THOSE WE ENCOUNTER

November 1, 2025

The King Aerospace mission is to “Make a positive difference in the lives of those we employ, we serve and we encounter and earn a fair profit.” By the grace of God, we encounter a lot of people and we sincerely strive to make a difference.  Several years ago, my son Jarid encountered Jeff Barstow, COO of Boeing Business Jets, and over the years we all kept in touch.  When Jeff learned he had cancer he called me, like many others have done since I beat cancer for the second time. We talked and he decided to seek treatment at MD Anderson in Houston, Texas, which is a long way from his home in Seattle, Washington.  After years of progress, he was found to be cancer free and at MD Anderson that means you get to ring the “Cancer Free” bell!  He asked that I be there with him for this special event.  The bell is in a very large waiting room where people are waiting for doctor visits or treatment.  The sound of the bell sends a message of hope to all within hearing distance. It’s a moment of joy and hope for everyone.  I was so thankful that I had been invited to attend and join the celebration!

I will never forget the words of wisdom from Southwest Airlines Founder and President Herb Kelleher: “Jerry, be there with your people when they celebrate, when they hurt and just be there with them.” May many more people get to “ring the bell” as they overcome whatever challenges they are facing in their lives.  At King Aerospace, we are blessed and honored as we strive to make a positive difference in the lives of those we encounter. Know we are here for you.  At King Aerospace, we are about making a difference — we just happen to work on aircraft.

Written by KING AEROSPACE Founder, Jerry Allan King-Echevarria.