thanking Mr. Linton – and celebrating Mercy Medical Angels' 50th anniversary!

Share this story with others.

Share your thoughts about this story.

Read More Patient Stories

By Stephanie . October 20, 2025
Read how a patient traveled to the care she needed... in her own words.
By Stephanie . October 16, 2025
Read a letter from a Veteran who attended an American Warrior Association (AWA) retreat, thanks to charitable air travel assistance from Mercy Medical Angels.
By Stephanie . October 14, 2025
Read how a young woman is battling cancer for the fourth time, and how the volunteer pilots are helping to improve her quality of life... in her own words.
By Stephanie . October 12, 2025
Read how a man with prostate cancer found charitable ground transportation assistance to treatment and feels less alone in the battle... in his own words.
By Stephanie . October 11, 2025
In Her Own Words...
By Stephanie . October 9, 2025
Read how a patient with severe kidney disease is improving his life, with charitable ground transportation assistance from Mercy Medical Angels... in his own words.
By Stephanie . October 8, 2025
Read how a man with prostate cancer is getting to the treatment he needs, thanks to Mercy Medical Angels sending him gas cards... in his own words.
By Stephanie . October 7, 2025
Read how a single mother is beating cancer with treatments at MD Anderson and gas cards from Mercy Medical Angels... in her own words.
By Stephanie . October 6, 2025
Read how a cancer patient is driving to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, with help from Mercy Medical Angels' ground transportation... in his own words.
By Stephanie . October 5, 2025
Read the story of how a cancer patient traveled out of state forf her treatment, thanks to Mercy Medical Angels' charitable flight assistance... in her own words.