Desert Jet Center, part of the Desert Jet family of companies and the newest Fixed Base Operation (FBO) at the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport (KTRM) announces the creation of the John J. Benoit Memorial Scholarship. Named to honor the legacy of much-loved Riverside County Fourth District Supervisor John J. Benoit who passed away in December 2016 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer, the scholarship commits some $10,000 to local youth in the Riverside County area who desire to pursue a career in aviation. Benoit, whose Fourth District purview included the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport in Thermal, CA was a pilot, politician and advocate of aviation businesses.
Denise Wilson, CAM, President and CEO of Desert Jet notes, “As Desert Jet celebrates its 10 year anniversary as a local business, we reflect on those who were instrumental to our success and the importance of constantly giving to the community we serve. John Benoit inspired and supported us at every step. Not only was he an advocate and a pilot, he was our friend. It is our honor to fund this scholarship in his name, and encourage our local youth to honor his legacy as they pursue an aviation career.”
The 10-year commitment by Desert Jet provides for up to $1,000 per year to a Riverside County high school student pursuing a career in aviation, and may be used for a degree program in aviation, flight training expenses, or other professional aviation certification and programs. As part of the application process and one of Desert Jet’s core values, students must demonstrate giving back to the community of Riverside County by volunteering up to 8 hours of their time to a local charity or organization of their choice.
Adds Wilson, “Benoit was a true local, and demonstrated through his actions what can be accomplished by a motivated young person growing up in the Coachella Valley. While he is dearly missed, this scholarship assures he will be remembered, and his legacy honored for years to come.”
