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THE DELEGATE NATCA'S BIENNIAL CONVENTION | APRIL 17-20, 2018 11 MDT PHL ACY ABE RDG ILG PNE newbies," Hendel says. It helps them get the basics down before moving on to a bigger facility if desired." MDT is home to 33 NATCA members across three bargaining units. "We have members who range in experience from 25 years down to the newly hired, but they are all proud activists," Says FacRep Philip Gesumaria. MDT serves the Pennsylvania state capital. It is also located right next to "the sweetest place on earth," Hershey, Pa. It is the home of the Hershey's Chocolate World and Hersheypark, which makes it an exceptionally sweet place to work. There are 31 NATCA members at ACY, most of whom have been in the Agency for three years or less. The facility had 12 CPCs when FacRep TJ Woodyard transferred there in 2015, and within a year-and-a-half ACY received 15 more new hires. Many brought military experience with them. The facility has gone through a major transformation of personnel that has been both a blessing and a curse due to training demands, Woodyard explains. There are several factors that set ACY apart from most other facilities, but the most famous claim to fame, Woodyard says, is that the facility is the premier (and only) TRACON in New Jersey. The facility is also home to 17 veterans, putting the local at over 50 percent with military service. "Over 50 percent of our local traffic is military aircraft," says Woodyard. "Both the New Jersey Air National Guard and Coast Guard have squadrons here. They fly the F16 and AS365 helicopters respectively. We get quite a bit of heavy military transport aircraft from Dover Air Force Base and McGuire Air Force Base that come over to beat up our tower and instrument pattern. We also have the pleasure of being a favorite practice airport for the Presidential fleet of aircraft (B747, B757, B737, and GLF5)." ABE is also thrilled to welcome their brothers and sisters to their home region. Although each facility in the local area is unique, solidarity is a driving force behind these and all facilities in the Eastern Region. Their commitment to the Union through activism, solidarity events, and educational events ensure all members are informed and active participants in their careers and their futures. The Philadelphia locals welcome their dedicated sisters and brothers and hope you enjoy NATCA's 17th Biennial Convention! ✪

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