So I guess we shouldn’t have been that surprised (although we were) when he announced he would be out of the office for a while and when asked where the answer was, “Haiti.”

Events unfolding in Haiti are controversial. It’s a corrupt, lawless country made worse by a most tragic natural disaster. Recent days have raised questions about what can be done, who can help, how that assistance can be doled out to those who truly need it, and the dangers inherent in that process.

McInnis is in a unique position to help because he owns a powerful airplane that can land and take off on a short runway while carrying cargo. When he got a call asking for help shuttling supplies from Florida into a rural area of Haiti, he promptly said he would.

Some of us thought he was certifiable. Really? Haiti? What about fuel, accommodations, sanitation, or the occasional flying bullet. But David stopped us all with one quiet answer, “It’s an opportunity to serve.”

And with that he was out the door. Since it’s a cross-country flight just to get to the jump-off point in Florida, they stopped in Seattle to pick up a full load of rescuers also anxious to get there to help.

To David and his faithful pilot, we send loads of good thoughts and admiration.

We look forward to hearing their stories and seeing pictures when they return. Meanwhile, David is sending the occasional dispatch via Twitter at http://twitter.com/giantcranberry.