An Open Letter to Nurse Pam from CAF Col David Zavoina

Dallas, TX (November 15, 2024) – At the Commemorative Air Force, we believe that the backbone of our organization is our people. During the recent Aviation Discovery Festival held on October 4-6, 2024, in Dallas, one of our members, CAF Col David Zavoina, experienced a medical emergency.

The emergency occurred in a hangar before the event started. Luckily, many members and volunteers were checking in at the time. First responders were called; before emergency services arrived, CAF Col Pam Pedron, a retired ER nurse, performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on David—a lifesaving effort that doctors say was instrumental in his recovery. Pam was assisted by several other members who assisted her in CPR, getting a defibrillating machine, and feeding information to the EMTs.

David was rushed to the hospital, and we are happy to say he is now making a full recovery. He credits his survival to Colonel Pam Pedron. David asked to express his gratitude publicly to Pam and the CAF members who were in attendance for their quick actions and support.

We are incredibly proud of our CAF Colonels, who jumped into action, as well as the overwhelming support from Colonels to care for David and his family afterwards.

In an open letter, David writes:

“Commemorative Air Force Dallas, TX RE: Open Letter to Nurse Pam

I’m requesting that this letter be published electronically and in print for the whole organization to read.

On the morning of Oct 4th, 2024, before the “Aviation Discovery Fest,” I suffered a medical emergency on the CAF ramp, and Nurse Pam sprang into action, performing Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation to save my life. I will be eternally grateful to Nurse Pam for her preservation and untired energy until assistance could be summoned with an electronic defibrillator and an ambulance could arrive on the scene.

Nurse Pam exemplifies the morals and standards engrained by the CAF. Nurse Pam deserves the highest honor from the Commemorative Air Force for her unselfish acts in performing in the nursing profession. I will be eternally grateful for her actions on that morning.

I’m on the mend now after spending 14 days in the hospital and recuperating at home, and I would also like to recognize CAF Col’s Bob Bates, Dan Fordice, and Rick Bell from the Mississippi Wing for getting my privately owned vehicle to my house and assisting my family.

I would also like to recognize COL. David Oliver for his inspirational visit in the hospital."

Eternally Grateful,

Dave Zavoina COL. Dave Zavoina Roanoke, TX”