Stuart is an aviator and co-founder of Tango Whiskey Squadron. He was born in the Hudson Valley region of New York State and was raised in a family of aviators, servicemen and medical professionals. He has a specialized background in Helicopter Medevac HEMS Air Rescue and Critical Care Transport operations and has served as Director of Operations for Departments of Emergency Medicine in rural, underserved and urban areas. In 2008, he worked to establish a Helicopter Medevac Base in the western Catskill Region of New York to improve survivability for traumatically injured victims and critically ill in need of specialty care.

He joined Tradewind Aviation to fly the Pilatus PC-12 in 2018 and flew alongside fellow Captains Simon Mason, Daniel Johnson and Frank Spegnolo. Specially certified to fly into Saint Barthélemy SBH/TFFJ, they became part of a special team comprised of some of the most capable PC-12 aviators on the planet. Stuart wanted to remission these aviators and their unique niche skills to disaster response missions and worked to form the RADR (Rapid Airborne Disaster Response) Division. He served as lead pilot for SJU Base as Tradewind Assistant Chief Pilot from 2020-2022 during the challenges of the CV-19 pandemic. He helped to lead RADR missions in the wake of the 2020 ‘Los Trés Reyes’ Earthquake Clusters in Puerto Rico and the August 2021 Earthquake in Haiti.

Stuart holds a dual BA and BS degree from Binghamton University and completed intensive training for service with the Jesuit Order. He has endeavored to create specialty teams for global service and is the Founder of ‘Wings Of Michael’, a Special Air Rescue Service of tactically trained rescue professionals devoted to the spiritual charism of Michael the Archangel to provide rescue and training services to global populations at risk.

“Tango Whiskey Squadron was built on a deep sense of brotherhood we experienced as PC-12 aviators at our SJU San Juan Base. The ability to leverage agile air assets and professional, highly experienced flight crews and ground support teams to respond to situations of disaster is unparalleled. Coordinating community outreach and proactive training helps to prepare communities at risk for the next disaster event. Both paradigms are necessary to have a closed loop methodology to promote disaster resiliency. Tango Whiskey Squadron provides expert and proven airborne and ground solutions and enables us to serve others.”

Jillian Lorena is Tango Whiskey Squadron’s Puerto Rico Field Agent. Jillian was born and raised in Bayamon, Puerto Rico and went to Universidad Politecnica de PR where she achieved an Associates degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Adding to those skills, she received trainings on Emergency Management, Response, Recovery and Disasters. Jillian always had a passion for helping others and making her Island a better place so she sought a career reflecting that. Since 2018 she has been working directly with Federal, State, and Private NGO’s focusing on Disaster Recovery. While working with the NGO Endeavors Puerto Rico, Jillian took part in missions where they partnered with Tango Whiskey Squadron, paving the way for a continued partnership and eventually welcoming her on the Tango Whiskey board in early 2022. Jillian’s experience and dedication has made her a highly valued addition to the leadership team where she is able to put her passion into action.

“I love being part of Tango Whiskey Squadron because we are focused on serving communities and show our mission with action.”

Daniel Johnson is Tango Whiskey Squadron’s Chief Finance Officer. He is an active alumnus and graduate from the University of Central Florida. There, he was a member of the Lambda Chi Fraternity where he participated in his first philanthropic works distributing nonperishable food items in collaboration with Feeding America.

Daniel later gained extensive experience in Financial operations with Deutsche Bank, starting as an intern and later becoming a senior operations analyst on a prime brokerage foreign exchange team.

After having a short yet successful career in finance he followed his dream to become an aviator where he met Simon Mason and Stuart Hirsch at Tradewind Aviation and eventually joined Tango Whiskey Squadron.

“Tango Whiskey Squadron’s sense of brotherhood and philanthropic works aligned well with my core values and I am excited to carry our Squadron’s vision forward through our missions.”

Simon Mason is the co-founder of Tango Whiskey Squadron. Simon was born and raised in the Hudson Valley region of New York and comes from strong faith background where the value of service to others was instilled from a young age on. After High School, he started on an aviation career which eventually lead him to Tradewind Aviation, flying out of Puerto Rico. Quickly the Island became his home and Simon looked for opportunities to give back, eventually co-founding Tango Whiskey Squadron with Stuart Hirsch. Currently Simon lives with his wife, Veronica, in New York and supervises the missions in Puerto Rico.

“It has been an honor and privilege being part of Tango Whiskey Squadrons journey from formation to now. Back when when Tango Whiskey Squadron first started , I never dreamt the organization would grow to what it is today. All that we have and will accomplish is thanks to every person and organization that has believed in our vision of helping those who need us most. Most of all thanks to God for bringing the team together and leading the missions forward.”

Joyce is a senior Finance Manager at Stanley Black and Decker. Her professional background extends prior to Stanley, to 10 years within the pharmaceutical industry as a biochemist, and as a consultant and project manager in Life Sciences. Joyce was born and raised in Brazil, moving to the US when she was 14 years old to pursue an American education.

Her love and passion to serve overlooked populations began early in her life through her grandmother’s dedication to her community and those in need.

Joyce has travelled the world on humanitarian relief trips and as a missionary. Through her servant leadership, she has helped people from all ages and backgrounds. She believes that one of her greatest accomplishments thus far in her life is the Tango Whiskey PC-12 Squadron Organization.

“There is no greater joy in life than that of giving back. I know my life’s purpose is to be a catalyst of change for those in need. My journey has just begun, there’s much work ahead.”

Frank started flight training in 2014 and started flying for Tradewind Aviation in 2018. In the winter of 2019, he went down to Puerto Rico for his first season of flying in the Caribbean. Having already met the cofounders and members of Tango Whiskey Squadron, Simon Mason quickly asked Frank to volunteer on disaster relief missions. Since then, Frank spent two winter seasons volunteering and coordinating missions in Puerto Rico. After moving back to Connecticut full time, Frank has worked closely with Simon almost every day coordinating missions and developing the foundation of Tango Whiskey Squadron as an official Non-Profit organization.

“One of my biggest goals in life is to help others. Providing humanitarian work in the mountains of Puerto Rico and coordinating logistics behind the scenes has been my passion since the beginning of TWS.”

Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Von Rod currently serves as Army Aviation Officer assigned under the 1st Mission Support Command Army Reserves. An Army helicopter pilot, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in aviation systems, a Master’s Degree in International Relations, and a Doctor’s Degree in Geopolitics. With over 30 years of service in the United States Military, Johnny is well decorated with 15 military badges and ribbons. He has been a committed volunteer with Tango Whiskey Squadron serving as a Special Advisor since its formation in 2019, and became a board member in July of 2024. His diligence, experience and expertise make him a crucial asset to the team as he coordinates and oversees ground operations throughout the most remote and isolated communities. As a resident of Puerto Rico, Johnny knows the hardships of his fellow islanders first hand and is committed to reaching those who are too often underserved and neglected.

"The people of Puerto Rico are in need of talent for the wellbeing of the citizens, so I offer my abilities in aviation, logistics, and leadership to achieve that goal. Here to Serve."