Our mission

Honoring the memory of the two Alaska Airlines pilots and crewmembers who were on board flight 261 on January 31, 2000, a charitable foundation has been established to provide college scholarships to the deserving families of Alaska Air Group employees in memory of Captain Ted Thompson, First Officer Bill Tansky and the employees who perished on that flight. The scholarship awards wil be decided upon by a board of directors chaired by the wife of Captain Ted Thompson, Marilyn Thompson. Criteria for awarding the scholarships will be based upon, financial need, academic merit, good citizenship and community involvement. Ted Thompson and Bil Tansky were both Los Angeles based pilots who were very actively involved in community activities and sponsoring youth organizations. It is only fitting to remember these two "heroes" with a lasting legacy by providing financial assistance for deserving students.