www.dfwnewsflash.com
DFW NEWSFLASH - March 2015
March 2015
Learning through Skiing: Trip helps teen amputees gain confidence Ready for a trip of a lifetime, a group of teens act silly for a group photo before boarding an American Airlines flight for Colorado to begin their ski adventure at the Winter Park’s National Sports Center for the Disabled.
Photo by John Starkey
Healthy + Happy: DFW Airport campaign reduces travelers’ stress
Power of Inclusion: Differences make Southwest Airlines stronger
Logistics Center 1: Largest non-terminal structure opens on airport property
March 2015 - DFW NEWSFLASH
Page 2
972-870-1992
COVER STORY 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
DFW NewsFlash is Copyrighted 2015
Ski trip offers young amputees opportunities to test boundaries By Jess Paniszczyn Parents and well wishers joined 14 teenage amputee patients from Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children (TSRHC) for a breakfast sendoff event at DFW International Airport on Feb. 9. After breakfast and some banter, the young people boarded an American Airlines flight on their way to the slopes of Colorado for an all-expense paid ski adventure at Winter Park’s National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD), one of the world’s largest outdoor therapeutic recreational facilities. “American Airlines is proud to a be partner with the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital to make this trip a reality,” Jeff Plant, Vice President of Dallas-Fort Worth Hub Operations for American Airlines, said. “This is an important trip for a lot of people. This is American’s 10th year as a partner in this event. There’s lots of planning and preparation that occur to put this together to make it perfect for our guests. This is when the DFW community jumps into action. “Our American Airlines of employees love to be part of this event. We often have too many volunteers. It takes a lot of work, but it doesn’t take the whole airport,” he said. Dallas-based Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, one of the nation’s leading pediatric centers for the treatment of orthopedic conditions, encourages
its patients to challenge themselves during this special ski experience. “The annual ski trip for adolescents with amputations or missing limbs is an extraordinary experience which is transformational for both the staff Famous for a day, a young Texas Scottish Rite Hospital and the kids. Many of the for Children patient makes his way through DFW Airport patients have with his personal photographer in tow. Photo by John Starkey not known another person with a missing ering, Zackery Killingsworth limb and have been very shy (16) was looking forward to about their difference,” said tackling a new adventure in Dr. Tony Herring, TSRHC the afternoon. “I’m looking forward to chief of staff emeritus. “During the trip, being together learning the mechanics of for six days, hopping to the skiing,” Zackery said. “I’ve hot tub, skiing on one ski, never thought I might go skidancing and performing in ing before. I never even had the condo give them a new the slightest clue. I am very feeling of freedom and ac- excited about this trip. ceptance, which they can “This is a great experience carry with them for the rest of that anybody can enjoy. It’s their lives. We as staff learn really going to help us out a what the real-life challenges lot. When I come back, I think are for these individuals, and I’ll feel better about myself is we come home with a host of a person.” new ideas for making their For the second time, Christie daily lives better. Minich watched her girls Sar“It gives us a lot of insight ah (15) and Erika (16) leave into what we can do to make on the ski trip. She and her things go better. It’s a won- husband adopted the young derful trip all around. It’s one ladies from the Ukraine. of the best things we have “They have looked forward done over all these years,” to this trip all year,” Christie he said. said. “They both got to go last After singing the National year and it was really amazAnthem for the morning gath- ing. They made some friends
DFW NEWSFLASH - March 2015
www.dfwnewsflash.com that they were able to see off and on all year, so that was very special for them. They don’t see anybody else like them unless we’re at the hospital or on a ski trip. [While on the trip] they can kind of let their hair down and relax and not worry about their prosthetics. They don’t have any explaining to do, which is really nice. “I know Sarah had not flown that she remembered. Last year she was really afraid of flying. This year she was confident. It gives the girls a confidence that they can do pretty much anything. “The kindness of other people is surprising. We’re kind of in shock that strangers who don’t know us give so deeply from the hearts. It is wonderful, and we appreciate it so very much,” she said. The girls’ amputations have been positive, life changing experiences. Neither they nor their family dwell on the negative. “There are different reasons for amputations, and in their cases it has given them freedom,” Christie said. “When Erica came home, her feet were in such terrible condition that they had to amputate. It was a good thing, because she was unable to function and was in terrible pain. The amputation made it so she could walk and ski and do all kinds of things that she never thought she would be able to do. “There are some really special kids that have great big hearts who are just amazing. They are over-comers, and they are going to succeed in life. When you see a person
who is differently abled, don’t feel sorry for them. Just know there goes someone who is going to conquer the world,” she said. The trip allows the teens the opportunity to have fun while fostering a sense of self-confidence, independence and discovery – attributes that can remain with these young adults throughout their lives. “This has truly transformed children’s lives,” Robert Walker, President and CEO of Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, said. “No question about it. We’ve been around for 90 years, and were there to take care of the medical needs for children who are referred to the hospital. We refer primarily on pediatric orthopedics. But when it comes to special programs and opportunities, this ski trip is another dimen-
“There are some really special kids that have great big hearts who are just amazing.
sion of how we feel we can affect the lives of children. “Tony [Herring] had this vision 34 years ago of having a trip for children with amputations and limb deficiencies. It has been a tremendous opportunity for us. It is added more than just the clinical care. It has added another way that we can help improve the quality of life for the children were there to serve,” he said. During their visit to the NSCD, the teenagers will be paired with a volunteer instructor for a week to learn to ski, engaging in such challenges as learning to carry their skis in the snow while wearing their prostheses. “Skiing is almost incidental to the bigger lessons they learn as they share stories of the day’s wipe-outs and triumphs with their fellow skiers, learn that it’s okay to take your prosthetic leg off to get into the outdoor Jacuzzi, or simply revel in the fact that they’re away from Texas for
Page 3 a week in the snowy Rocky Mountains,” said Don Cummings, TSRHC’s director of Prosthetics. “The ski trip has the potential to be a lifechanging event during which these kids realize they’re not alone with their challenges, that they can achieve goals they never thought were possible, and that a missing limb or two is not enough to keep them from doing anything they set their minds to.”
Taking care of important business, Robert Walker and Jeff Plant work together to cut a beautiful cake made especially for the teen’s send off event.
Photo by John Starkey
Page 4
March 2015 - DFW NEWSFLASH
DFW Airport provides healthy lifestyle options President of Concessions at DFW Airport, explained the The DFW International three parts of the campaign. Airport showcased their “This is a huge initiative “Healthy + Happy” cam- the airport took on, and it paign menu options at Ter- involves three different catminal D on Tuesday, Jan. egories,” Campbell said. 27. A few airport restaurants “One has to do with our food prepared a variety of nutri- options. All of our restaurants tious, deliare able to cious food provide a samples for healthy optravelers to tion for our taste. passengers, One of whether it’s the most low calorie or stressful vegan. factors trav“Secondly, elers can it’s all about encounter reduced Passengers passing through Terminal is the inabilstresses. ity to con- D enjoy samples of DFW International Whether you tinue their Airport’s healthy menu options as a part of want to just healthy life- their “Happy + Healthy” Campaign. unwind or Photo by Nick Kammerer styles while take up yoga in transit. in Terminal The DFW Airport offers pas- D, you have that option, so sengers walking paths and you can just relax and take a yoga studio where they a few moments to get your can exercise and stretch. mind free. Thirdly, for those Airport restaurants provide passengers who still want healthy options so travelers to work, [we’re] making sure can choose to continue their they have WiFi, plugs and lifestyle diets while passing access for them to continue through the airport. to be able to do their jobs “We want to give [travelers] while they are leaving for an opportunity to take part their next journey in travel. and get a sample of what we “It’s all about providing that are really proud to deliver, choice of relaxation and and that is the ability to meet healthy choices for our pasthe needs of our customers sengers as well as an opand our travelers from DFW portunity to continue working and all around the world,” when they choose to do so,” Cynthia Vega said. “We want Campbell said. you to have a chance to see Nancy Timlin, visited the and prove to yourselves that event while traveling to Deyou can be healthy and hap- troit. py, and at the same time, en“I thought the food was lovejoy what you’re eating. There ly. They had quite an assortare a lot of healthy options ment, and everything looked here at the airport that are delicious and well prepared. tasty.” It’s nice for the passengers Zenola Campbell, Vice to have,” Timlin said.
By Nick Kammerer
972-870-1992
Kickoff of Dallas Cowboys Club, a New Restaurant at DFW by HMSHost The Dallas Cowboys are the ultimate characterization of Dallas, and soon HMSHost will offer DFW’s Terminal A travelers a bit of the chic luxury that fans enjoy in the Legends Club at AT&T Stadium with a brand new restaurant– the Dallas Cowboys Club. Travelers get the sensation of being transplanted into the Legends Club, from which the restaurant was modeled. Handsome, contemporary finishes and furniture, along with a menu featuring advanced Texas-inspired cuisine create an upscale atmosphere and food to match. In addition to hungry travelers and fans, HMSHost Vice President of Business Development Anthony Alessi is also very eager to see the Dallas Cowboys Club open, stating that “With construction already underway, we are absolutely thrilled about offering travelers a true club-level VIP experience right inside the terminal.” Opening is scheduled for Spring, 2015.
www.dfwnewsflash.com
DFW NEWSFLASH - March 2015
Page 5
Page 6
March 2015 - DFW NEWSFLASH
972-870-1992
For Southwest Airlines, inclusion is more than a policy; it has been a way of doing business day by day for more than 45 years.
Photo by John Starkey
Breaking barriers through inclusion By Jess Paniszczyn In honor of the pioneering spirit of individuals who have made Southwest Airlines what it is today, the company hosted the Power of Inclusion: Breaking Barriers on Feb. 18. The three feature speaker included Southwest Airlines’ Lou Freeman, first African American chief pilot for any major U.S. airline; ra-
dio personality Tom Joyner of the Tom Joyner Radio Show, and Southwest Airlines’ Vice President of Diversity & Inclusion, Ellen Torbert. “Our topic is breaking barriers in an environment of inclusion,” Freeman said. “An environment of inclusion: I don’t think we are there yet. Rev. Dr. King painted us a beautiful picture of what in-
clusion should be and what it should look like. In 1963 on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, he gave his famous ‘I Have a Dream Speech.’ He said he dreamed of a day when people of every race, color and religion could sit down together at the table of brotherhood. We’re not there yet. He dreamed of a nation where children were not
judged by the color their skin but by the content of their character. We’re still working on it. We’re not there yet. “We live in a society where black men and children, unarmed are executed with pretty much no recourse. That is happening today. We live in a society where three young, promising Muslim students were executed for a parking spot. We live in a society where a judge in Alabama has the audacity to say ‘no’ to a federal order that allows same-sex marriages in his state. We are not there yet, but here at Southwest Airlines we have society that is very, very inclusive. “We have a society here where we can have black females as officers, where we can have people who I knew as youngsters starting off on the ramp-way and in customer service rising through the ranks to executive vice president. Think of that. In what other company does that happen? It doesn’t,” he said. In 1998, Southwest Airlines became one of the first corporate partners supporting the Tom Joyner Morning Show. Having concurrently hosted radio shows in Dallas and Chicago, Joyner is a
www.dfwnewsflash.com very frequent flyer spending 400 plus hours a year in the air. “Dreaming big has always been a part of my life,” Joyner said. “It started by growing up in a small town full of black history called Tuskegee, Ala. Filled by people with limitless goals despite the barriers to segregation. Our town was 99 percent black. For us, a barrier was not a something to stop you; it was something for you to figure out how to go around it. “It’s funny how things come full circle in life. When I was a little boy, I could lie in bed, and I could hear Chappie James, the first black fourstar general, fly overhead when it was commencement time. He would do that every year. He would buzz the campus. He would buzz the whole town. “I didn’t know radio was going to give me the opportunities it has, but I knew something would. “My father met my mama on base. My mom was a secretary for one of the commanders. The interesting thing about the Tuskegee Airmen Program, they don’t really tell this in the film Red Tails, but they wanted to prove that black people didn’t have enough intelligence to fly,” he said. “Not only to fly, but [to provide] all the support that goes with it. They recruited just black people who had college educations. You didn’t have to be in the military, just college-educated. “My daddy was a math teacher in Florida. He got the word. He came to Tuskegee, and he entered the third program of 11 cadets. They graduated three. The others washed out. My dad washed out. But he was carpooling with my mama, and he continued to carpool with
DFW NEWSFLASH - March 2015 my mama. When he washed out, he still dropped her off at work. Then they had my brother and Tom Joyner. And that is my black history. “I come from the Tuskegee Airmen Program. I’m a son of Moton field. “When I think about hearing Chappie James’ plane, then I realize I own my own plane, I have to pinch myself. I wish you could see the stares we get when we taxi at private airfields in a black jet with a black crew and black people getting off. I don’t have many rules for my pilots, but I always say, ‘taxi slow.’ I love looking out the window,” Joyner said. Finally, Ellen Torbert spoke about the importance of inclusion in the success of any organization or venture. “If we are to be successful as a company, groups, teams, departments, you are only as successful as all the links that are in the fence together,” Torbert said. ‘When you are missing that experience, that culture, that individuality, that viewpoint, we are not a strong as we can possibly be. Inclusion means there needs to be a mutual respect for the differences. Your viewpoint is different than mine, I respect that. I expect you to listen to my viewpoint, and I’m going to listen to yours. Together we are going to compromise and come up with a solution. “It all requires the ability to have a relationship with people. Whether you are fresh out of college or whether you have been here for 30 years do you have the ability to have meaningful working relationships with individuals? I tell people they do not have to be your best friends, but you need to be able have a meaningful working relationship with those around you,
with those who have a different perspective, different background, different culture, different religion, different sexual orientation. “I want as much of the differences around me as possible. For years, I led teams where no one on the team looked like me. In order to be a leader, I believe you need to be able to relate to, motivate, celebrate and acknowledge all,” she said. “Here at Southwest Airlines I constantly say this, ‘diversity and inclusion includes the white male.’ “Too many times we assume the negative. We assume that when we are walking in the room people are looking and wondering why is that person here. What is it that they have to offer? Do
Page 7 they deserve to be here? “You walk in with a level of confidence and your head held high. I was taught that a young age. You are an ambassador. If I am an ambassador for Southwest Airlines, if I am an ambassador for my religion, if I’m an ambassador for my family, I’m going to walk in with pride [knowing] I have a talent and a skill to offer, a perspective to offer without being prideful or big headed about it. I believe there something I can not only offer, but that I can learn. If I maintain the perspective that I am here also to learn, I am never in the position that I have become the expert at it, then I think we’re in a good place for the relationship building that needs to take place,” she said.
For Free Samples & Bids Please Contact Sales@shweiki.com or 512-480-0860 www.shweiki.com
March 2015 - DFW NEWSFLASH
Page 8
972-870-1992
BNSF plans $223 million capital program A BNSF train travels through downtown Dallas.
BNSF invests capital in Texas to maintain, expand rail capacity, ensure safe, reliable operations Ft. WORTH, – BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) recently announced that its 2015 capital program for its operations in Texas will be an estimated $223 million for rail capacity improvement projects and maintenance. Unlike other modes of freight transportation, U.S. railroads own and maintain their own networks. To ensure BNSF’s network operates at optimal efficiency, each year the company allocates capital for infrastructure and expansion projects that will enable it to serve the growing needs
of customers from a broad cross section of the economy. “This year’s substantial investments in Texas are a clear reflection of how important our operations in the state are to our overall network and our unwavering commitment to always operating safely – for our people and the communities in which we operate,” said Keary Walls, BNSF general manager operations Texas Division. “We know our customers are competing in a fast-paced, global economy where a smooth, efficient supply chain can be the difference between winning and losing in the marketplace. This year’s planned expansion and maintenance projects will help give BNSF the capacity flexibility it needs to support our customers’ growing demands and connect Texas products to key markets.” BNSF’s 2015 capital projects in Texas include:
Courtesy photo
Constructing a southeast quadrant connection at Tenaha to facilitate the use of the Longview subdivision for southbound trains heading to East Texas and Louisiana. Building a new siding in Lumberton enabling trains on the same line to pass resulting in better train flows. This new siding will have Centralized Traffic Control (CTC) to help manage rail traffic and improve efficiency. Beginning the two-year replacement project of the Trinity River bridge in Fort Worth. Expanding parking and support tracks at the Alliance intermodal and automotive facilities in Haslet as well as the Amarillo Automotive Facility. Continuous maintenance of BNSF’s infrastructure ensures an optimized, safe and reliable network. Maintaining the railroad is important for keeping it in optimal condition and helps limit the need for unscheduled service out-
ages that can slow down the rail network and reduce capacity. BNSF’s maintenance program in Texas will include 2,043 miles of track surfacing and undercutting work, the replacement of 62 miles of rail and close to 245,500 ties, as well as signal upgrades for federally mandated positive train control (PTC). The planned capital investments in Texas are part of BNSF’s record 2015 capital commitment of $6 billion, which was announced last November and is the company’s largest planned capital expenditure in its history. These investments include $2.9 billion to replace and maintain core network and related assets, nearly $1.5 billion on expansion and efficiency projects, $200 million for continued implementation of PTC and $1.4 billion for locomotives, freight cars and other equipment acquisitions. SOURCE: BNSF
www.dfwnewsflash.com
DFW NEWSFLASH - March 2015
Page 9
DFW AIRPORT POLICE REPORT DFW Airport Shooting Update Feb. 13, 5 p.m. DFW Airport Department of Public Safety is investigating a shooting incident that took place inside the Airport’s Terminal C at about 5 p.m. The shooting involved one of two law enforcement agency officers from the Tulsa County (Oklahoma) Sheriff’s Department who were transporting a prisoner through DFW Airport. The prisoner got into an altercation with one of the officers inside a restroom in Terminal C, with two shots fired from the officer’s service weapon. The suspect then fled the restroom and ran from the departure area of the terminal to the public side, a distance of about 100 feet before being apprehended by the Tulsa County officers near the C-10 checkpoint. Both the injured officer and the wounded prisoner were transported to Parkland Hospital in Dallas for treatment of injuries. The second officer assisting with the prisoner transfer also went to the hospital to continue the transport detail. No one else was injured. Flight operations at the Airport were minimally affected. Several arriving flights scheduled to arrive in nearby gates were sent to other gates at DFW. Departures were not impacted.
The restroom at Gate C-8 where the shooting occurred and the public area around the C-10 checkpoint where the suspect was apprehended were closed for investigation. The checkpoint reopened the following morning. No gates were affected.
Public Intoxication Feb. 12, 12:01 p.m. Officers were dispatched to Terminal B, Gate 41 in reference to an intoxicated male passenger. Officers were met by an AirServ employee who pointed out an Hispanic male who seemed to be intoxicated. Officers approached the male and asked if he was feeling ill or had any other problems. He looked at them with glassy, bloodshot eyes and stated he was not bothering anyone and wanted to know what the problem was. Officers informed him he had been observed stumbling around the gate area and they were here to check on his health. It appeared to officers he was somewhat intoxicated. An officer asked if he knew where he was at this time. He stated he was “at the Airport”. When asked for his driver’s license, he pulled out his wallet and slowly went through the contents before he found it. When asked, he stated he had a “couple of drinks” but couldn’t remember where he had consumed
them. Officers explained they with American Airlines to see if there were any later flights since it was obvious he was not in any condition to fly at this time. After speaking with a Customer Service Manager, it was determined they would not be able to accommodate him for a later flight. Upon my return to the other officer and suspect’s location, I found the suspect’s demeanor had changed. He was becoming quite agitated and was raising his voice and would not follow officer’s instructions. It appeared as if his intoxicated state was worsening. Officers asked him to walk with them towards the nearest exit. As they were walking, the suspect was stumbling and swaying from side to side. Officers had to assist him to stay upright. Due to the fact he was a danger to himself and others, the suspect was arrested for Public Intoxication.
THSC Violation Feb. 12, 7:47 a.m. Officers responded to Terminal C, Checkpoint C-10 in reference to drugs found during a search of a passenger person entering the sterile area of the airport. Upon arrival, officers contacted a TSA Screener, who stated that during a routine search of a passenger, he discovered a small clear plastic bag which
was secured by two rubber bands to the passenger’s inside right ankle. The plastic bag contained, three small baggies with one containing a black tar like substance believed to be Heroin, the other two small baggies were empty but had a residue of a black sticky substance also believed to be Heroin. Also contained in the plastic bag were eight “Reli On” Insulin Syringes of which five were un-used, and three syringes appeared to have been used with an unknown black residue on them. The suspect admitted to officers that the plastic baggie contained Heroin. He stated that he was traveling to Tampa en-route to his grandmother’s funeral and upon his return to Texas he would be entering a drug treatment program. Officers escorted the suspect to the Terminal C, DPS Office for further investigation. Officers used field test kits to identify the following substances. NIK TESTS #01, #A MARQUIS REAGENT, NAROCTICS IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM was used to test the black tar like substance. It tested positive for Heroin by turning a dark purple color, weighting 1.9g. Mr. Marshall was then placed under arrest for possession of drugs. The drug substance was weighed using the Ohaus Scout Pro Model 2000g scale and packaged. All evidence packages were turned over to be transported to Station One as evidence.
U. S. CUSTOMS REPORT Hitchhiking baby squirrel rescued
HOUSTON – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the George Bush Intercontinental Aircraft were notified by aircraft operations employees Feb. 18 about a baby squirrel discovered aboard an aircraft. The aircraft had just arrived from Costa Rica and passengers had deplaned when aircraft employees spotted the tiny squirrel. “During the course of performing our mission, we may encounter unusual opportunities to aid in the capture of seemingly harmless animals that have hitchhiked into the country,” CBP Port Director Charles Perez said. “While there is a cute factor here, realistically, we understand that animals must be handled carefully.”
A CBP officer and CBP agriculture specialist boarded the aircraft and caged
the squirrel without incident. The tiny animal was quarantined and given food and water until a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) inspector could take custody of the baby squirrel. CBP works closely with USFWS, the agency responsible for enforcing the Endangered Species Act. USFWS also works with various partners to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife and their habitat. The exact species of the baby squirrel is still unknown, as USFWS is contacting the Houston Zoo to assist in identifying the squirrel’s species and finding an appropriate home for the furry stowaway.
CBP canine at SFO makes 10,000th agriculture seizure SAN FRANCISCO — Benny, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture canine working at San
Page 10 Francisco International Airport, reached a notable milestone last month when he and his CBP agriculture specialist handler Maria Bertram made their 10,000th seizure of prohibited agriculture products being brought into the United States. “CBP’s agriculture detection canines play a vital role in protecting our nation’s borders,” said Brian J. Humphrey, CBP director of field operations in San
March 2015 - DFW NEWSFLASH Francisco. “Using a keen sense of smell, they can quickly locate prohibited plant and animal products that could potentially carry harmful pests and diseases.” Born in 2007, Benny was bred by a championship breeder in Missouri. Instead of becoming a show dog however, he became someone’s pet, developed a strong food drive, and was
12 pounds overweight when he was given up to a shelter in 2010. Benny was rescued from the shelter by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Detector Dog Training Center (NDDTC), put on a strict weight loss program, and quickly demonstrated strong detection capabilities. Benny came to CBP San Francisco in April 2011, where he proved to have an
972-870-1992 excellent nose for finding many exotic food items on a daily basis. With an average of 200 seizures per month, the team made their 10,000th seizure on Jan. 7. Notable finds from Benny’s career to date include a duffel bag filled with mangoes, plant cuttings for propagation inside a passenger’s pants pocket, several seizures of curry leaves with Asian Citrus Psyllid, and a whole raw turkey a few days before Thanksgiving.
Logistics Center 1, mega-distribution center, stands ready for global commerce By Jess Paniszczyn Officials from DFW International Airport, the city of Coppell, and joint venture developers Hillwood Investment Properties and Perot Development Company cut the ribbon on Jan. 29 for Logistics Center I. The 1,053,365-square-foot, cross-dock facility, located on the DFW Airport property at 2701 W. Bethel Rd. in Coppell, provides all of the elements desired for efficient global e-commerce distribution. “You have got to love living in North Texas and having an economic engine like DFW airport help us grow our businesses,” said Pat Perot, President of Perot Development Company. “I remember back in the late 80s, a 100,000 square-foot building, 24 clear, frontload was a big deal. “Over the past 25 years, we have seen a 10 fold increase in the size of warehouse distribution buildings with a one and a half times increase in clear height in cubic storage capacity. So these buildings just keep getting bigger, longer, wider and taller. We expect that trend to continue. “When Logistics Center
I was on the drawing board, we wanted to maximize the amount of space we could get on the 60 acre site and not sacrifice any functionality. This is the largest building ever built at DFW Airport if you don’t consider the passenger terminals. That is pretty big Officials from DFW International Airport, the city of Coppell, Hillwood Investment Properties and milestone, and Perot Development Company cut the ceremonial ribbon officially opening Logistics Center I. The we are happy 1,053,365-square-foot, cross-dock facility is located on DFW Airport property in Coppell. to be the ones Photo by John Starkey to do that,” he said. “It has all the functional- we are in the city of Coppell logistics support of DFW Airity that a user would want. It which is very pro-business port, we think we’re going is 36 foot clear. We have 500 and an economic develop- to be pretty attractive to a trailer storage positions and ment oriented city. That is a company in the e-commerce pretty enviable combination, business,” Perot said. 550 car parking positions. “There are other million- and we think we have a pretIn order for the project to square-foot buildings in the ty good competitive edge become a reality, the airport market today. In fact there because of our location. had to invest $6 million in inare four of them. What differ“Since this is a mega distri- frastructure. entiates Logistics Center I is bution center, were targeting “The development of this its location. We are located in e-commerce and the grow- facility at DFW Airport unthe middle of the Dallas Fort ing demand from that. There derscores the advantages Worth Metroplex. We are also are currently 191.1 million our central location offers as at the intersection of three buyers of online product to- a major hub of global logismajor freeways, and we are day. These consumers want tics,” Sean Donohue, CEO at the DFW Airport with all of next day delivery. If you’re of DFW International Airthis logistics support. And in this location with all of the port said. “Over the last four
www.dfwnewsflash.com years, DFW has had tremendous growth in international air service, which is also very important for air cargo connections and for logistics companies serving the industry. To serve these growing international routes with air cargo, we need facilities like this new logistics center to connect goods through DFW to the world.” With 17 cargo hubs and an ever increasing number of airlines, the number of companies physically conducting business on the grounds of DFW Airport improves the overall strength of the North Texas economy, according to John Terrell, Vice President of Commercial Development at DFW Airport. “When we get one international flight, what most people don’t understand is that the economic impact of one daily flight internationally is equivalent to about $250 million a year,” Terrell said. “That is the same as having a Super Bowl announced in our North Texas region every year, ongoing, every time that single flight comes in internationally on a daily basis. That is a huge economic
DFW NEWSFLASH - March 2015 impact. “Why do people fly here? They fly here because they want to do business with a thriving economy and its region. Part of the reason this region is thriving is because of developers like Pat Perot building these types of buildings that will allow those international companies that fly all of their product across the globe to handle the inventory right here. So building these types of facilities at the airport is in fact a huge contributing factor to the economic stability and increasing economic impact of this airport on the region, and it helps us build relationships with many of those foreign companies that need to do business between Asia and the Middle East, or Asia and South and Central America. So they are flying through here to connect their parts to the rest of the world,” he said. Logistics Center I and II are located in the airport’s Coppell Industrial District, which comprises approximately 160 gross acres just north of I-635, at the corner of Royal Ln. and W. Bethel Rd. The site has easy ac-
cess and visibility from the freeways, with utility extensions to serve the site provided by the cities of Coppell and Grapevine. “We are pleased to have Logistics Center I open its doors and look forward to welcoming a tenant soon to this impressive facility,” Coppell Mayor Karen Hunt said. “Projects such as this align strongly with Coppell’s vision of high-quality economic development that capitalizes on our proximity to DFW International Airport. Coppell is a businessfriendly community that supports private sector investment by partnering with DFW Airport and Grapevine, ensuring that the North Texas region remains strong and a leader in global business.” Logistics Center I is situated on 60 acres conveniently located not only near the airport, but also key transportation thoroughfares such as I-635, I-35E, I-35W, SH 114, SH 121 and the President George Bush Turnpike. It incorporates the latest design and technology to maximize the project
Page 11 size and functionality, with a minimum 36’ clear height, over 200 dock doors, 550 car parking positions and 500 trailer storage positions. It also offers features such as: t CZ CBZT t TIJQQJOH CBZT t &4'3 GJSF QSPUFDUJPO TZTtem t 'VMMZ TFDVSFE TJUF BWBJMability t 5SJQMF GSFFQPSU JOWFOUPSZ tax exemption t 'PSFJHO 5SBEF ;POF CFOefits t 1SPYJNJUZ UP 'FE&Y BOE UPS regional hubs t "EKBDFOU UP 6414 CVML mail center t 1SPYJNJUZ UP BJS DBSHP areas and major freight forwarders at airport. The state-of-the-art facility is being built on a speculative basis and has generated strong interest in the marketplace. The developers also expect to break ground later this year on Logistics Center II, an adjacent facility that is planned for 1,015,560 square feet of cross-dock distribution space, on another 60 acres. DFW International Airport is a strategic multi-modal hub for numerous global logistics companies and distribution/ warehouse facilities, in part because of its strategic, central location and its global air cargo connections to key markets across Asia, Europe and the Americas. Logistics Center I and II are located in the airport’s Coppell Industrial District, which comprises approximately 160 gross acres just north of I-635, at the corner of Royal Ln. and W. Bethel Rd. The site has easy access and visibility from the freeways, with utility extensions to serve the site provided by the cities of Coppell and Grapevine.
Page 12
March 2015 - DFW NEWSFLASH
972-870-1992
Information technology leaders feel poorly equipped to handle escalating cyber threats GAITHERSBURG, Md. – While the frequency and severity of cyberattacks against organizations are on the rise, a majority of information technology (IT) leaders do not feel confident in their leaderships’ ability to leverage intelligence that can predict a cyber vulnerability and effectively combat threats, according to a new survey commissioned by Lockheed Martin. A majority of survey respondents noted an increase in the severity (75 percent) and frequency (68 percent) of cyberattacks, but feared that they don’t have the budget (64 percent) or the expert personnel (65 percent) to address the threats. “This survey illuminates areas of concern about cyber readiness across government and critical infrastructure industries,� said Guy Delp, director of cybersecurity and advanced analytics for Lockheed Martin. “The results highlight that the challenges in this domain are universal across both industry and government, and therefore our response needs to be equally holistic.
The adoption of IntelligenceDriven DefenseŽ techniques is critical to ensuring that not only IT officers, but also chief executives, boards of directors and customers have confidence in the security of their information. Other key findings include: Many organizations are relying on intuition, rather than intelligence, to assess their security levels: Business and government respondents who felt that they were not presently being targeted for attack relied on their intuition (35 percent) or logical deduction (33 percent) rather than data or intelligence (32 percent) to justify their beliefs. Whether malicious or negligent, insiders continue to be among the greatest perceived cyber threats: Thirtysix percent of respondents said that negligent insiders were the most significant network vulnerability facing their organization, and more than half (53 percent) ranked malicious insiders in their top four threats. The most serious risks do not receive the most budget: The top two factors impacting an organization’s
cybersecurity posture – employee cyber awareness and supply chain security – receive only four and 15 percent of cybersecurity budgets, respectively. Top budget items, such as mobile and cloud security, are both perceived to be lower threat levels. “Compliance was rated the top cybersecurity business priority by the survey respondents,� Delp said. “Though somewhat surprising, it is a tell-tale sign that organizations feel the pressure to meet industry security compliance requirements. While satisfying compliance standards is important, or-
ganizations should view it as a foundation on which to build a more comprehensive security posture.� The Intelligence-Driven Defense survey was independently conducted in November by data security research group Ponemon Institute. It polled 678 U.S.-based senior IT practitioners from a variety of sectors, including financial services, the federal government, healthcare, utilities, energy, pharmaceuticals and chemicals. The margin of error for survey questions ranged from ¹ 1.1 percent to ¹ 6.3 percent, with an overall average of ¹ 3.8 percent. SOURCE Lockheed Martin
Brighten Every Day with a Great Smile Preferred Provider New Patient Special cleaning, exam & x-rays, excludes gum disease
$59
With coupon - New patients only w/o dental insurance - Not valid with other offers
Free Teeth Whitening with new patient visit includes exam, cleaning & x-rays
$199
With coupon - New patients only with dental insurance - Not valid with other offers Limited-time offers available with appointment through 03-31-15. Call for details.
Dentistry of Las Colinas Byron L. Mitchell, DDS / .BD"SUIVS 4UF t -BT $PMJOBT t XXX EFOUJTUSZPnBTDPMJOBT DPN
www.dfwnewsflash.com
DFW NEWSFLASH - March 2015
Page 13
Next Disneyland could be Coppell; Be wise – immunize By Ernest Buck, MD The Disneyland measles outbreak hasn’t made its way to Texas, yet. But it’s only a plane ride away. And depending on where that plane lands, we could be in for some big health problems — especially if it’s in the suburbs north of Dallas. It’s hard for Texans under a certain age to remember, but measles is a serious, highly contagious disease. It can cause serious complications in children. Some will die. This is not an exaggeration. This is reality. Thanks to a very effective vaccine, we declared measles completely eliminated in the United States just 15 years ago. But we were wrong, in large part because not everyone gets vaccinated anymore. The measles vaccine is safe and effective. It provides almost complete immunity to the disease. Let me repeat that. The measles vaccine is safe and effective, and it provides almost complete immunity to this terrible disease. That means children can be spared the effects of disease and do not need to die. Until 2003, almost every schoolchild in Texas was required to be immunized against measles and nine other awful — but vaccinepreventable — diseases. Children whose physician certified they could not get vaccinations for health reasons were allowed into school without the shot. For 2004, that was about 3,000 students. Then the law changed, allowing parents to file a form stating they had a personal
or religious objection to the immunizations. District-bydistrict data from the Texas Department of State Health Services, which is available on its website, shows that the number of students with an exemption reached nearly 38,000 last year. What’s more concerning, though, is that those exemptions tend to be clustered in certain communities and school districts. That means if one unimmunized child in one of those schools contracts measles, it will spread rapidly through his or her unimmunized classmates. One of those clusters is eight large school districts covering a swath of territory in the suburbs north and east of Dallas. The Coppell, Plano, Frisco, Lewisville, McKinney, Allen, Rockwall, and Wylie independent school districts all have exemption rates well above the statewide average of 0.75 percent. Coppell ISD, at 1.3 percent, is nearly double the statewide average and 15th highest among the state’s 100 largest districts. If measles strikes one of those schools, students will be home sick for a week or more (and a parent will likely have to miss work to care for them). One in 20 will be so ill they’ll need to go to the hospital. One or two in 1,000 could die. It’s not just those whose parents claimed an exemption who are at risk, though. It’s also the infants who are too young to get the vaccination. And those whose immune systems are damaged by necessary medical treatments or other diseases, such as leukemia. Here are some simple facts about measles:
We had no cases in Texas from 1990 through 2000. We had just 17 cases from 2004 to 2012. In 2013, 27 cases of measles were reported in Texas. Last year, we had 10. This is a highly contagious disease, and someone with measles can be infectious for four days before the spots appear on his or her skin. If someone with measles coughs or sneezes in a small room, the virus can live for up to two hours in the air. Nine out of 10 unimmunized people who walk into that room will catch the measles. Ebola was not airborne; measles is. The measles vaccine works. That’s why we are able to wipe the disease out in this country. The measles vaccine is
safe. There is no scientific evidence that the measles vaccine causes autism. As a pediatrician, a parent, and a grandparent, I cannot urge you strongly enough to make sure your children are vaccinated — against measles, mumps, pertussis, chicken pox, and all the diseases we can stop with a simple shot. (Pertussis, or whooping cough, is major threat. It killed five children in Texas in 2013 and at least two last year; all were less than 1 year old.) Education is the key to protecting our children. Please, be wise — immunize. Dr. Buck, a pediatrician from Corpus Christi, is chair of the Texas Medical Association Council on Health Promotion.
Page 14
March 2015 - DFW NEWSFLASH
972-870-1992
Fort Worth based Navy squadron to brings USS FORT WORTH (LCS 3) crew home FORT WORTH, Texas — VR-59, “The Lone Star Express,” a Fort Worth based Navy Fleet Logistics Support Squadron, stayed true to its Texas roots by providing the airlift support for the crew swap of USS FORT WORTH (LCS 3), as part of the Navy’s strategic rebalance to the Pacific. The aircraft departed for Singapore on Sunday, Feb. 8, with a fresh crew for the deployed ship. The crew embarked on the USS FORT WORTH will returned home to San Diego on Feb. 9 with VR-59 after a six month deployment. VR-59 is attached to the Navy’s Fleet Logistics Support Wing (FLSW) and operates three C-40A Clippers, a cargo/passenger variant of
the Boeing 737-700. These aircraft provide around the clock, worldwide logistics support for Navy forces, making them the perfect airlift solution for the challenges of an LCS crew swap. “As the sole operator of land-based air logistics aircraft for our Navy, we perform a unique mission that is focused on enabling the war-fighting readiness of the Fleet,” said Capt. Mark O. Bailey, Commodore of the Navy’s Fleet Logistics Support Wing (FLSW). “We understand the unique air logistics requirements of the units we support and are dedicated to meeting those needs around the world. A forward deployed fleet with a dynamic operational
schedule demands flexible, responsive air logistics support. We deliver that capability to Navy units worldwide and are proud to provide unparalleled air logistics support to the LCS community, including their crew swaps.” USS FORT WORTH is the first LCS to deploy under the 3-2-1 manning concept, swapping fully trained crews roughly every four months. This concept will allow the ship to deploy six months longer than USS FREEDOM, which swapped crews once in 10 months, extending LCS forward presence and reducing crew fatigue for the 16-month deployment. It is named “3-2-1” because three rotational crews will support two LCS
ships and maintain one deployed ship. “The challenge that the LCS community faced was to determine the most operationally effective and cost efficient method to swap their crews,” said CDR Ben Fay, Commanding Officer of VR-59. “Almost immediately, the concept of managing a wholesale crew swap using Navy’s own airlift assets emerged as the best solution. Being based out of Fort Worth ourselves, we’re more than honored to support our Shipmates deployed with USS FORT WORTH. SOURCE Naval Air Force Reserve Public Affairs Office
VR-59, “The Lone Star Express,” a Fort Worth based Navy Fleet Logistics Support Squadron, proudly flies over the city of Fort Worth. Courtesy photo
Call 972-870-1992 to learn about advertising opportunities
www.dfwnewsflash.com
DFW NEWSFLASH - March 2015
Page 15
Shoes raise money for travelers assistance Travelers Aid Dallas/Fort Worth is conducting a shoe collection drive through April 15 to raise funds for its emergency travel assistance program. Travelers Aid will earn funds based on the number of pairs collected as Funds2Orgs will purchase all of the donated shoes. Anyone can help by donating gently worn, used or new shoes at the Travelers Aid office in Terminal E Lower Level at E3 at DFW International Airport. All donated shoes will then be redis-
tributed throughout the Funds2Orgs network of microenterprise partners in developing nations. Funds2Orgs helps impoverished people start, maintain and grow businesses in countries such as Haiti, Honduras and other nations in Central America and Africa. Proceeds from the shoe sales are used to feed, clothe and house their families. One budding entrepreneur in Haiti even earned enough to send to her son to law school.
“We are excited about our shoe drive,” said Bruce Freeman, Executive Director for Travelers Aid DFW. “We know that most people have extra shoes in their closets they would consider donating to us and help those less fortunate become self-sufficient. It’s a win-win for everyone.” By donating shoes to Travelers Aid Dallas/Fort Worth, the shoes will be given a second chance and make a difference in people’s lives. All proceeds benefit Travelers Aid at D/ FW International Airport. The non-profit organization has assisted distressed passengers at the D/FW International Airport since 1974. The agency was heavily involved in assisting individuals stranded at the airport during the 2013 ice storm, 9/11, and helped evacuees from Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Ike. Travelers Aid Dallas/Fort Worth also assists families, individuals and members of the military who are in crisis, transition or are separated from their normal support systems. SOURCE Travelers Aid Dallas/Fort Worth
Page 16
March 2015 - DFW NEWSFLASH
972-870-1992