Clayton Austreng, Karl Marcum, Mark McGarrah, Benjamin Melendez, and Daniel Mohid Honored with the Great Lakes Region Archie League Medal of Safety

When a series of electrical failures left a pilot nearly blind and disoriented in flight, the difference between catastrophe and a safe landing came down to calm, coordinated teamwork. At the Archie League Medal of Safety Award Banquet during Communicating For Safety 2026, controllers Clayton Austreng, Karl Marcum, Mark McGarrah, Benjamin Melendez, and Daniel Mohid were honored for guiding the aircraft through the emergency and safely to the ground. Their composure under pressure gave the pilot the guidance he needed to make it home.

NATCA Great Lakes Regional Vice President Dean Von Almen presented Clayton Austreng, Karl Marcum, Mark McGarrah, Benjamin Melendez, and Daniel Mohid with the Archie League Medal of Safety Award for the Great Lakes Region — one of two award-winning saves in the region this year.

Learn more about this remarkable event in the full Archie League Awards story: http://natca.uberflip.com/i/1546597-archie-awards-2026-website/11?