Mo Bailey, who worked tirelessly to bring rural vets the benefits they deserved, died recently after a long battle with leukemia.

Bailey founded Veterans Aviation Organization in 2003. The organization used volunteer pilots to fly outreach workers into remote Alaska villages in order to help them sign up for services like pensions and health care. Alaska Dispatch flew to Emmonak with VAO earlier this year.

Bailey was born in Memphis and joined the Army in 1956, according to a 2006 Mat-Su Frontiersman story. He served three tours in Vietnam and at one point was flying 100 missions a month as a flight engineer through daily gunfire, according to the same story.

The funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, July 19, at Fort Richardson, according to Dave Alvarez, a close friend of Bailey's who also works with VAO. The celebration of life will be at 4 p.m. in Palmer at the Elks Lodge on Finger Lake.

Each of Alaska's congressional delegation sent out press releases Thursday to mark Bailey's passing.

From U.S. Rep. Don Young: "I was saddened to hear of Mo's passing. I had the pleasure of meeting with Mo last year when I sat down with the Mat-Su Veterans, and the strength, passion, and courage that he showed when he proudly served his country, was evident at that meeting while he was battling leukemia. He was one of Alaska's strongest advocates for the veterans' community and an inspiration to those who sought his service. He made sure all of Alaska's veterans had a voice and were able to receive the proper care. He will be greatly missed, but I know his passion will carry on in Alaska's Veterans' community. My prayers are with Mo's family and friends during this difficult time."

From U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski: "I am profoundly saddened by the loss of my dear friend, Maurice "Mo" Bailey, who will long be remembered as one of Alaska's most significant veterans' leaders. Mo reminded us through his daily life how one person can truly make a difference in the lives of others. His was a life of service, humility and grace. A disabled veteran who battled the VA bureaucracy to obtain the benefits he earned through his service in Vietnam, he gave his all to ensure that Alaska's rural veterans could overcome vast geographic challenges and obtain their earned benefits. The Veterans Aviation Outreach, which Mo founded with fellow veterans, created a lifeline through which rural veterans could apply for their benefits, obtain transportation to Anchorage for medical appointments and network with fellow veterans, which is so important to healing the emotional wounds of war. This is critically important work that must continue. There is little doubt in my mind that Mo's selfless sacrifice on behalf of Alaska's rural veterans will inspire others to ensure that this vital lifeline for rural Alaska's veterans is not lost."

From U.S. Sen. Mark Begich: "I am deeply saddened by the loss of Mo Bailey. Mo has long been a strong voice for Alaska's veterans. After his military service, which included Vietnam, Mo returned to Alaska and dedicated his life to helping his fellow veterans and their families. Mo's tireless efforts on behalf of rural veterans were instrumental in connecting them with much-needed services and support from the VA and other providers. My condolences to his family, especially his loving wife, Ann."