Aug. 26, 2016 // Photo Album: Florida, Colorado, Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky: See All of the Places NATCA is Making a Difference Across the Country This Week
The annual Mark Folz Memorial South Florida NATCA Fishing Tournament was held on June 24 in sunny Islamorada, Fla. Ten fishing teams competed for year long bragging rights and over $3,000 in prize money. Despite rough weather at the start, Team Pura Vida put a tournament winning 37-pound dolphin in the boat along with a smaller dolphin. They not only took home first place, but also the captain’s side bet, known as the Calcutta.
When the fishing was done for the day, a large group of about 70 NATCA members joined in the fun during the tournament weigh-in held at Smugglers Cove Marina at Mile Marker 85 on the Overseas Highway.
 |
| Pictured left: First Place Team Pura Vida: Captain Randy Wadle with ZMA/MIA controllers Robert Smith, Mike Wagner, Matt Wadle, and Carlos Mora with their 37 pound dolphin! |
Team Pura Vida Captain Randy Waddle said it was one of the most fun days of fishing that he had experienced in a long time because he got to fish with his son and his longtime controller buddies. Randy said that taking time out from his stressful job to enjoy family, the salt water, and the camaraderie that comes with being a NATCA member and an air traffic controller is wonderful. He said it’s something that everyone should do more often. He added that we are a fun loving family at work, and outside of work too.
Tournament organizer Danny Garcia said that plans are already in the works for next year’s tournament, which will be held June 30, 2017.
 |
| The memorial plaque awarded to winning team Pure Vida. |
On Aug.19, four members of Rocky Mountain Metro ATCT (BJC) participated in the annual BJC golf tournament hosted by the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport. BJC FacRep Kyle Beamsderfer (and event photographer) was one of the attendees and described the event as a fun day of solidarity. Pictured below are BJC controllers J.C. Webb (blue shirt), Jacques Mailloux (plaid shorts), and Chris Bancroft (green polo).
Potomac TRACON (PCT), also known by its members as, “The Nation’s TRACON,” hosted a well attended solidarity event at BJ’s Brewhouse in Warrenton, Va., on August 15. Eastern Regional Vice President Dean Iacopelli, Eastern Regional Legislative Rep Kristena Jones Starkey, Virginia State Coordinator Dan Kerr, NATCA Charitable Foundation Rep Carrie Connor, and NATCA Reloaded Rep Chrissy Padgett (Washington Center) were in attendance along with over 50 NATCA members.
Thanks to PCT FacRep Brandon Miller and the PCT Legislative Team’s efforts, two members at the event were inspired to learn more NATCA’S legislative efforts and will be taking the Basic Legislative Class in December!
Roanoke ATCT (ROA) hosted a solidarity event on August 16. Eastern Regional Vice President Dean Iacopelli, Eastern Regional Legislative Rep Kristena Jones Starkey, Virginia State Coordinator Dan Kerr, NATCA Charitable Foundation (NCF) Rep Carrie Connor, and NATCA Partnership For Safety National Rep and Reloaded Rep Chrissy Padgett (Washington Center) attended the event, along with about 10 ROA members at the Salem Red Sox Baseball game. It was a very nice event showcasing the passion and dedication that ROA NATCA members have.
Iacopelli gave the ROA members a briefing on the new contract and things going on within the region, Starkey gave a legislative briefing, and Connor gave an NCF briefing during the event.
Cleveland Tower (CLE) and Cleveland Center (ZOB) co-hosted a NATCA membership meeting event on Aug. 22. NATCA President Paul Rinaldi, Executive Vice President Trish Gilbert, Great Lakes Regional Vice President Bryan Zilonis, and former NATCA President John Carr spoke and answered questions on current legislation in Congress, air traffic control reform, convention proposed resolutions and amendments, the Employee Requested Reassignment Memorandum of Understanding (ERR MOU), facility staffing and placement, and other topics important to NATCA.
In attendance were members from CLE, ZOB, Columbus (OH) ATCT (CMH), Akron Canton ATCT (CAK), Youngstown ATCT (YNG), Mansfield ATCT (MFD), Toledo Express ATCT (TOL), Erie ATCT (ERI), and Pittsburgh Allegheny ATCT (AGC).
Louisville Standiford ATCT (SDF) and Louisville/Bowman ATCT (LOU) recently hosted a NATCA solidarity event. Southern Alternate Regional Vice President Jason Arnold, Greater Cincinnati ATCT (CVG) Legislative Rep John Buonadonna, SDF controller Jeff Money, SDF FacRep Jeff Gilde, and LOU FacRep Ron Nichols all took part in the event where they encouraged everyone in attendance to get more involved in NATCA.
