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MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2015 NATCA DAILY DISPATCH 4 For the last 11 years, the Archie League Medal of Safety Awards banquet has paid homage to heroic flight assists that exemplify the dedication, professionalism, and commitment of our members. This year is no different. We are featuring winners in each issue of the Daily Dispatch so you can better understand what led them to win the award and who they are as individuals. Today we have the honor of introducing Central Region winner Travis Arnold (R90), Southern Region winner Sarina Gumbert (F11), and New England Region winners Kelly Eger and Sarah LaPorte Ostrander (BOS). Arnold had vectored an aircraft for an ILS approach into Lincoln on Dec. 13, when he noticed the pilot passing across the final approach course. After issuing a corrective heading, the pilot acknowledged but continued to turn the wrong direction. Communication was temporarily lost, but when it was reestablished, Arnold learned that the pilot's instruments were not working correctly. Arnold issued no gyro turns and closely monitored the aircraft's altitude. His instincts and quick thinking ensured the pilot landed safely at his destination. In the late morning of Oct. 24, an aircraft took off from Orlando International Airport and contacted Gumbert upon departure. During his initial contact with Gumbert, the pilot did not state his assigned heading, so Gumbert quickly verified. Although the pilot stated the correct heading, Gumbert realized he was not turning to that heading and was instead turning into traffic departing from the east complex. Gumbert immediately issued a new heading as the pilot was flying directly into the departure path of another aircraft. The pilot complied and narrowly avoided the other departing aircraft. Gumbert's proactive approach to the pilot's actions helped mitigate a dangerous situation. CENTRAL REGION SOUTHERN REGION Travis Arnold Omaha TRACON (R90) Sarina Gumbert Central Florida TRACON (F11) During the evening push on Sept. 5, a JetBlue aircraft missed the assigned departure time and had to be taken out of sequence. Eger routed the aircraft around the airport and instructed the pilot to hold short of Runway 22R. The pilot responded correctly so Eger then cleared an aircraft for takeoff on runway 22R. Shortly after, Ostrander, who was training someone on ground control, alerted Eger that the JetBlue aircraft was not stopping at Runway 22R, where there was the aircraft taking off. Eger quickly stopped JetBlue right before the ASDE-X alert went off, avoiding a possible collision. I'm from: Springfield, Mass. I've been an air traffic controller since: 2008. I became an air traffic controller because: I gained a passion for aviation while becoming a professional pilot and studying aviation management at Dowling College. It was there that I was introduced to the air traffic control career field. In my spare time, I enjoy: Traveling, shopping, and spending time outdoors. Favorite dish to cook: Red velvet cupcakes. Favorite sport: Volleyball. Candy or Chocolate? Chocolate-covered strawberries. I've been an air traffic controller since: 1998. I became an air traffic controller because: When I signed up for the Air Force it sounded like the best job! In my spare time, I enjoy: Hiking with my dogs, yoga, and spending time with friends. Favorite dish to cook: Salmon piccata. Dogs or cats? I'm a big animal lover, but dogs are my favorite. Favorite comfort food: My mom's biscuits and gravy. I'm from: I'm a military brat. I was born in Okinawa, Japan, lived in California for 12 years, and joined the military from Nebraska. I've been an air traffic controller since: 2001. I became an air traffic controller: In the Air Force. I always wanted to do something related to aviation. In my spare time, I enjoy: Staying active by running and waterskiing. I have a major phobia of: Spiders. Favorite sport: Baseball. Go Giants! Dogs or cats? We have two dogs. I'm from: Gloucester, Mass. I've been an air traffic controller since: October 1998. Military 1998-2005, contract tower 2005-2007, and FAA 2007-present. I became an air traffic controller because: In high school, through friends, I met an air traffic controller. I was intrigued and asked him questions every time I saw him. When I asked how I could become a controller, he told me to join the military or go to a CTI school. I chose the Air Force and have loved ATC ever since. My mentor retired from my facility (F11) before I was picked up by the FAA, but the operating initials I chose from day one were his: AA. In my spare time, I enjoy: Spending time with my family. I have a 12-year-old son who keeps me and my husband very busy. Best vacation: A 12-day European cruise to Spain, Italy, Sicily, and Croatia. Dogs or cats? Love my dogs! I have two Boston Terriers, Sox and Fenway, named after my beloved Boston Red Sox. Favorite comfort food: POPCORN! I love popcorn. NEW ENGLAND REGION Kelly Eger Boston ATCT (BOS) Sarah LaPorte Ostrander Boston ATCT (BOS) Kelly Eger Travis Ar nold Sar ina Gu mber t Sarah LaPor te Ostrander

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