Brenna Ambrose, Samed Rizvi, Mike Szendrey, and Derek Vento Honored with the Eastern Region Archie League Medal of Safety

When a departing jet lost altitude and stopped responding normally over some of the country’s busiest airspace, the difference between tragedy and a safe outcome came down to teamwork under pressure. At the Archie League Medal of Safety Award Banquet during Communicating For Safety 2026, controllers Brenna Ambrose, Samed Rizvi, Mike Szendrey, and Derek Vento were honored for clearing traffic, staying composed, and guiding the aircraft to a safe landing. Their coordination turned a frightening emergency into a routine touchdown.

NATCA Eastern Regional Vice President Mike Christine presented Brenna Ambrose, Samed Rizvi, Mike Szendrey, and Derek Vento with the Archie League Medal of Safety Award for the Eastern Region. Learn more about this remarkable event in the full Archie League Awards story: http://natca.uberflip.com/i/1546597-archie-awards-2026-website/7?