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January 2015
DFW NEWSFLASH - January 2015
Etihad Airways: Celebrating the Inaugural Flight
Snowball Express
Smiles for Families of the Fallen
NextGen at DFW:
New technology takes flight at DFW
Seats for Soldiers
Veterans honored by Mavericks
Welcoming passengers and guests to Etihad Airway’s newest American destination, Sneha Kumber and her fellow flight attendants gracefully provide coffee and dates to those celebrating the arrival of Etihad’s inaugural flight from Abu Dhabi to DFW. /Photo by John Starkey
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COVER STORY
DFW Airport welcomes inaugural flight from Etihad Airways The entire contents of this magazine are the sole property of Rambler Newspapers, Inc., with all rights reserved. Reproduction or use, without permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. If you have an upcoming event, game, a press release, or interesting story, please let us know. DFW NewsFlash encourages submission of articles, facts, and photographs pertaining to the people, life, business, and entertainment of aviation industry in the DFW metroplex. DFW NewsFlash is published monthly by Rambler Newspapers, Inc. and is distributed throughout the DFW Airport in businesses and public areas. DFW NewsFlash is also delivered to locations at many of the other airports throughout the DFW metroplex market. Deadline for the submission of articles and advertising is the 10th of the month prior to the publication date. All submitted articles are subject to editing. Opinions expressed in submitted advertisements, articles, editorial, or commentary are those of the writer, and not necessarily those of DFW NewsFlash, the publisher, editor, or any staff member. All articles, press releases, photographs and other materials submitted become the property of Rambler Newspapers, Inc. The Publication of columnists’ views, as well as advertising, does not constitute endorsement. Rambler Newspapers, Inc. reserves the right to reject or edit any advertising. DFW NewsFlash, its publisher, and editor are not responsible for errors in advertising. Mailed subscriptions of DFW NewsFlash are $45 per year. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Rambler Newspapers, Inc., P.O. Box 177731, Irving, TX 75017. Publisher John Starkey Managing Editor Stacey Starkey Advertising sales@dfwnewsflash.com 972-870-1992. Newsroom news@dfwnewsflash.com
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By Jess Paniszczyn The three musicians comprising Drum and Wind played Middle Eastern melodies with a heavy emphasis on clarinet as samples of rose water were passed out to airline representatives and airport guests awaiting Etihad Airways first arrival flight from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates to the DFW International Airport on Dec. 3. Shortly after the sun slipped past the horizon and darkness fell, an Etihad Airways Boeing 777-200LR aircraft landed initiating the company’s direct service between Abu Dhabi and DFW operating three days per week on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The three times a week service is estimated to bring in an additional $90 million to the North Texas economy. “On behalf of everyone at DFW airport, we are excited about Etihad’s nonstop service between DFW and Abu Dhabi,” said Sean Donohue, CEO of DFW Airport. “We are extremely pleased to add another international destination and carrier to DFW airport’s growing international business connecting more than 50 destinations across the world. “This route also opens up tremendous economic value to the DFW, North Texas region with new opportunities for tourism, cultural exchange and cargo. We expect when daily service starts in April [the flights] will generate $200 million annually in economic benefit to the North Texas region. “It’s also important to note that this is a groundbreaking long-haul international service for DFW Airport,” Donohue said. “The reason for that is passengers aboard the Etihad arrival are prescreened by US
Customs and Border Protection in Abu Dhabi Airport before their flight. Abu Dhabi Airport is one of the few airports outside of North America to offer an on-site US Customs facility. “To put it simply, the Etihad flight lands, the customers coming off and go through the same experience as a domestic hub customer would as they arrive at DFW Airport. That means a lot of simplicity and flexibility for the connecting customers.” The new service continues DFW’s recent wave of international expansion, as the Airport has added 18 new international destinations in the past four years. With the addition of the new Etihad service, DFW now hosts 23 airlines and 55 direct international destinations and continues to be only one of seven airports in the world with over 200 direct destinations. “On behalf of Etihad Airways, I would like to thank you for your support of our new service between the sixth USA gateway, Dallas Fort Worth and United Emirates, Abu Dhabi,” said James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways. “Etihad Airways is the national airline of
the UAE. We started our operations about 11 years ago from Abu Dhabi in 2003. Today we fly to more than 110 destinations worldwide in more than 67 countries and employ more than 20,000 employees from Emirates’ 140 nationalities. “With today’s launch, Etihad Airways strengthens the ties with the United States and with the great state of Texas,” he said. Visiting with airport and airline representatives, His Excellency Abdulla Alsaboosi, Consul General of the United Arab Emirates, waited at DFW Airport to welcome Etihad’s inaugural flight from Abu Dhabi. “It is my pleasure to be here with you and Dallas-Fort Worth,” Alsaboosi said. “I am so happy, so excited about this successful launch. “By the way, yesterday was our national day. On December 2, 1971, the seven Emirates united in one country. Surely we have become a great country so far. We’re very proud of Etihad Airways. We are proud of the service they provide. The fact that we are connecting Abu Dhabi, another beautiful city, is a great thing. This is befitting Dallas on the other side,” he said.
Capturing a special moment, His Excellency Abdulla Alsaboosi, Consul General of the United Arab Emirates (center), uses his phone to snap a selfie to commemorate the inaugural Etihad Airways flight landing at DFW Airport. In his photo, Alsaboosi includes James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways (left) and Sean Donohue, CEO of DFW Airport (right). / Photo by John Starkey
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- Snowball Express Bringing smiles and joy to families of the fallen
By Jess Paniszczyn Scores of children disembark from the airplanes with their faces painted, holding balloon creations and clutching their favorite stuffed animals. Most of them catapult themselves into the airport with a frightening energy ready and excited to take on the world. As Christmas music blasts through the terminal, one boy plays an out of tune accompaniment on his harmonica. For some of the children, however, the cheers and joyful greetings are a thin veneer that cannot cover the deep pain of having lost a parent. A tall, brown haired boy stands away from the crowds, his swollen and red from crying. A bullet, explosion, wreck, illness or other calamity threw these children into an exclusive club no one wants to be a member of, but once they find themselves members, the Snowball Express lets them know they are never alone. Mr. and Mrs. Claus, a bevy of reindeer, Capt. America, the Hulk, Iron Man, an array of princesses and patriot guard riders joined the other colorful characters and airport guests in welcoming some very special people to Texas. Gold star fami-
/Photo by John Starkey
lies, the widows, widowers and children of our military’s fallen arrived on the Snowball Express Thursday, Dec. 11 to enthusiastic crowds of well wishers. Nearly 1,800 people were able to participate in this year’s Snowball Express. “Snowball Express is a charity that serves the children survivors of the military fallen since 9/11. I would like for people know this is rewarding, and it’s my opportunity to serve them,” Fernando Ospina, DFW coordinator for Snowball Express, said. “I hope the participating families realize they are loved and they are not alone in their experience. A lot of these families don’t have support system at home other than the military process. So what we do is bring them here with like families, and they end up with lifelong friendships with people who understand their grief and their challenges in life. “Standing out as a kid is tough enough. Growing up as a kid is tough enough, but to know that you’ve lost a parent in the war, a controversial war at times, sometimes it’s hard when you have to say ‘mom and dad are not here’. We do have about five widowers, women who are in combat who lost their lives. When they come
here, the other kids understand when they wake up dad’s not home or mom’s not home. This year the families will be going to a ranch on Saturday, and they will do all kinds of western things: archery, riflery, ride horses, mutton busting and all those wonderful things. They will go to the Fort Worth Zoo, then they will go to the Perot Museum. “This is our way of serving all these children who have given the ultimate sacrifice. It is a love. People should try it and come on out. Volunteer and then you will see where the time and the love comes from.” Standing in line waiting to board chartered busses, Emily, 7, and Jonathan, 9, seem happy if not a little wary about what might come next. They may be young but the two are certainly patriotic. Most of their lives has been spent in a military household where both mom and dad served in the Army National Guard. Shortly after their uncle lost his leg in an explosion, their father lost his life. Afterward, Mom, a 12-year member of the Guard, resigned. “They love it, I love it. It’s great. It’s all surprise to us,” Army Sgt. (ret.) Stephanie Granville said.
“This means a lot to the kids. This is their first time flying. From the flight out of New York until now, it has been amazing, so I can’t imagine what is in store for the rest of the week. For people to donate their time and do something like this is awesome. So many people have been at every airport to welcome us. It is beautiful. I can’t believe how the people have taken their time to do this. “Being in Texas in general is exciting. They’re going to play the movie Annie, and the kids are excited to see that. To be away for a couple of days and for the kids to have their magical moment is what I am looking forward to.” This year is the fourth for Army National Guard Master Sgt. Davy Weaver’s sons Malachi, 13, and Bradley, 16, to take part in the Snowball Express. “I love Snowball Express. It means a lot,” Melenie Brewster said after she arrived with the boys in Dallas from Lagrange, Georgia. “They get to meet other kids going to the same thing they have had to deal with through losing a parent. We’re looking forward to the red carpet movie premiere, and everything – it’s nonstop.
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Page 4 “For me, Snowball Express is seeking my children happy at Christmas. I didn’t lose my husband, they lost a father. “The Snowball express is a wonderful thing they do for all these kids and widows. I cannot thank them enough.” American Airlines, the official airline of Snowball Express, flew families across the U.S. on 10 chartered and 51 commercial flights. Hundreds of American’s
employees volunteer their time to host sendoff parties, staff the flights and assist with activities. “The families of fallen soldiers are heroes to all of us at American Airlines, and we are humbled by their sacrifice,” said Doug Parker, American’s chairman and CEO. “Snowball Express is one of the many causes that our employees support in appreciation of the men and women who serve our coun-
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try, and it is one of our favorite events of the year.” The all-expense-paid trip takes place through Monday, Dec. 15. “We are thrilled to bring our Snowball families together for the ninth consecutive year,” said Francis ‘Buck’ Kern, Executive Director of Snowball Express. “This time of the year can be very difficult for the survivors of our fallen military heroes and
it is extremely powerful to hear our families talk about their life-changing experiences at Snowball Express. As we enter into our 10th year, we are stronger and better able to serve our families due to the outpouring of support from our community and sponsors. We are thankful for the unwavering commitment of American Airlines and we look forward to continuing our partnership for years to come.”
/Photo by John Starkey
NextGen takes flight in DFW metroplex By Genesis Bishop Many air travelers dream of shorter lines at security, shorter flights, lower flight costs and, perhaps somewhere in the back of their minds, more green travel across the skies of America. No, the airline industry did not decide to suddenly please all of the people all of the time, but in the Dallas/Fort Worth market, they have made two of those wishes come true. “Just a little more than 40 years ago, leaders in Dallas celebrated a great success when they opened, what was then, the largest airport in the world – some 18,000 acres,” Michael Huerta, FAA Administrator, said. “It was Texas prairie that was also destined to become one of the world’s busiest airports. “It was here that life-saving technologies were developed and tested such as windshear detection and radar that can track the movements of airplanes on busy taxiways and busy runways.” The FAA recently gathered together in-
dustry leaders, project collaborators and media to announce the initial successes of the NextGen technologies put into place in one fell swoop back in September. “Working with NASA and DFW Airport the FAA has looked to North Texas to serve as a test bed for many satellite-based NextGen technologies that today are transforming our nation’s airspace,” Huerta said. “A few weeks ago we hit an important milestone in North Texas – we flipped the switch on 80 new NextGen procedures here in North Texas. “Overnight, we saw significant benefits in this complex airspace all throughout North Texas.” What is NextGen? NextGen, simply put, is a new way of flying and landing that, among other things, takes advantage of the precision of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. Strategies of the initiative in North Texas include: Creating Optimized Profile Descent (OPD) procedures into DFW International Airport and Dallas Love Field, which allows
pilots to descend with engines at idle at a constant rate. Developing similarly efficient alternative routes that can be used during inclement weather that affects normal arrival and departure paths. Establishing departure and arrival routes that align airplanes on preferred paths – reducing the number of miles actually flown. Establishing a dedicated arrival route from the northwest in to DFW airport effectively eliminating congestion in DFW’s airspace. Creating GPS-based arrival and departure paths for Love Field, resulting in more precise flight paths over neighborhoods and untangling the flight paths of DFW Airport and Love Field air traffic. Developing satellite-based departure procedures that provide flights paths that steadily climb without leveling off periodically, in essence allowing planes to reach cruising altitude sooner. On the broader scope, NextGen is moving flight from a radar-based to a modern satellite-based system that will enable air traffic controllers to track aircraft with greater ac-
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curacy and reliability while givdioxide from entering our atmoing pilots more information in sphere each year. the cockpit, which is no small “That’s the equivalent of takendeavor. ing 8,000 cars off the streets of “While there have been othDallas and Fort Worth. NextGen er redesigns of airspace in the improves efficiency, but makes United States nothing has been aviation greener at the same time. on the scale of what’s been done “NextGen is delivering signifihere in North Texas,” Executive cant benefits here in North Texas, Vice President and Chief Opand we are delivering them now. erating Officer for American Around the United States we’re Airlines, Robert Isom, said. “Tocreating similar new airways that gether with the FAA, American’s will relive bottlenecks, improve team helped develop 80 new prosafety and foster the flow of comcedures that utilize the precision merce in more than a dozen maof our air flight management computers in addijor metropolitan areas.” tion to GPS technology. What does NextGen mean for pilots? “Our team has spent hours to ensure that the Increased awareness, shorter routes, navigaprocedures were safe and that our pilots could tion in otherwise difficult areas and informafly them in really any type of weather conditions, tion management are all benefits for the pilots but especially when air traffic control needed to flying these new procedures across the nation. modify the aircraft arrival paths.” “We’re the ones that are the front-line operaWhat does NextGen mean for Airlines? tors for these NextGen policies and procedures, (Above): Members of the DFW NextGen Team Airlines are super pumped about the future of and we’re the ones that know, from a first perspeak on the success of implimenting new NextGen for their companies because to them son narrative, how well these operations work,” flight technology and procedures. NextGen equals monetary savings and street (Below): A graph illustrates the new landing Capt. Sean Cassidy, First Vice President of cred for cleaning up the environment from profile for airplanes landing at DFW and Love the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), said. 30,000 feet. “When we fly these Optimal Profile Descents Field Airports /Photos by Genesis Bishop Since the flights are essentially shorter and we have the first-person view and we witness considerably less throttle manipulation is necessary between cruis- how big of an improvement NextGen procedures can truly be. ing height and the ground planes use far less gas. “It’s a pretty amazing thing to be in at the top of the Optimized “Every flight that comes into DFW as a result of the programs Profile Descent, pull back the throttles and, as Administrator Huerwe’re talking about today will see a reduction of 300-500 pounds of ta said, have this effect of basically sliding down a banister. It’s truly fuel per flight. Reducing our emissions,” Isom said. “Together with profoundly amazing how little gas you actually use when those fuelthe new aircraft and technologies and new procedures, we should full meters pull back to almost nothing when you get to the bottom reduce our fuel bill by more than $10 million annually. of the descent. Much different than the way we used to fly and con“It’s extremely important when you think about how big an ex- tinue to fly in some cases. pense fuel is to the airlines and, no matter what the fuel prices are, it’s a big deal.” With fuel prices at DFW Airport ranging anywhere from $3.50-$8.32 a gallon it is not surprising the talk of the day was primarily focused on fuel savings. Let’s not forget about the environment though. The fact that less fuel is expended and flights are shorter also pays off for Mother Earth who can breathe a little easier, at least over DFW and Dallas Love Field airports. “We estimate jetliners will fly one million fewer nautical miles each year here in North Texas, based on flight plans,” Huerta said. “Together, these new procedures and routes will prevent 41,000 metric tons of carbon
Page 6 “When we’re using this technology, it drives up our situational awareness. It allows us to pay more attention to handling all the other aspects of the flight while we’re letting the technology do these Optimal Profile Descents and fly these very, very precise procedures. “Another significant benefit of the changes that’s specific to pilots is information management. The more information
January 2015 - DFW NEWSFLASH - the more precise and timely information that we have – the better decision making we are going to be able to deploy during the conduct of our flights. “Yes I’m happy,” Cassidy said. “And here’s why – because I’m also a commercial pilot and I had the great fortune of transitioning from a non-NextGen equipped plane to something that actually used very precise NextGen procedures and it
opened up an entire new world for me, especially flying up in remote areas in Alaska where, but for that technology, I would have never, ever gotten into those fields. So yes, I’m happy.” What does NextGen mean for travelers? Beyond shortening flights to your chosen destination and making you feel good about supporting an Airline that using the “Greenest” technology
972-870-1992 available on the market today. It really doesn’t mean much for the average frequent flyer. When asked when the supersavings being gushed over by the airlines would trickle down to the average-Joe air traveler laughter erupted in the FAA’s meeting room. Essentially, you’ll have safer, shorter flights, but as for those dreams of cheaper tickets, don’t hold your breath.
Chaplains provide a critical human service to airport community
Providing a ministry of presence to the people working in and traveling through the airport, the DFW Airport Interfaith Chaplains add immeasurably to the culture and the fabric of airport life. /Photo by John Starkey
By Jess Paniszczyn Year in and year out roughly 60 million people flow through the DFW International Airport. Most of those people are happy and excited to be flying. However, thousands among the throng are flying under stressful circumstances. They are traveling to attend a funeral or to receive medical treatment. Additionally, 60,000 employees work in and around DFW Airport. Many of these individuals will spend more of their waking hours at the airport than they will at their own homes. When human crises arise in the airport, there is an elite team of dedicated profession-
als, known as the DFW Airport Interfaith chaplains, who stand ready to lend their support and offer their love to anyone in need. “The airport is like a small city, and the chaplaincy serves as the church of the city,” Bishop DD Hayes said. “We have to be there when a pastoral situation comes up. With that many people flying and working at the airport, something is bound to happen that needs some spiritual care, so we are there to offer spiritual care to employees, passengers and any of those who need help. “A lot of passengers are not flying for pleasure. A lot of passengers are flying for grief situations. Some are going to funer-
als. We also have the military men and women who come to the airport who are fallen soldiers, and were there to help provide care to the surviving families and the escorts,” he said. “We also spend a lot of time counseling with the employees and passengers about family problems and sometimes workrelated problems. “I heard one fire chief put it this way, when we have a chaplain present, it brings a calmness to the situation. So having a chaplain there, brings calmness and less confusion in the middle of chaos when things go wrong at the airport. We are also there to provide spiritual care and moral support. People who
have good moral support and spiritual quality tend to be more productive at work. “Our chaplains are professional people who love people. They love ministry and they are there to provide for the needs of the people. We want to be a support not only for the airport family but to people in general,” Hayes said. The chaplains were honored with a lunch, themed ‘In the Spirit of Thanksgiving,’ on Nov. 20. “This is really a blessing to be able to impact people’s lives,” said Lillie Biggins, the event’s honorary chair. “DFW airport has a unique culture. It’s unique in the way that we care about each other. A lot of that we owe to the Chaplaincy, because they are mentors to thousands of people as they go through the airport. They take care of not only traveling public, but they take care of us. “We appreciate everything you this great group does for the airport and all the traveling passengers. There is a chapel located in every terminal. We provide a place for people to go, so that travelers can be with the Lord in their own special way,” she said. Regardless of their own religious backgrounds, chaplains offer comfort and guidance to everyone without promoting their denomination. “This experience has been ex-
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tremely rewarding for me,” Chaplain Muhsin Shaheed said. “I have a great group of colleagues. I have not experienced any kind of -ism since I’ve been here. This airport community is providing a great, great service. The airport is where people from all walks of life come together. The service that we provide in the relationships we have is an ideal model for the world. “Sometimes I entertain the idea that perhaps the world leaders need to look at this airport and the relationship we with each other, because humanity can move forward when there is a meeting of the
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minds,” he said. “These chaplains do such an amazing job,” Chaplain Andrew Jackson said. “We do not push and promote our beliefs. We’re just available for you. We don’t push our faith; we just push a ministry of presence. “In this world of give-and-take, there are too few people willing to give what it takes. I thank God for the airport Chaplaincy. I especially thank God for the airport which lends us so much support without which we couldn’t survive,” he said.
One Man’s Mission to Eradicate Shame ‘Victims of sexual assault are simply victims of violent crime’ By Jess Paniszczyn Each year the DFW Airport Interfaith Chaplains Board of Directors chooses an individual from the larger community to receive the Ministry of Presence Award. This individual’s work and life reflect the values of the Interfaith Chaplaincy. During the Nov. 20 holiday luncheon celebrating the DFW Airport Interfaith Chaplaincy, Dale Hansen, WFAA Sports Anchor, was recognized with the award. A conversation like any of thousands over a drink and cigar, it should have been companionable, relaxing and easily forgotten. A friend mentioned his disbelief of the accusations then surrounding Penn State’s defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky and those who had looked the other way. “If little boys are molested surly they tell,” the friend argued. The conversation sparked a fire in Hansen. During his ‘Thank God for Kids’ segment in 2011 Hansen revealed he had been the victim of a sexual assault. A man who had kept his secret for more than five decades and never told anyone, announced to the world via television his pain. Since that time he has become a champion of sexual assault victims. “I’m intrigued that by being a victim I am being honored, but at the same time I realize it only took me 53 years to come forward,” Hansen said.
Decades after he was sexually assaulted, Dale Hansen publically recounted his story in the hope of helping others. He feels as long as sexual assault victims are treated differently in the media than any other victim of violent crime they will carry a stigma in society. He is working to change that. /Photo by John Starkey
“I was 10 years old in Logan, Iowa, which really is the Mayberry of the Midwest. We didn’t lock our doors at night. We kept our keys in the car. You could
walk the streets every night no matter how late it was, you were never in danger. “Until this one day when this boy moved into town. He said
‘why don’t we ride our bikes down to the ball field?’ He was 16, I was 10. We went down to the ball field and then he raped me. Fifty-three years I kept that to myself. I never told anybody. I didn’t tell my dad. I didn’t tell the police. “If that young man had stolen my bike, I would’ve told everybody. I would’ve screamed for justice. I would have run to my dad, and demanded he get it back,” Hansen said. “If he had taken the $.50 out of my pocket, I would’ve screamed for justice, I would’ve run to the police, and I would have called my dad. If he
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had beat me up, broken a tooth and blackened and eye, I would’ve run to my dad, because I was only 10. “But I didn’t say a word, because he raped me. I kept it to myself for 53 years. I don’t deserve your honors for that. When I did finally come out and tell my story, three of my very best friends who grew up with me in Logan, Iowa emailed me and said it happened to them too. They didn’t tell anybody either. “It took me a long time, and I speak out now, because I’m trying to convince people that we are only victims,” he said. “There is no shame here. There is no stigma that should be attached to this. We’re only victims, and if we are not willing to stand up and we’re not willing to speak out, then there are only more victims.” By treating the victims of sexual assault differently than victims of all other violent crimes, Hansen believes the media perpetuates the idea that sexual assault victims should be ashamed. “We don’t identify victims of sexual assault in the news media. I absolutely believe that when we send that message, we then tell people you should be ashamed,” Hansen said. “You have been raped, you’ve been sexually assaulted, but we will keep that between us.
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We will not tell people that you are simply a victim of a horrendous crime, and, thereby, we deliver the message that you should be ashamed. “We need to send the message to the men and women who are simply victims of a horrendous crime nothing more, nothing less. I’m trying to change that, but I’m simply adding a voice to the fight.” Since his public revelation of his assault, the response to Hansen and his story has been overwhelmingly positive. “The response has been unbelievable. I’ve heard from so many families, so many kids, so many people ranging anywhere from 12 to 85,” Hansen said. “I think this is the baggage that a lot of people deal with and we just didn’t know how. “Even as a 10-year-old, I knew I could not go tell my dad. I just couldn’t, and that is not right. We need to change that. I think there is the stigma of shame attached to sexual assaults. I know women carry that. I know young men carry that. We have to stop that and make sure that people understand they are nothing more than a victim of crime. The real objective and goal is to become a survivor. I think I’m living proof that, yes, you can get past it.”
Seats for Soldiers lifts spirits, heals hidden wounds By Jess Paniszczyn More than 100 wounded service members from Brooke Army Medical Center received the trip of a lifetime courtesy of American Airlines, Abacus, the Dallas Mavericks and caring Maverick fans. The troops left behind their daily worries as they were flown into DFW Air-
port on Dec. 7. Abacus treated the troops like royalty by presenting them a gourmet dinner fit for kings. Their meal included buffalo guiso empanadas followed by slowroasted half chicken, southern cornbread dressing, green beans and country brown gravy. Dessert consisted of German chocolate cake with butter pecan ice
cream. Their whirlwind adventure ended at the American Airlines Center where they joined other troops on reserve in the Dallas/Fort Worth area courtside to watch the Dallas Mavericks (125) win against the Milwaukee Bucks (102) through the Seats for Soldiers program. Army staff Sgt. Cielishia
Payne traveled as a cadre with the wounded warriors to help take care of their needs. “I think it’s a wonderful experience for the soldiers to be a part of this and to see the appreciation from these civilians,” Payne said. “The soldiers who do this on a 24/7 basis are grateful, and we appreciate it a lot. “We had an awesome meal at Abacus. The whole flight and everything was dedicated and catered to the soldiers, which made us feel special. I feel like I’m a celebrity for a day.” Recently, Army Master Sgt. Terry Best has faced some serious challenges. The retina in his left eye was detached as a result of an explosion. After five surgeries, he remains blind in that eye. Last March, Best celebrated his 30th year of service in the Army, and he is still going strong, however, the Dallas trip and the people he met along the way did a great deal to raise his spirits. “It’s amazing how many great people there are out there,” Best said. “Sometimes as soldiers we lose sight of how much America really does support us when we are over there. To come back and see all the giving from the heart
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www.dfwnewsflash.com that has occurred today has absolutely been humbling to me. “Seeing how genuine people were when I looked into their faces, I could absolutely sense that they cared for us and sometimes that gets lost. There is nothing you can give me today that is worth more than knowing America supports what we do. “I’m here, and I’m able to enjoy things back in America again, so I am perfectly fine and thankful.” Meeting new people and doing interesting things encouraged Staff Sgt. Sean Davis of Louisiana National Guard. “This is awesome,” Davis said. “It’s a great thing they are doing for us. I enjoy being around everybody and the camaraderie. It gets everyone’s mind off of everything that we’re going through. It is relaxing.” The oldest veteran attending the day’s festivities was 96 year old Ed Guthrie of Omaha. Exactly 73 years earlier at the age of
23 as an electrician’s mate in the Navy, Guthrie had been aboard the USS Whitney in Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941 when the Japanese attacked. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime deal. It is really nice,” Guthrie said sitting courtside under the Mavericks basket. “They flew us down here, and we really enjoyed the whole thing. We had a
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banquet, and I met a lot of nice people at the hotel. I couldn’t have asked for a better day. It was terrific.” American Airlines provided transportation between San Antonio and Dallas/Fort Worth through Fuel Smart, American’s employee-led fuel conservation program that helps provide flights for wounded war-
Sitting courtside and ready to enjoy his first professional basketball game, Ed Guthrie of Omaha (96) spends some quality time with his son. As an electrician’s mate on the USS Whitney 73 years ago, Guthrie survived the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. /Photo by John Starkey
riors and veterans using funds generated through employees’ everyday actions to save fuel. In addition, American’s pilots and flight attendants will volunteer their time for this occasion. “This event is always a memorable experience for everyone attending the game,” Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said. “We love that this event originated with a single fan and has continued to grow year after year. It’s an inspiring reminder of the amazing people that make up our community.” Dallas Mavericks season ticket holder Neal Hawks originated the Seats for Soldiers concept, and he and other front-row season ticket holders have again generously donated their courtside seats, valued at more than $350,000. After the game, the soldiers had opportunities to meet and have their photos taken with the Dallas Mavericks Dancers and ManiAACs, as well as players and coaches from both teams.
- Blue Angels -
Alliance Airport prepares to make 2015 air show spectacular By Jess Paniszczyn Big plans are already underway for the 2015 Bell Helicopter Fort Worth Alliance Air Show. Two members of the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, Captain Jeff Kuss and Captain Corrie Mays flew to Alliance Airport in one of the team’s Boeing F/A18 Hornets to meet with show officials on Dec. 15. After executing a beautiful landing, the two Captains took a few minutes to speak about the upcoming show. “North Texas an awesome part of the country,” Kuss said. “I can’t wait to come back next Sept. 12–13. To those who haven’t seen our show before, I’d say ‘come on down.’ You’re going to see an impactful
performance and display of what the Navy and Marine Corps are capable of in the tactical sense both with the Lockheed Martin C-130, as well as, the Boeing F-18 Hornets. We’ll have six Hornets out executing and demonstrating.
“Furthermore, you will see the ground display from our hard-working Marines and sailors in the squadron who are out getting the jets prepared and greeting the aircrew as they come to their jets and launching them out, and they will catch them again at the end of the air show. You’re going to see an awesome display of what the Navy and Marine Corps are capable of through hard work, teamwork and discipline. So come out and watch; we are excited to see you. It’s exciting for me to be a Blue Angel, but it is also an honor,” Kass said. “I have the privilege to be able to represent the Navy and Marine Corps through public interaction and being a part of the air show. Yes, it’s a childhood dream, but
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Arriving at Alliance Airport, Capt. Carrie Mays and Capt. Jeff Kuss prepared to disembark from their Boeing F/A-18 Hornet. /Photos by John Starkey it’s also more than that in that I have an opportunity to be the embodiment of the ideals and values of the Navy and Marine Corps. I am extremely humbled and honored. “It feels like not too long ago I was one of those young kids who was standing there at the crowd line watching jets in complete awe, so to be able to that pass on to someone really means a lot to me. To talk to them and share that passion they probably have in their belly, is very exciting. I also like to talk to them about what they do on a daily basis. That goes for men and women of all ages; to find out they are teachers, doctors and plumbers - whatever they do in the local community. The mission of the Blue Angels is to promote excellence in whatever you do. Go out, work hard, be a good person and you will find that you will lead a happy life, so we’re trying to enlighten people in that respect,” he said. The Blue Angels team members are some of the best professionals the nation’s military has to offer. Seeing Capt. Mays at the controls of an F/A-18 Hornet some people mistakenly think she is the first female member of the team, but she is quick to point out that women have long played a significant role with the Blue Angels. “We have had females in the blue Angels for a long time,”
Mays said. “It is not just those of us in the blue flight suits who are part of the Blue Angels. There are over 100 Marines and sailors working both downstairs and upstairs who really make up this team and every single person has an important role to play. We have had female enlisted members; we have also had female officers in the past. However, there are a couple of firsts on the 2015 team. We have our first female pilot flying in the demonstration. Her name is Capt. Katie Higgins. She will be one of the Fat Albert [Lockheed Martin C-130] pilots flying during the demonstrations in 2015. She and I are the first female Marine officers.” Mays hopes she can be a positive role model for young women. “I would love to be able to inspire young women to do whatever they want to do, and that is something I try to tell as many young girls as I can or anybody really,” Mays said. “No matter what you’re doing, do your best, because you never really know what you’re going to end up wanting to do, so the harder you try, the better you do and you leave your options open for yourself. Really, the sky’s the limit. “Being a Blue Angel is one of the biggest honors that I’ve ever been able to have. To be able to represent the Navy and Marine
Corps as a Blue Angel is so special. I am very, very proud to be here.” Alliance Airport is one of only 33 show sites selected by the famed Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron for a 2015 performance. Perhaps it is the attitude of the North Texas audience that makes the difference. “This is always one of my favorite areas to come to,” Mays said. “The support we get here is above and beyond, so we love coming to this area as many times as we can. We were here in 2010, and we absolutely loved it. The crowd was great and community support was amazing. It is really special to be back in a place where you are so welcome.” The team flies six powerful Boeing F/A-18 Hornets during its tightly choreographed, highenergy demonstration—sometimes flying as little as 18 inches apart. “It is a delight to have the Blue Angels back,” said Tom Harris, President of Alliance
Air Services. “The Fort Worth, North Texas community really appreciates having a military jet team be a part of the Alliance air show. We have a huge population of military people in North Texas as a result of that, and as a result of the appreciation for what military people have done in the past to protect our country and to protect our freedoms, I think this is a great way for the Navy and Marine personnel who fly these airplanes to show off their stuff. “The Blue Angels perform an incredible show. They are a great group of young men and women. It certainly means that given great weather, we will have great crowds at the show. “We have been successful in securing other top attractions for the event as well. Our audience will surely be impressed. We look forward to another great year. It will be our 25th air show at Alliance, so that is a big milestone for us. We hope to be able to celebrate that with everyone who attends the show.”
DFW NEWSFLASH - January 2015
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Radio personality, Big Al Mack, meets 12-year-old Kidd’s Kid, Angel Martinez, at the 2014 Disney World send-off party. / Photo by Nick Kammerer
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Kidd’s Kids Disney World Adventure By Nick Kammerer Sixty terminally ill and physically challenged children and their families enjoyed a five-day, all-expense-paid, “trip of a lifetime” to Disney World courtesy of the Kraddick Foundation. Caroline Kraddick, daughter of late, legendary radio personality Kidd Kraddick, and the cast of the Kidd Kraddick Morning radio show hosted a send-off party for the 23rd annual Kidd’s Kids trip at the White Wave Foods’ private hangar at Love Field on Thursday, Nov. 20. The foundation partnered with Southwest Airlines to make the trip possible. “I can’t think of a better way to kick off the holiday’s than to be here right now. Just walking around talking to the families and talking to the kids, it gives me goose bumps. I’m so excited,” said Teresa Laraba, Senior Vice President of Customers for Southwest Airlines. “This is a great opportunity and a great event for Southwest. We donate the aircraft and the crew members donate their time. What better way to show how much Southwest loves the community? One thing that is important to Southwest is connecting people to what is important in their lives, and what could be more important than going to Disney?” The group of Kidd’s Kids was the largest in the charity’s history to go to Disney World. During the boarding ceremony, each youngster and their family received special recognition by walking down the “Line of Honor,” surrounded by a cheering crowd and television cameras. Many of the children walked the purple carpet with big smiles while sporting Mickey Mouse ears. Popular 106.1 FM cast members including Kellie Raspberry, Jenna Owen, Big-Al Mack and J-Si Chavez were in attendance and met with Kidd’s Kids and their families during the pre-flight party. Alex from Target - a Target employee recently interviewed by Ellen DeGeneres for his overnight Internet fame - was the celebrity guest at Thursday’s event. Food vendors and sponsors lined the walls of the private hangar and children participated in a variety of activities and took pictures in a special costume photo booth. Before the Kidd’s Kids and their families boarded the private airplane, they were greeted by security personnel who checked their luggage. The modified security check point made it easier for disabled children in wheelchairs to board the plane. Kidd’s Kids provides children, who have chronic or terminal illness or who are physically challenged, an unforgettable adventure. The foundation works diligently throughout the year to raise the funds necessary to send the kids on a fun-filled vacation. Children are selected for the trip based upon the nature and severity of their illnesses, their ages and the status of their financial needs. The first Kidd’s Kids trip was to Sea World in San Antonio and only five families were chosen for the trip. Now, due to donations provided by Kidd Kraddick show listeners, the foundation is able to take more than 50 families each year. The generous foundation was created by American Radio host, Kidd Kraddick, who passed away in 2013.
Popular 106.1 FM cast member, Kellie Raspberry, meets 8-year-old Kidd’s Kid, Cheyann Staggs, right before taking off to Disney World. / Photo by Nick Kammerer
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Renovated gates offer passengers state-of-the-art accomodations By Jess Paniszczyn Begun in 2010, the $2.7 billion TRIP (Terminal Renewal and Improvement Program) is 50 percent complete. Just in time for the holiday rush, DFW Airport opened 44 newly renovated gates throughout Terminals A, B and E. The new gates offer a free WiFi and power charging stations along with more comfortable seating. Freshly unveiled phases of DFW’s terminal renovations in Terminal A (Gates A19-A23), Terminal B (Gates B24-B49) and Terminal E (Gates E17-E38) include new concessions outlets. Airport guests can now also enjoy renewed and enhanced infrastruc-
ture and facilities, modernized terminals, state-of-the-art parking garages, new self-service technologies, renovated interior spaces, expanded security checkpoints, and more efficient, re-
million passengers. That is about 1.4 percent of last year, so it is a slight increase; but it is still our busiest ever. We were working with our busiest ever last year, and we are above that. It’s a really good number for us, because it is not overcrowded. It is not so busy that people are tripping over themselves. We are growing thanks to our airline partners and all the new service we’ve /Photo by John Starkey been able to bring in here from our international carconfigured ticket counters. The riers and even some of our doceilings are higher and the mestic carriers. It still allows us floors have been redone to betto be very efficient with processter accommodate luggage with ing people and still allows them wheels. Renovated terminal to be very customer focused and gates even come complete with friendly making sure that everythat ‘new airport’ smell. one who comes through has a “Our goal is to make the cusgreat experience. We’re trying to tomer experience as enjoyable create a great experience every and efficient as possible,” said day. You can see this is a much Ken Buchanan, executive vice better experience now in some president of revenue manageof these legacies terminals than ment at DFW Airport. “We what we had even two years ago. believe these new amenities and David Berry and his son, holiday offerings will be a real Ryan, appreciated the power treat for travelers, and will make charging stations and other our Airport attractive for everyamenities the newly renovated one from families with children gates offer. to business travelers who need “I think having this type to make the most of their airof setup is great, because evport time.” erything we do today requires “The people, who know what power,” David said. “This makes was here before, love the renovait more helpful for travelers to tions. There is power everywhere. stay in touch with their families, There’s Wi-Fi everywhere,” Dacompanies and keep all their vid Magaña, Senior Manager, machines up and running. Public Affairs at DFW Air“All the new furniture upport, said. “We get a lot of great grades, new stores and food has feedback from people saying it’s improved. The airport is getting brighter and cheerier. The conbetter every year, and the parkcessions are improving and beting is wonderful now. It actuter, and there are more choices. ally shows you which spaces are “It does make a difference in available, so you can just pull how customers interact with the right into an open spot. It tells airport if they have nice place to you the actual number of parkbe and enjoy their time. ing spaces that are available. It “For the Thanksgiving holiis getting easier and easier to do day, we’re expecting about 2.25 business at DFW airport.”
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DFW concessionaires honor customer service champions
Tears of joy overflow as Deon Guy of Brighton learns she is Retail Employee of the Year. /Photo by John Starkey
By Jess Paniszczyn DFW concessionaires had an opportunity to take a break from their hectic schedules and spend some time with their fellow concessionaires during the End of Year Customer Service Celebration hosted in the Hyatt Regency DFW on Monday, Dec. 8. Guest speaker Sherri ElliottYeary, author of Ties to Tattoos: Turning Generational Differences into a Competitive Advantage, discussed some of the ways in which biases might affect cross generational relationships in business transactions. “The awards are all about the customer and how certain concessionaires perform against all the metrics to provide a great customer experience, so it’s all about the customer,” Ken Buchanan, Executive Vice President Revenue Management DFW International Airport, said. “These concessionaires
had 18 mystery shops during the course of a year. They didn’t know when we were checking them. Those that had the highest accumulative score during the year are the ones that we are recognizing with the awards. “Great customer service leads to create revenue. Poor customer service leads to poor revenue. We want to make sure that our customers have an outstanding experience when they come through DFW. If we can provide that type of environment, then they will be more than likely willing to spend their resources, their dollars, their earnings with us as they travel through DFW.” As the airport aged, the need for new facilities became a priority. The TRIP (Terminal Renewal and Improvement Program) is creating an updated and modern airport for today’s traveler. But in the process of revitalizing the old infrastructure, some of the concessionaires have seen their sales decline.
“During the first few years when TRIP was underway and there was so much construction, customers were still experiencing a lot of the 40-year-old facilities. Today over half of our facilities are brand-new. Therefore, the customer experience should start to change. Every year were hitting major milestones with our facilities. By 2020, we should have TRIP completed and all of our facilities will be just like new. “Part of TRIP is to redesign the terminals, so we focus a lot of our concession offerings around major points where there are a lot of customers like the security checkpoint’s or the sky link station. That is where most of our concessions now are versus simply scattered throughout the terminals.” The airport recently issued request for proposals (RFP) for 34 concession locations. The new locations include duty-free, food and beverage, retail, and passenger services outlets in Terminals
B, D and E. Airport guests currently have an array of choices with roughly 215 shops and restaurants. In the current RFP, the airport is focusing on gourmet restaurants, as well as, luxury retailers and service providers. “We completed a customer segmentation study before we started this process to try to understand what customers were looking for,” Buchanan said. “As a result of that customer surface study, customers said that they want a greater culinary experience. They want more high-end, nicer food offerings. They want more healthy choices. They don’t want just the pizza and fried chicken. They want sushi, steak; healthy, authentic Mexican and Asian. “They told us loud and clear the type of experience they want at their airport. They want to be able to indulge while they are here. They want chocolates, spas, pedicures, manicures and massages. They want a place where
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Page 14 the kids could play and be safe. They want a place where they could take a nap. They want to be able to go to a yoga studio and have workout before the next flight. Or they want a place to enjoy art. So we have pulled all of that together, a lot of it through TRIP, and we are expecting to provide that exceptional customer experience for our passengers. “The RFP is on the street right now. This is primarily the second phase of Terminal D. We have an opportunity to go back and reinvent the customer experience in Terminal D, because in 2005 when it opened we didn’t have Qantas, Emirates, Etihad,
or Cutter Airways. Today we have all of this international traffic, so we are truly a global, international hub. “We have an RFP out there that represents a totally, new, duty-free experience that we are looking for. We have restaurants that we’re looking for that don’t currently exist such as a highend bistro and a Mediterranean restaurant. We have different retail offerings that we have already implemented in phase one of the RFP. We have Apple iStore, Hugo Boss, Michael Kors and Coach coming into terminal D; and now we have this next wave of concessions also coming to D. And we will have
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a third wave, so over the next probably three years Terminal D, we believe from experience standpoint, will be able to compete on a global scale. “Duty-free is extremely important, particularly for the international traveler. It’s the number one retail of pretty much most international airports,” Buchanan said. “It provides an exceptional value for those international travelers to purchase gifts and different items that are not taxed with duties. “There are segments of consumers that want to have a higher-end shopping experience at the airport. When you go to airports around the world like in
S E RV I C E W I N N E R S
Casual Dining / Bar - High Volume T.G.I. Fridays Terminal A - Gate A13 Casual Dining / Bar - Low Volume Texas Stadium Skybox Terminal C - Gate C25 Fast Food - High Volume McDonald’s – McWilliams Terminal C - Gate C6
Terminal B - Gate B27 Coffee / Snack / Quick Serve - Low Volume Auntie Anne’s Pretzels Terminal D - Gate D12
Terminal C - Gate C7 Services Travelex Currency Exchange Terminal D - Gate D22
Specialty Retail - High Volume Natalie’s Candy Jar Terminal A - Gate A35
Retail Employee of the Year Deon H. Guy
Specialty Retail - Low Volume Brighton Terminal A - Gate A17
Fast Food - Low Volume Taco Bell Express Terminal C - Gate C14 Coffee / Snack / Quick Serve - High Volume Cousin’s Bar-B-Q
Inchon Airport where they have the number one Louis Vuitton store, you see Montblanc and Tiffany stores in airports, Ferragamo, Prada, Gucci are brands that high-end international travelers want to experience. We did not have those brands at DFW. Now, we have what we call affordable luxury brands, those are your Michael Kors, Coaches and Hugo Boss are now coming to DFW, which is exciting.” Following the business portion of the concessionaire meeting, the Customer Service Champions of 2014 were recognized by the DFW Airport’s Concessions Department. The winners are as listed below.
News / Convenience - High Volume DFW News Connection Terminal A - Gate A29 News / Convenience - Low Volume Wall St. News
Food & Beverage Employee of the Year Diana Stoyanova Passenger Amenities Customer Service Champions AC Holdings, Inc./CNN Airport Networks Passenger Amenities Customer Services Employee of the Year Jennifer Logeman - AT&T Wi-FI Services.
Lockheed Martin donates to local charities at Holiday Parade By Nick Kammerer Lockheed Martin employees marched over 300 bicycles through the halls of the global security and aerospace company on Thursday, Dec. 11. The annual Holiday Parade was led by a Marine Corps Color Guard and the Brewer High School drum line. Immediately following the bicycle procession, employees attended a check presentation ceremony. This year, Lockheed Martin donated over $50,000
to local charities including the Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s GoodFellow Fund, the Fort Worth Cowboy Santas Program, the Cook Children’s Medical Center’s Camp Sanguinity program and the Child Studies Center. “This holiday season is about good works, giving to others and sharing the spirit,” Jeff Babione, Deputy Program Manager of Lockheed Martin’s F-35 production, said n. “What better way to do that then getting to-
gether with our Lockheed Martin family, like we’re doing today, and giving to our community? Lockheed Martin employees are known for their generosity, and our holiday charity drive continues to grow each year. “The gifts and funds that [employees] gave make the holiday season brighter for many people. At Lockheed Martin, we have the privilege that our unions are continuingly supportive of our local community and are passionate about helping others during the holiday season, pri-
marily by supporting our holiday drive,” Babione said. Roderick Mclean, Vice President and General Manager of Integrated Fighter Group, presented a $10,000 check to Lee Williams, Manager Editor of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram for their GoodFellow Fund. He also presented a check for $12,000 to Mark Spencer, President of the Cowboy Santas Program. “Throughout the year, we’ve known the Aero Club to express the generous spirit of our em-
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DFW NEWSFLASH - January 2015
(Above) A group of kids from the Child Studies Centers in attendance at the Lockheed Martin event picked out a bicycle and a helmet, a gift from the generous Lockheed Martin employees. / Photo by Nick Kammerer
Jeff Babione, Deputy Program Manager of Lockheed Martin’s F35 program presents Marine Corps Colonel Tray Ardese a $30,000 check for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. / Photo by Nick Kammerer ployees,” Mclean said. “Lockheed Martin’s relationship with the GoodFellow Fund dates back fifty years. The GoodFellow Fund provides toys to our local children that are in need. “Through donations to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, children identified through health and human services are chosen and are supplied with toys during the holiday season. Cowboy Santas provides toys to local children from low income families during the holiday season as well,” Mclean said. Janet Nash, Vice President of F35 Production Operations for Lockheed Martin, presented a
check for $14,000 to Melanie Corcoran, Gift Officer for the Cook Children’s Medical Foundation. According to Nash, the donation was raised through a series of fundraising events throughout the year. “It is my pleasure to present $14,000 check to Cook Children’s Medical Center for the their Camp Sanguinity program, a camp designed for young patients with chronic illnesses to share hopes, dreams, fears and with other children who have similar illnesses,” Nash said. Marine Corps Colonel Tray Ardese accepted a check on behalf of the Toys for Tots pro-
Page 15 gram for $30,000. “The Marine Corps Toys for Tots is a primary component of our holiday charity event,” Babione said. “The toys offer a message of hope to less fortunate children inspiring them to become productive and patriotic citizens. This year, employees have donated over 300 bicycles and helmets.” Following the Holiday Parade, a group of children from the Child Studies Center were able to choose a bicycle and a helmet given to them by Santa and the Lockheed Martin employees. Child Studies Center provides diagnosis and treatment service for children who have developmental disabilities. “We have great employees, and our employees love giving back to the community,” David Williams, a Financial Analyst of Engineering Laboratories for Lockheed Martin, said. “That’s what it’s all about. It’s about team work and helping out the community.”
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