I do not have much to say about this image. I know images like this make me happy, because it encapsulates my job. The airplane in front of me is operated by Mike Meekin. There is nobody in the state of Alaska with a better reputation as a bush-pilot, and fair business man than Mike Meekin. Mike’s dad, Austin Meekin, homesteaded the property in this picture in the 1940’s. Mike is now 58 years old and has lived his entire life in Alaska. He did not live in a house with a flush toilet until the 1980’s. Mike was definitely raised in the wild west of the Last Frontier. As a young man he worked as a big game guide for his dad, and then in the oil and gas fields in the winters. He married Diane Hall in 1981 and they had 4 daughters, I was fortunate enough to marry the oldest, Samantha. Samantha and I were married almost 8 years ago and we are expecting our first child in April. I have been flying for/with Mike ever-since.
My Dad and my brother are both commercial pilots. My older brother, and best friend, Zach Keller, flies both helicopters and fixed wing aircraft for New Tribes Mission, and is moving to the Philippines as a missionary pilot in a couple of months. My Dad, Wes Keller, is currently a legislator for the State of Alaska, and used to fly in the Air Force and the Air National Guard. I grew up around airplanes and I always knew I would fly. The day after I ended high school I started flight training and got my license when I was 18 years old. I later attended Moody Aviation and received my aviation mechanics rating as well as two years of comprehensive bush-flight training in preparation to fly overseas as a missionary pilot. My wife and I never went overseas as missionaries, but I have been flying full time in the cub for the last 6 years. I have nearly 4000 hours of flight time almost all of which is right-here in the Alaskan Bush. I have been blessed with a good job, but an even better family.