NATCA Bookshelf

THE DELEGATE 10 THURSDAY • OCTOBER 2, 2014 REGIONAL ROUNDUP Scot Morrison has settled in as the new RVP aer having taken over in July from Steve Munroe, who retired. Morrison saluted Munroe's years of NATCAvism, which included his great service as a member of the Red Book negotiating team. "The NATCA members in the Alaskan Region have been great welcoming me and allowing me to share my experience with them," Morrison said. QQ Anchorage Center's (ZAN) Jennie Sandland and Anchorage Tower's Kaui Hayden have led NATCA's efforts on a joint program with the FAA called the Collaborative Outreach Program. The goal is to increase communication between controllers and pilots and to provide public education to improve flight safety. The program includes booths at fly-ins, trade shows, safety seminars, and symposiums. They have briefed nearly 1,000 air carrier and air taxi pilots in Alaska thus far. "We have received tremendous support and appreciation from each and every operator that we have worked with," Sandland says. "Pilots are very interested in knowing how their actions impact controllers." QQ The new Flight Service Station (FSS) National Rep is Dean Miller, who took over for Tom Elmer on Sept. 1. NATCA represents four hub FSS facilities with another 13 outlying facilities. The death of former RVP (2000-2006) John Tune on July 23 at the age of 58 was a profoundly sad and tragic loss for Kansas City Center (ZKC), the region, and the membership nationwide. "John was a mentor to me while I was the FacRep at MCI," RVP Kevin Peterson says. "Aer I became RVP, I oen looked to John for counsel. John was a true friend and he had a deep concern for worker rights, which he continued fighting for every day of his life." ZKC held its annual golf tournament in August and renamed it the ZKC NATCA John Tune Memorial Golf Tournament. The tourney raised over $1,500 (pictured) for KidsTLC, an organization based in Olathe, Kan. QQ Collaboration is going well at Kansas City Tower (MCI). "I'd say the best part of being FacRep here is being able to play a major role in the new relationship that is being built between NATCA and management," says FacRep Matt Williams. "We have people on both sides who see the importance of moving forward together." QQ Congratulations to St. Louis TRACON's (T75) Mark Schad, winner of the Air Traffic Control Association's (ATCA) Andy Pitas Memorial Award for an outstanding flight assist. Allentown (ABE) is thrilled to be the first STARS Elite facility. "I'm really proud of our facility and the effort our entire building put into this transition," ABE FacRep Shannon Shuey says. "We are so excited to receive this equipment, and we look forward to all the opportunities it will afford us." QQ DataComm testing at Newark (EWR) is going well. "As I've gone through the project and learned more about it and seen it from the industry and the pilots' side, and the benefit to them, it even exceeded my expectations of the benefits," EWR FacRep Ray Adams says. QQ Chris Wells, who is approaching his one-year anniversary as Norfolk FacRep, is the grandson of two trade unionists who he says instilled a "great work ethic and dedication to their fellow employees." He says, "The most rewarding part of being the facility president is the feeling of satisfaction in helping the collective and the camaraderie that comes with it." QQ Northeast Philadelphia Airport members celebrated NATCA's 27th anniversary with a special NATCA cake. Pictured from le to right: Joshua Tavares, Kawain Powell, Michelle Fernandez, Zaheerah Zimmerman, and Kevin Fennel holding Elías, Fernandez's son. Detroit-area members have stepped up their solidarity. One summer highlight included a large gathering at a Detroit Tigers game that also included members from Toledo (who, later in the summer, held a big annual solidarity event of their own at a minor league Mud Hens game). Prior to the Tigers game, the members received a legislative briefing that included remarks from former President John Carr. QQ Judd Wallace (Cleveland Center) is a third-generation union member. His father has been a member of a union as a power plant operator for over 30 years, and his grandfather worked as a union machinist for over 40 years in a steel mill. Wallace's advice to members looking to get involved? "Don't be intimidated; getting involved is easier than it seems. There are countless opportunities to become involved in our Union." QQ Members of Minneapolis Center's (ZMP) service review team received an FAA Safety Vanguard award in recognition of their accomplishments as reviewers of the facility's quality of ATC services. The team includes five NATCA safety team participants. "I think it's a great thing and a great tool," says member Reid Beucher. "People now realize the safety issues. I think there's a lot of value to it." Nunzio DiMillo (Boston Tower), a 23-year veteran member, added a third award this week in honor of last year's great flight assist when he prevented a Cirrus SR22 from landing on an occupied taxiway instead of the runway. Already this year's regional Archie League Medal of Safety Award winner and President's Award winner, DiMillo also won the ATCA Andy Pitas Memorial Award. QQ Thanks to the leadership of Regional Legislative Rep Jay Bowers, several facilities have hosted visits from Members of Congress this year. The latest, earlier this month, was at Manchester Tower, where Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter met with members and airport officials. "I rest comfortably every time I fly knowing NATCA controllers are on the job," she said. QQ Portland, Maine, FacRep Jeff Breault says his 100 percent NATCA facility has a great atmosphere. "The best part of being FacRep is being able to help shape the future of the facility, and try to provide the best working conditions for my fellow members," he says. QQ Congratulations Mike Odryna (ZBW) on 10 years as Chairman of the OSHA Committee! NEW ENGLAND REGION GREAT LAKES REGION EASTERN REGION CENTRAL REGION ALASKAN REGION

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