Herm & Schrader Podcast Summary

Episode: True Racing Heroes: Andy Petree & Matt McSwain On Flying Helicopter Relief Missions To Western North Carolina
Release Date: January 21, 2025
Hosts: Kenny Wallace and Ken Schrader
Guests: Andy Petree and Matt McSwain
Produced by: SiriusXM, Dirty Mo Media

1. Introduction to the Episode

In this compelling episode of Herm & Schrader, hosts Kenny Wallace and Ken Schrader welcome two esteemed guests from the NASCAR community, Andy Petree and Matt McSwain. The episode delves into their heroic efforts in flying helicopter relief missions to aid communities devastated by Tropical Storm Helene in Western North Carolina.

2. Backgrounds in NASCAR and Aviation

Kenny Wallace [02:30]:
"Andy Petri is known as a great NASCAR cup crew chief. He's known as a TD superstar and a great race car driver. And Matt McSwain, we're gonna get to know a lot about you."

Matt McSwain [02:53]:
"Born and raised in Shelby, North Carolina. I went into the Marine Corps, transitioned to NASCAR thanks to Buddy Parrot, and worked with teams like Roush and Penske. Now, I own a company called Acme Arrow, designing suspension systems for airplanes."

Andy Petree [04:29]:
Discusses his passion for helicopters, his journey from NASCAR team ownership to aviation, and his extensive experience flying helicopters and airplanes since 2008.

3. Responding to Tropical Storm Helene

The conversation shifts to the catastrophic impact of Tropical Storm Helene, which caused widespread devastation in Western North Carolina, including complete town washouts like Chimney Rock.

Kenny Wallace [06:17]:
"Tropical Storm Helene brought hurricane winds, 23 inches of rain, and wiped out towns. Chimney Rock is gone, and the area around Rutherford County, Asheville, and Boone faced immense tragedy."

4. Initiating Relief Missions

Andy and Matt share their immediate response to the disaster, highlighting their commitment to saving the community.

Andy Petree [07:22]:
"I just got my helicopter out of overhaul and immediately invested 73 hours into mission flights, changing oil twice during that time. We're always ready to help."

Matt McSwain [08:21]:
"A friend started Operation Airdrop, but realizing the need for helicopter operations, Matt and Andy mobilized quickly. What was expected to be a small mission grew to involve 33 helicopters and extensive rescue operations."

5. Formation and Success of Operation Hilo

The guests discuss the rapid organization and execution of relief efforts under Operation Helo.org.

Matt McSwain [10:15]:
"We aimed for five or six helicopters, but the response was overwhelming with 33 helicopters arriving the next day. Andy joined us despite being on a cruise ship because he couldn’t ignore the need in his backyard."

Andy Petree [22:59]:
"Matt's leadership was crucial. He took control from day one, creating structure out of nothing, which allowed us to manage the growing team effectively."

6. Community and NASCAR Support

The solidarity within the NASCAR community played a pivotal role in the mission's success.

Matt McSwain [29:25]:
"Racing figures like Ralph Fenway and Kevin Harvick provided essential support, from tractor trailers to logistics support, demonstrating the community's unwavering commitment."

Andy Petree [29:10]:
"Without the NASCAR community and volunteers from all over the country, the mission wouldn't have been as successful. Their immediate response was lifesaving."

7. Technical Aspects and Use of Robinson Helicopters

A significant factor in the mission's effectiveness was the choice of helicopters.

Andy Petree [25:54]:
"Robinson helicopters, particularly the R44 model, were perfect for the mission due to their size, versatility, and widespread availability. They could navigate the challenging terrain and carry necessary supplies."

Matt McSwain [25:54]:
"The R44s were indispensable. Their ability to access tight areas was crucial for our missions."

8. Impactful Stories and Personal Experiences

Andy and Matt share heartfelt stories that highlight the mission's emotional and human impact.

Matt McSwain [34:28]:
"A famous picture of an elderly couple refusing to leave their flooded town because their great-grandson was trapped in the rafters profoundly impacted me. It underscored the real human lives at stake."

Andy Petree [36:01]:
"Meeting Miss Martha, an elderly woman isolated for days, was a pivotal moment. Seeing her relief upon our arrival reinforced our mission's importance and divine purpose."

9. Challenges and Unique Aspects of the Mission

The team faced numerous operational challenges, including coordinating with multiple states and managing logistics without initial government support.

Andy Petree [19:34]:
"The FAA supported us, but the sheer number of helicopters and challenging landing zones required exceptional teamwork and coordination."

Matt McSwain [31:49]:
"Volunteers from 60-70% of the U.S. states brought diverse skills and resources, enhancing our operational capacity."

10. Current Status and Call to Action

As the episode progresses toward its conclusion, Andy and Matt emphasize the ongoing need for support and the importance of community involvement.

Matt McSwain [45:38]:
"Do your research and find organizations like Operation Helo.org that are actively helping. Donations, no matter how small, are greatly appreciated."

Andy Petree [46:13]:
"Operation Helo is dedicated to continuing relief efforts. Supporting them ensures ongoing assistance to those in dire need."

Kenny Wallace [45:19]:
"For those looking to help, visit Hilo.org and contribute to the ongoing relief and rebuilding efforts in Western North Carolina."

11. Conclusion and Acknowledgements

The episode wraps up with expressions of gratitude towards supporters and a final call to action for listeners to engage with and support the mission.

Kenny Wallace [48:50]:
"Thank you, Andy and Matt, for sharing your incredible stories of heroism. To our listeners, visit Helo.org and Operation Helo to support the ongoing relief efforts."

Andy Petree [48:50]:
"Thank you, Kenny, for allowing us to share what Operation Helo is doing. Western North Carolina still needs our help."

Matt McSwain [49:37]:
"Appreciate your time, Kenny. Let's continue to support those affected by Tropical Storm Helene."

Key Takeaways:

• Operation Helo.org was swiftly established to provide helicopter relief to devastated communities in Western North Carolina following Tropical Storm Helene.
• Andy Petree and Matt McSwain, leveraging their NASCAR backgrounds and aviation expertise, led extensive mission flights, saving hundreds of lives.
• The NASCAR community played a critical role, offering resources, volunteers, and unwavering support.
• Robinson R44 helicopters were instrumental due to their versatility and ability to navigate challenging terrains.
• Personal stories from the missions highlighted the profound human impact and the necessity of continued support.
• Listeners are encouraged to support Operation Helo through donations and active participation in relief efforts.

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Petree [04:29]:
  "I dove in with both feet. I flew that thing the first year. I think I flew it 400 hours, flew it all over the place and did all kinds of deals with Garmin Avionics."

• Matt McSwain [08:21]:
  "We thought we were going to have five or six helicopters. The next day we had 33."

• Andy Petree [36:01]:
  "God had his hand on this mission from when we started. We should not have been able to do the things that we did."

• Matt McSwain [34:28]:
  "Seeing that elderly couple refusing to leave because their great-grandson was trapped was a turning point for me."

• Andy Petree [46:13]:
  "If you want to help, make sure you donate to some organizations that really have a heart for this."

This episode of Herm & Schrader not only celebrates the bravery and leadership of Andy Petree and Matt McSwain but also serves as a poignant reminder of the power of community and the critical importance of swift, organized disaster response.