MHM Publishing, which produces Vertical and Vertical Valor magazines, is proud to announce the launch of a new global recognition program: the Blades of Valor Recognition of Service, Courage and Flight.
This initiative will honor 20 individuals working in public safety aviation or helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) who have demonstrated outstanding courage, innovation, leadership, and dedication in their roles.
Nominations are now open and can be submitted online. The program welcomes nominations from around the world — including self-nominations — and aims to showcase the behind-the-scenes and frontline heroes keeping communities safe through airborne operations.
“We created Blades of Valor to recognize the individuals whose work often happens out of view, but without them, critical missions wouldn’t succeed,” said Mike Reyno, co-owner of MHM Publishing. “Whether they’re flying the aircraft, providing medical care, coordinating from the ground, or keeping the fleet mission-ready, every role in public safety aviation requires incredible skill, dedication, and heart. These are the stories we want to tell.”
Nominees may work in any capacity within the HEMS sector or public safety aviation — from airborne law enforcement and firefighting to SAR, maintenance, and flight coordination. They’ll be selected based on their impact, professionalism, and meaningful contributions to their organizations or communities.
“This industry is full of unsung heroes,” Reyno added. “We’re proud to be a platform that not only documents aircraft and operations, but also elevates the people behind them.”
Selected honorees will be profiled in a special feature in Vertical Valor magazine and highlighted across MHM’s digital channels later this year.
To nominate someone or yourself for the Blades of Valor recognition program, visit https://verticalmag.com/blades-of-valor/.
Deadline for submissions: Aug. 1, 2025.
