Air Evac Lifeteam 135 delivers advanced critical care air medical transport for patients who require rapid access to higher levels of medical care. Serving Okmulgee and neighboring counties, the base works in close partnership with local hospitals, emergency medical services, fire departments and other emergency response agencies. Through both scene responses and hospital-to-hospital transfers, the team helps bridge critical gaps in healthcare accessibility for rural Oklahoma.
Leading the base is Program Director Sherri McKeown, NREMT-P, FP-C, who brings 12 years of service to Air Evac Lifeteam 135. Under her leadership, the program has continued to emphasize clinical excellence, operational readiness and strong collaboration with local responders.
The base is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of highly trained medical, aviation and maintenance professionals.
During 2025, Air Evac Lifeteam 135 marked a year of continued growth and advancement. One of the most significant developments was the expansion of blood product capabilities, with plasma now carried on every mission to enhance trauma and hemorrhage resuscitation. The base also maintained a strong focus on high-quality critical care transport, utilizing advanced ventilation strategies, cardiac monitoring and evidence- based clinical protocols.
The team reported being fully staffed throughout the year, ensuring consistent readiness and uninterrupted access to care for the communities it serves. Ongoing collaboration with local EMS agencies, fire departments and hospitals remained a cornerstone of operations, supporting seamless patient care from the field to definitive treatment.
Team members say the work they do is driven by trust and partnership. They expressed gratitude to the communities they serve and to the first responders and healthcare professionals who work alongside them on every mission.
“It is a privilege to serve rural Oklahoma,” the team shared, noting that each mission reflects a commitment to professionalism, teamwork and compassionate care. As Air Evac Lifeteam 135 looks ahead, that commitment remains focused on one goal – being there when it matters most, delivering lifesaving care to those who need it most.
— Air Evac Lifeteam 135 Staff Leadership
• Sherri McKeown, NREMT-P, FP-C, Program Director – 12 Years — Flight Paramedics
• Derrick Francis, NREMT-P, FP-C – 8 Years
• Danny Ivey, NREMT-P, FP-C – 8 Years
• Dustin Mullinix, NREMT-P – 3 Years
• Joey Mann, NREMT-P, FP-C, CCP – 3 Years — Flight Nurses
• Caitlin Nevels, BSN, RN, CCRN – 5 Years
• Erin Bilyeu, RN, NREMT, CCRN – 3 Years
• Loren “Lori” Hull, BSN, RN, CFRN – 3 Years
• Thalia Sneed, RN, TNCC – 2 Years — Aviation &Maintenance • Gene Montanaro, Base Pilot Supervisor – 17 Years
• Robert Whitaker, Base Line Pilot – 13 Years
• Pascha Banks, A&P, FCC, 107 Pilot, Base AMT – 3 Years
• Vinnie Bracaglia, Base Line Pilot – 2 Years
• Jeremy Anderson, Base Line Pilot – 2 Years
