Wings of Rescue flight to honor life and legacy of Zach Scheiman

Those who knew Zach Scheiman remember him as someone who consistently put others before himself and worked tirelessly to make every community he touched a better place.

Scheiman, a lifelong Garden City resident and a 2003 Garden City High School graduate, was a United States Air Force Veteran and local air traffic controller who tragically lost his life in the Russia-Ukraine War last December while volunteering as a civilian with a Ukrainian Special Forces Medical Evacuation Unit.

To celebrate the life and legacy of Scheiman, who was also a devoted volunteer and passionate animal advocate, the Finney County Humane Society in partnership with The Zach Scheiman Memorial, is hosting the Zach Scheiman Memorial Wings of Rescue Flight at 6:30 a.m. Sunday, August 9, at the Garden City Regional Airport.

The flight will transport adoptable animals from the Finney County Humane Society to partner rescue organizations, where they will have additional opportunities to find loving forever homes.

The public is invited to attend.

“This event is about more than transporting animals,” said Stacey Carr, Finney County Humane Society Marketing Director. “It is about honoring a man whose life was defined by compassion, service, and a genuine love for animals. Every pet that boards this aircraft represents the hope and second chances Zach believed every life deserves.”

The event will take place at the south end of the Garden City Regional Airport. Attendees should park in the airport’s main parking lot and walk toward the Air Traffic Control Tower.

The designated viewing area will be east of the Air Traffic Control Tower along the airport fence, where attendees will have the opportunity to witness the animals boarding the Wings of Rescue aircraft.

Before boarding, the animals will make a ceremonial arrival to the airport, escorted by a procession of local first responders, symbolizing the community’s united commitment to honoring Zach’s legacy while celebrating each animal’s journey toward a brighter future.

Each flight represents a second chance for homeless animals while serving as a lasting tribute to Zach’s compassion for both people and pets.
Throughout his life, Scheiman dedicated countless hours to serving his community through organizations including Garden City Arts, The Tumbleweed Festival, and local theater and dance productions. His love for animals was evident in both his personal life and his commitment to animal rescue.

To honor Zach’s career as an Air Traffic Controller at Garden City Regional Airport and his passion for animal rescue, his father, Mike Scheiman, established The Zach Scheiman Memorial in partnership with Wings of Rescue.

Wings of Rescue is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to flying at-risk pets from overcrowded shelters, disaster areas, and emergency situations to communities where they have a greater chance of adoption.

After learning Zach’s story, Wings of Rescue chose to honor his life through a commemorative flight from Garden City – an event that has now become an annual tradition.

Joining this year’s commemorative flight will be Baywatch actor David Chokachi, a dedicated supporter of Wings of Rescue and its mission to provide at-risk shelter animals with a second chance at life through lifesaving air transport.
Chokachi will accompany the Wings of Rescue flight to Garden City in support of the organization’s ongoing efforts to rescue homeless pets and in recognition of the remarkable legacy of Zach Scheiman.

Inspired by Zach’s life of service, compassion, and unwavering love for animals, Chokachi is honored to participate in a mission that continues Zach’s commitment to helping those in need.

The public is encouraged to attend this meaningful event and join family, friends, community members, first responders, volunteers, and animal advocates as they celebrate Zach’s remarkable legacy while witnessing shelter animals begin their journey toward new homes.

Event Information

First Annual Zach Scheiman Memorial Wings of Rescue Flight

Date: Sunday, August 9, 2026

Time: 6:30 a.m.

Location: South end of Garden City Regional Airport

Parking & Viewing Information

For additional information, please contact:
Finney County Humane Society
124 Fleming Street
Garden City, KS 67846
Phone: (620) 277-3725