This Week's Photo Album
Friday, December 21, 2012

Leap for Lupus Delivers Research Check

You may remember an Air Traffic Controller NATCA quarterly publication story written about Seattle Center member John Mitchell's wife, Valinda, who was diagnosed with lupus in 1989 and battled for her life in 2004. (Click HERE to access the Fall 2011 issue of ATC; story is on Page 10.) Together, the Mitchells started a nonprofit, Leap for Lupus, that raises money for lupus research through an annual skydiving event, among other fundraising events held. Recently, the Mitchells dropped a check off at the University of Washington's research center.

"Valinda and I were proud to present a check for $21,000 to be used for lupus research," John Mitchell said. "That check represents the generous donations by so many people of both time and money to our cause. We have so much amazing support year after year. We truly could never accomplish this without you. And Dr. Elkon sincerely stressed to us that in this time of shrinking budgets and tight money, our donations have been instrumental in keeping all of their researchers together. They, too, applaud the entire Leap for Lupus team.

"To all of you who worked with us, donated to us and supported us, job well done. Thank you so very much."





Memphis Members Celebrate The Holidays and Their Solidarity

Members from the Memphis area facilities held a holiday celebration on Saturday, Dec. 15.


From left to right: Memphis Center members Brett Skarstad, Jason Arnold, previous Archie League Medal of Safety award winner Kenny Ellis (retired member) and Chris Stephenson.


From left to right: Trisha Lepeard, ZME member Vance Lepeard, Josie Stephenson, Kristie Caputo.


NATCA Meet & Greet for OKC Academy Students

NATCA President Paul Rinaldi was the featured speaker on Monday, Dec. 17, at NATCA's monthly meet & greet event for FAA Academy students in Oklahoma City.




NATCA President Paul Rinaldi speaks to the Academy students.


NATCA Works with ALPA, FAA on Video Project (Part 2)


Los Angeles Tower (LAX) Facility Representative Mike Foote, left, does an interview with Air Line Pilots Association Lead Design Coordinator Molly Martin in front of the LAX simulator for the joint ALPA-NATCA-FAA “FlightDeck” podcast and video. The video is about the working relationship between air traffic controllers and pilots, and will feature a segment from FAA Acting Administrator Michael Huerta. ALPA Videographer Eric Davis is on the right.


Los Angeles Center (ZLA) Facility Representative Nate Pair and ALPA Lead Design Coordinator Molly Martin, left, discuss facility information in the ZLA training lab after filming an interview for Part 2 of the joint ALPA-NATCA-FAA "FlightDeck" podcast and video.