The Navajo Nation sprawls over 17 million acres over three states. It is home to more than 173,000 people from various tribes. Dick and Betty McColley started the Navajo Nation Airlift in Arizona in 1984. Their son, Gregory McColley, continues the tradition, which is a logistical challenge now spread over three days with pilots from New Mexico, Arizona, and other Western states. It's not just Christmas gifts that the pilots collect from their communities and churches, but basic needs are also gathered and delivered throughout the nation. 60 AOPA PILOT / December 2022 MAP BY BAKER VAIL