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THE DELEGATE 4 WEDNESDAY • OCTOBER 1, 2014 SPOTLIGHT: MINNESOTA FACILITIES REFLECTIONS: CONVENTION ACTIVISTS MSP MINNEAPOLIS TOWER M98 MINNEAPOLIS TRACON Connie Thompson, Jr., Washington National (DCA) "The Denver Convention was my first. It was one of the best events in my life. It was so orderly, very much an air traffic control environment. You learn so much information, and the amount of experience surrounding you is incredible from old to new generations." Joy Aldrich, Boston Center (ZBW) "I have two favorite moments. The first was the 1996 Pittsburgh Convention; my fiancé and I have been together ever since! The second was at the 2012 Denver Convention. The display of solidarity that took place aer the closing event brought me to tears. That demonstration in solidarity is exactly what a union stands for. We stood behind a Brother, together." Clint Lancaster, Anchorage Center (ZAN) "At my first NATCA convention, NATCA President Paul Rinaldi and so many others spoke during the opening ceremony. I realized then that what we do is so important on so many levels, and that so many people have given so much time and effort to our cause. I was hooked, and I knew that I wanted to be a part of it." Bob Aitken, Engineers-New England (ENE) "One of the most memorable single moments was being in the convention hall, and it was announced that Tim Haines was very sick and needed a year's worth of leave donations to retire early. We passed the forms out and retired him with donations that day. It was very emotional. I still tell that story to new members as an example of the strength we have as a unit." Dawn Johnson, Atlanta Center (ZTL) "I have many favorite moments in NATCA but one in particular stands out in my mind: 2010 Hawaii Convention. This convention was my first NATCA convention, and I attended as a delegate. The feeling you get when you step into that huge space with so many NATCAvists is overwhelming and made me feel proud to be a part of it." Nick Olson, Salt Lake City TRACON (S56) "Without a doubt, the Denver Convention has been my favorite NATCA moment. Sometimes when you're at your local facility you can forget about the vast brother and sisterhood that exists in our Union. But at the convention, I felt that unity and power as we met as a whole body." Sam Navarro, Seattle (SEA) "Convention has always been my favorite [NATCA moment], so far. I love seeing the solidarity and passion everyone has." NATCA's biennial conventions raise the level of union pride, unity, and solidarity. Members are inspired to li their activism to new heights. Many members have cited past conventions as turning points in their NATCA and professional careers. Some examples: Minneapolis TRACON (M98) is a level 11 facility with 60 NATCA members. The current facility was remodeled in 1997. Major events in and around the Twin Cities keep M98 controllers busy. These include the Republican National Convention, the Major League Baseball All-Star game, and the upcoming 2018 Super Bowl. Outside of work, the M98 local joins with Minneapolis Tower (MSP) and Minneapolis Center (ZMP) for annual solidarity and family events. M98 also holds monthly local meetings that bring together 20 to 25 members on average. "We have a great membership that is always willing to work on and resolve issues. I never have a lack of volunteers here at the TRACON," says FacRep Roger Mathieu. "The best part of being the rep is the incredible support I get from the membership." "The atmosphere at MSP is nothing short of awesome," says FacRep Sam Tomlin. "We have a group of people here who are dedicated to not only the profession but NATCA." The 38 NATCA members at the level 11 tower enjoy spending time together outside of work. Activities include summer boating excursions, fall bowling events, and ice fishing and curling in the winter. Looking ahead, NATCA members at MSP are very excited that Vikings Stadium in Minneapolis has been selected to host the 2018 Super Bowl. The city previously hosted the event in 1992. "The best part of being FacRep at MSP is the members themselves," Tomlin said. "It truly is an honor to serve the members and help with issues that arise."

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