United Airlines features Jason Mohrman and David Jean in a company-wide news article

Here is the complete article as published by United Airlines:

Getting David Jean closer to his dream

Years ago, IAH Boeing 767/757 Captain Jason Mohrman led a mission trip to Haiti. He and his team traveled down to help in the Grande Ravine, a critical area in Haiti in need of food and resources.

Jason and the team worked in a special needs home, did extensive repairs to homes of children in the area, and helped at an orphanage and school.

Each day, the team would share their personal passions with the children while visiting their classrooms. Jason’s, of course, was aviation, and he shared with them that it could be a career.

“I would bring United wings, United playing cards and share my aviation experiences,” said Jason. “It was a tremendously positive experience, and so many children were interested in becoming pilots or flight attendants. The opportunities in Haiti are so limited, and they loved learning about travel and opportunity.”

During one of his trips, he met David Jean, who lived in the ravine. David grew up watching airplanes fly across the sky above and had

always dreamt about one day being in one. “I was amazed [to learn about being a pilot] because I only knew about driving cars,” said David. “I didn’t know someone could control an airplane.”

At the time of Jason’s visit, David was a sixth grader attending the Christian Light School, and after learning about Jason’s career, he knew he wanted to be a pilot. Jason stepped into a

mentorship role for David, who is now 22, and the two still communicate nearly daily. After meeting, David would reach out often,” said Jason. “He followed my flights over Haiti from EWR.”

Jason and team helped get David in line for an internship with Mission Aviation Fellowship, an organization that focuses on improving the lives of those in isolated areas of the world.

While David was in consideration for the program, the unrest in Haiti reached a dangerous level and the internship fell through.

“Mentoring someone that has limited opportunities in Haiti has been a challenge, but every roadblock or speed bump we encounter,

we work to go around it or over it and somehow work to make something happen,” said Jason. Jason encouraged David to go to PAP

(Port Au Prince, Haiti) and ask for any opportunity he could get at the airport — from pushing wheelchairs to being a greeter, no opportunity was too small, and David does this

as often as he can.

Jason has been working to find other avenues to help David achieve his goal, but many opportunities are limited with restrictions and the need to travel to and train in the U.S. “We are

hopeful there is a pathway out there for him to seek an opportunity to learn to fly and attend an aviation university,” said Jason.

“Mentoring with someone who is so determined is such a joy, yet the tough reality of making it happen weighs heavy on my heart.”

Jason has had many mentors over the years who have emphasized the importance of sharing one’s experiences and using one’s resources to help others accomplish their goals and reach their full potential, as well as build better people,

teams and leaders. A good friend and mentor once told him, 'Jason, we are in the business of helping others,’ and that sentiment has stuck with him throughout the years.

“Mentoring is an absolute joy and such a blessing,” said Jason. “I certainly receive more than I could ever give by doing it. It's game changing for you and the other person, and provides hope,

inspiration, encouragement and life skills.”

Jason has worked on the ramp, as a customer service agent and piloted many different aircraft throughout the years. He was a company ambassador at Continental Express before

joining United. His passion for aviation is another driver behind him working so hard to reward David with the same experiences he had.

“I am hopeful that one day he might have the opportunity to join the United Aviate Academy or advance his dreams of becoming a pilot,” said Jason.

Jason’s work has helped David get closer to reaching his goal. David continues to find opportunities whenever possible and is determined to reach his goal. “Thanks to Jason…for bringing me one step closer to my dream of becoming a pilot,” said David

We’re rooting for you, David! And kudos to you, Jason, for your ongoing commitment and support.

- By Sarah Bivens