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Guests enjoy craft beer and historical aircraft at the Fort Worth Aviation Museum’s inaugural Hops & Props festival. / Photo by Courtney Ouellette

Dallas chefs battle neurofibromatosis Honoring Texas’ fallen heroes 787 Dreamliner takes off from DFW

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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.

Military fly-in, craft beer festival becomes museum’s new tradition By Courtney Ouellette The Fort Worth Aviation Museum partnered with local breweries to offer aviation and beer enthusiasts a chance to enjoy 25 different aircraft and beer samples during the Hops and Props festival on Saturday, May 16. The event combined a military aircraft fly-in with a craft beer festival. Many intrepid guests also enjoyed a unique view of the city on a beer flight. Participants purchased seats on a C-47 Vintage WWII military transport airplane and enjoyed four beer samples during the 30-minute flight. “What we’re doing here today is combining people’s love of aviation and interest in aviation with other peoples’ love of craft beer since it’s craft beer month. The proceeds will help us with our

programs for schools,” said Jim Hodgson, the executive director of the museum. Hodgson plans to make the event an annual celebration. “This is the first one, and I can tell you from what I’m seeing now, it has been very successful. We’re going to build on this from year to year,” he said. “Other museums are doing this around the country, it’s fairly new. “We’re hoping this is going to help us grow the museum. The museum tells the story of aviation history here in Forth Worth from 1911 until today. We tell people about how aviation changed North Texas from a farm and ranch community into one of the largest aviation and aerospace centers in the world.” According to Hodgson, the aviation industry has played a major role in Fort Worth’s history and growth. “That transformation took

While checking out the helicopters and airplanes, Rhett Davis takes over the cockpit. / Photo by Courtney Ouellette many years, but we’ve built over 68,000 airplanes here, which has added trillions of dollars to the economy, and that’s just the airplanes,” he said. “It’s been a huge impact and a million people or more have added their legacy to that heritage. Our mission here is to give wings to our youth and community

Publisher John Starkey Managing Editor Stacey Starkey Advertising sales@dfwnewsflash.com 972-870-1992. Newsroom news@dfwnewsflash.com

DFW NewsFlash is Copyrighted 2015 / Photo by Courtney Ouellette

www.dfwnewsflash.com through our aviation heritage.” Also in attendance were Marines from Camp Pendleton, Calif. “This seems like a great event, and we had a great turnout,” Lt. Colonel Gabriel Valdez said. “I think as word gets around it’ll be an even bigger event next year, and I’m really excited for the museum.” The Marines brought two helicopters for people to get a closer look at, a Huey and a Cobra. “They’re having a static display today so you can climb on the aircraft and ask questions of the Marines that fly those aircraft,” Valdez said. He praised the event and the organization behind it. “It’s always a pleasure to talk

DFW NEWSFLASH - June 2015 with vets,” Valdez said. “I’m really impressed with the folks here at the museum. They take great pride in their work and restoring the legacy of these aircraft and their history. “There’s a lot of connection with the MarineCorps and this museum and the Vietnam veterans so it’s been a great experience,” he said. Several families, like the Davis’, took the opportunity to sit in the pilots’ seats and get a good look at planes from as far back as World War II. “He’s the main reason we’re here,” said Barbara Davis, pointing at her five-year-old son, Rhett, as he waved from the cockpit. “He loves helicopters and airplanes.” The celebration included Rahr and Sons, Cedar Creek

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Guests enjoy craft beer while exploring the inside of a U.S. Marine Corps helicopter. / Photo by Courtney Ouellette Brewery, Rabbit Hole Brewery, Martin House, and Panther Island Breweries, as well as activities for the kids and a variety of vendors. “Our goals here are preservation, inspiration and education,” Hodgson said. “We

want to take the aviation heritage of the area and use it to inspire kids to stay in in school. We also educate the community about the impact that aviation has had on their lives.”

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Vietnam veteran discusses life as POW for six years By Teri Webster Vietnam veteran Ken Cordier spoke about how his faith in God and a tough mental attitude helped him survive six years as a Prisoner of War (POW). The food was bad, the beatings were brutal, and prisoners were forbidden to talk to one another. From December 1966 to March of 1973 when he was released, Cordier lived in conditions many people would consider a complete lack of freedom. “You might not think we had any freedom but that’s not entirely true,” said Cordier, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel. “The communists … couldn’t get inside our minds or our hearts. While my life was very limited it was not lost. During that time, my mantra was ‘never give up and never give in.’” Everyone has an inner strength, although not everyone is called to draw upon it In such extreme and prolonged circumstances. “In my case, I felt it was my faith in God, my country and myself,” said Cordier, who lived in four different prisons as a POW. “Notice I said country and not government. Perseverance gets us through the tough times in life. We couldn’t change our circumstance, but we could persevere until the circumstances changed.” Cordier, who lives in Dallas, told his story during a presentation at the Frontiers of Flight Museum on May 19. Cordier was a major in the U.S. Air Force and a fighter pilot with the 559th TFS Cam Ranh Bay. While on his 175th mission, Cordier was shot down in North Vietnam on

Dec. 2, 1966 and released on March 4, 1973. He was flying an F-4C when the aircraft was hit by a surface-toair missile. At 24,000 feet in the air, Cordier had to eject from the aircraft and parachute down to the ground. While descending, he fell through the fireball of another missile, but received only minor burns. “My eyebrows and eyelashes were burned off,” he said. He was captured almost immediately upon reaching the ground. Cordier was then blindfolded and taken on an all-night bus ride to a prison camp in Hanoi, North Vietnam. On the way there, Cordier and other POWs were paraded before people living in various villages. “They all wanted to practice throwing sticks and stones at us,” Cordier said. “They all wanted to spit on us. By the time I got to Hanoi, I was covered in spit.” After arriving in Hanoi, Cordier was repeatedly interrogated and beaten by three interrogators. At one point, he demanded medical attention, because he thought his back was broken. “That was a big mistake,” Cordier said. “The interro-

gator barked something. Then, they connected a rope around my neck and ankles and pulled it back. I was screaming bloody murder and tried to knock myself out by hitting my head on the floor. But all I did was give myself a headache.” During his first two years as a POW, interrogators repeatedly tried to get him to confess to war crimes. “I never did it because I knew it could come back to haunt me if I ever admitted to that and was tried,” he said. He lived in a cell that had no bed, only a board to sleep on. A single, bare light bulb hung from the ceiling. “It was always on,” Cordier said. “They never turned it out, even in the daytime. It was always dark, because they put bricks in the windows.” The lack of ventilation in the cell made it brutally hot. At one point, Cordier had prickly heat so bad more than 40 blisters covered his body. No talking, writing or games were allowed. Every morning, a loudspeaker piped in propaganda from the Voice of Vietnam. “They were always bragging about the great victories, if you believe what they said

on the Voice of Vietnam,” Cordier said. “Instead they were total disasters.” Left to little more than his own thoughts, Cordier forced himself to think positive. “As time went on, nothing seemed to be progressing with the war,” he said. “All you had to do was sitting on the bed. You had to adjust your thinking to make do the best you can. Then it would be my turn to wash dishes. Life was filled with nothing but mundane tasks.” To keep his mind active, Cordier memorized the names of 350 people. Eventually, prisoners learned to communicate with each other by tapping on walls, boards or bars. Over time, they had conversations about their families and girls they dated. “We were about 40 years ahead with the abbreviations like people do today with texting,” he said. “But we didn’t have LOL. If it was a bad joke, we would signify that by thumping on the wall. If it was a good joke, we used our fingernails and tapped on the walls.” Fellow prisoners were required to stand up at attention every time the morning gong went off at about 5 a.m.

www.dfwnewsflash.com They would face the east and whisper the Pledge of Allegiance and quote scriptures. In later years, when prisoners were permitted to speak to each other, those who were well-versed in the Bible would share scriptures and parables. “I had freedom in my mind, in spite of the circumstances,” Cordier said. Prisoners lived in constant fear of beatings. “When you heard the guard’s keys jangling, you never knew if they were coming to

DFW NEWSFLASH - June 2015 let you out or beat you,” he said. At one point, Cordier and other prisoners were lashed across their backs with whips. All of it was a lesson in how preparation, optimism and willpower can go a long way, he said, adding that he hopes his story inspires other people to overcome challenges in their own lives. “I didn’t volunteer for it, and I wouldn’t do it again,” Cordier said. “It was a speed bump in life I had to get over to en-

joy the rest of my life. And it’s been blessed.” Audience members said they were stunned by Cordier’s willpower. “He really suffered a lot,” said Bob Gunn of Plano. “It is amazing he made it through all of that.” Cheryl Sutterfield-Jones, president and chief executive officer of the Frontiers of Flight Museum, said the presentation was part of the 2015 U.S. Vietnam War Commemoration, which coordi-

Page 5 nates with the traveling exhibit “Victory from Within: The American POW Experience.” POWs are defined as veterans who were forcibly detained during active duty by “an enemy government, its agents, or a hostile force, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Since the American Revolution, an estimated one-half million Americas have been POWs. Additionally, about 93,000 missing Americans were never recovered.

Our country takes time to remember the fallen By Teri Webster Local veterans made certain fallen heroes from Texas were remembered on Memorial Day. The Fort Worth Chapter 1849 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Texas displayed its Fallen Heroes Memorial Wall on Sunday and Monday, May 24-25, at Cabela’s. The retail store, located on Cabela Drive in Fort Worth, specializes in hunting, fishing, camping and shooting gear. “This really isn’t for us,” said Richard Whitehead, a Vietnam Veteran and member of the Fort Worth Chapter. “This is for the people.” The wall provides a place for people to remember and reflect on the lives lost in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. More than 600 Texans perished in the wars. Throughout the event, several people walked away crying after viewing the wall. A Bible and a red rose sits at the base of each section of the display. “They’re babies,” said Diane Selby of Justin, as she

looked at the pictures. “On Facebook, there’s a picture of a little boy of about 5-years-old standing by his suitcases. That’s what every mother thinks when her son goes off to war. People need to think about that.” Selby had friends who have served in the military, but none of them lost their lives. “It was still very hard,” she said. “In our era, this is new for us. We have never experienced any of this before until Iraq came along.” Selby said all of it has opened her eyes to the sacrifices veterans make during times of war. “It brings tears to my eyes,” said Andrea Paris, a Dallas native and U.S. Air Force reservist based in Fort Worth. Paris served a total of seven years of active duty overseas and has been deployed three times. “I’m honored to do it,” she said. Paris also mentioned how much it means when school children and others send cards to members of the military.

“They always start with ‘Dear Soldier,’ thank you for being brave,” Paris said. Several passersby approached Whitehead and fel-

low Vietnam veteran and Fort Worth Chapter 1849 member Milton Hysmith to thank them Go to page7

Remembering the fallen, a woman pauses to reflect on the lives of Texas military personnel lost in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. / Photo by Teri Webster

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Continued from page 5 both for their service. “When we came back, we didn’t receive any sort of welcome,” Hysmith said. “There was nothing.” Aside from the physical casualties of war, many veterans suffer emotional trauma that lasts a lifetime. Often, soldiers deal with intense emotions or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), especially if they served in combat. “Anyone who was in combat is going to have it,” Hysmith said. “It’s a life-long thing.”

It is likely even tougher for today’s soldiers, who often serve multiple tours, according to Hysmith. “We served one year, and we were done,” Hysmith said. Memorial Day dates back to May 5, 1868, three years after the end of the Civil War. A leader of a Union veterans group, Maj. Gen. John A. Logan, declared May 30 as “Decoration Day,” a time to place flowers on the graves of the dead. May 30 was chosen because it is a time of year when flowers can

bloom all over the nation, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website. The largest first observance took place at Arlington National Cemetery, located across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. However, some local areas claim to have the first observance. On April 25, 1866, a group of women in Columbus, Miss., decorated graves of Confederate soldiers from the battle at Shiloh. When they saw that the graves of Union soldiers

nearby were bare, the women placed some of their flowers on those graves, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. But other, smaller celebrations had already taken place. A ceremony was also held in Waterloo, NY on May 5, 1866 to honor veterans from the Civil War. In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson and Congress declared Waterloo was the original Memorial Day celebration.

DFW Airport expects record breaking summer travel By Teri Webster A record 18 million passengers are expected to move through the terminals of the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport during the upcoming summer season. “That is the best summer ever for DFW if that projection holds,” airport spokesperson David Magana said during a press conference at the airport on Thursday, May 21. The projection represents a 1.3 percent increase in passengers compared to last year. It remains to be seen if the increase in passengers will impact wait times at security checkpoints. Wait times ranged from one minute to up to 30 minutes for the week proceeding Memorial Day weekend, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The figures apply to passengers using Pre-Check, a Department of Homeland Security pre-screening registry for “trusted travelers.” High-end restaurants and shops and lower parking

rates are among things travelers can expect to see this summer at DFW airport. Lower parking rates are in effect through Aug. 31. Customers parking at the airport for 7 days will spend $55 or less than $8 a day. “We are really trying to improve the customer experience from the moment they arrive at the airport and they get on their flight,” DFW airport spokesperson Cynthia Vega said. “We want to make that an unforgettable experience in the most positive ways you can imagine.” New restaurants and shops include La Madeleine, Wing Stop, the Belgian Beer Café, and TUMI, Swarovski crystal and Brookstone. An XpresSpa will allow travelers to get a pedicure, manicure or facial before their flight. “We’re continuing to elevate the level of our shops inside the terminals and in the restaurants to give people more variety and also more highend options for shopping,” Vega said. “That is something our customers are asking for.”

The airport is also looking for ways to be more accessible and friendly with customers. For example, the airport’s “Sunny Service Days” team will be interacting with travelers who use the hash tag #DFWSummer on Twitter. . “We’re going to be having fun with our customers,” Magana said. Those in charge of promoting the airport say they are looking to do small things to make the experience special for travelers. On Mother’s Day, the airport fulfilled a customer’s request to have flowers delivered to his mother when she got off of her flight. “It’s little moments like that where we’re hoping to give some ‘wow’ moments to people,” Vega said. Later in the summer, the airport expects to complete a new parking garage with 7,700 parking spaces for Terminal A. The parking garage features small red and green lights above each parking space to indicate where parking is available. When finished, it will repre-

sent the first completed project under the airport’s terminal improvement program, according to Magana. The parking light system also saves travelers a lot of time. “Our parking garages are lighter and brighter and there are high-speed elevators that take you right to the terminal,” Vega said. “You don’t have to climb up and down stairs with your gear anymore. Even simple things, such as all of the levels are flat. You no longer have an incline when you are pulling up your luggage. “It’s little things like that we are doing to really try to make the customer feel appreciated. We are listening to them, and we want them to know that when they come to the airport, their time is valuable.” The airport also recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of Skylink, an automated people-mover system that transports passengers between terminals. The airport’s summer travel season runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

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Former astronaut speaks on Earth’s beauty, fragility By Courtney Ouellette Former astronaut Jerry Carr presented a lecture on the uniting effects the Earth can have on people, regardless of culture and language on Wednesday, April 22. The lecture centered on the presentation of Pat Musick’s art exhibit Our Fragile Home, which is on display at the Irving Arts Center. The exhibit features the collaborative efforts of Carr and Musick, a project 20 years in the making. Musick, an environmental artist, created the pieces to express an epiphany she and her husband experienced in 1990. Carr orbited Earth more than 1,200 times and experienced three space walks during his time as commander of Skylab 4, the final manned mission to the Skylab space station. “It all got started when Pat and I went to Earth Day in the United Nations,” Carr said. “There were 40 astronauts

and cosmonauts, and they chose six of us at random with six different languages to speak. Everybody in the audience had headphones with translations, but we on the dais had none.” “Each speaker was asked to describe what he or she thought about when they looked down on the Earth for the first time. The American representative, Mary Cleave, told the audience that the Earth is beautiful and fragile, and that it’s everyone’s job to protect it. “The other five guys got up and spoke in Russian, French, German, Spanish and Arabic. While they spoke, the rest of us just kind of stood up there and listened to them but didn’t know what they were saying,” Carr recalled. “So when it was all over I went down to my wife and I said what did they all say? She told me ‘you won’t believe this, but they all said

Among Pat Musick’s many pieces, this piece depicts her vision of earth’s beauty. / Photo by Courtney Ouellette

Following Jerry Carr’s presentation, Ana Perez studies pieces from the Our Fragile Home exhibit at the Irving Arts Center. / Photo by Courtney Ouellette the same thing in their own language.’” This moment confirmed Musick’s theories. As a psychologist, she studies behavioral science and is a student of Carl Jung’s concept that art is a way of expressing the creative unconscious. “Through art, people can communicate without speaking the same language,” Carr said. That day, the six speakers, in six different languages, each unknowingly used the same words to describe the view of Earth from space. “Pat thought about it, and it took her 20 years to figure out a way to express it in images; to express this idea that people from all sorts of cultures could see the same thing and think the same thought in their own language,” Carr said. The centerpiece of the exhibit is eight stands with nearly identical features, two eggs, two branches and one of eight words spoken by the astronauts: fragile, beauty, protect, sustain, nurture, steward, harmony, balance. Before the lecture, guests had the opportunity to speak

with Carr and walk through the exhibit. In honor of Earth Day, 24-year-old Ana Perez did just that. “The pieces were beautiful, and walking through it without having heard Mr. Carr’s explanation was very interesting,” Perez said. “But, it was after his lecture that I really understood and appreciated how all of the displays fit together.” During his presentation, Carr showed pictures of how not only humans have harmed the Earth, but how nature has as well. “We hope that people will come away with a heightened sense of responsibility to be good stewards of our environment and to think about this global warming issue that’s going on right now,” Carr said. “Most everybody agrees we have global warming. The big question is, what caused it? One camp says it’s our fault, the humans; we’re the ones tipping the balance. The other faction says no we’re not, that the Earth has so much resiliency that we can’t do anything to hurt it.” For Carr, it’s a matter of act-

www.dfwnewsflash.com ing rather than reacting. “There are people presenting science on both sides of that picture, and you have to kind of decide who you’re going to throw in with,” he said. “Basically, I go with the people who are concerned about it, because I figure maybe

DFW NEWSFLASH - June 2015 the other guys are right. But why should we participate in doing something that could possibly tip it?” Perez shares that sense of duty. “Listening to [Carr] talk about the things he could see from space and seeing pictures

of deforestation and even the natural destruction really makes you want to do something about it,” she said. Carr finished his lecture with a challenge. “Consider more than just one group’s rationale. Synthesize

Page 9 what you’re learning and decide what you believe, then decide what you can do about it,” he said. Our Fragile Home will be on display at the Irving Arts Center through July 5. Admission is free.

Am. Airlines Federal Credit Union awards scholarships FORT WORTH, Texas – For more than a decade, American Airlines Credit Union has invested in the futures of its young member-owners by providing scholarship award opportunities for higher education. This year, out of more than 400 applicants, the Credit Union was pleased to award a total of 11 scholarships. Seven high school students and four college students each received $5,000 scholarships. “The Credit Union is proud to provide these outstanding young people a financial incentive to pursue their dreams. We can’t wait to see what’s next from these talented go-getters,” said Lori Hall, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Member Services at American Airlines Credit Union. “We have high hopes for every one of them.” The recipients of the 2015 American Airlines Credit Union Scholarship are as follows: Arav Arora, 18 of Plano, Texas, will study chemical engineering at Princeton University in Princeton, N.J. Madeline Brown, 18,of Salem, Wis., will be attending the University of WisconsinLa Crosse and majoring in biology/pre-med. Alison DeBruyn, 18, of Frankfort, Ill., plans to study fi-

nance and technology at the College of Business - University of Illinois in Champaign, Ill. Alicia DiVito, 20, of Enfield, Conn., is currently studying business administrationmanagement at the Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, Conn. Erin Egan, 18, of Dallas, Texas, will be attending the University of Southern California and majoring in business. Christine Jones, 17, of Tulsa, Okla., will major in elementary education at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Okla. Nina Kuprasertkul, 17, of Keller, Texas, will attend Duke University in Durham, N.C., where she plans to study chemistry. Taylor Michie, 19, of Annapolis, Md., is studying international relations at Fordham University in New York City, N.Y. Norris Nicholson, 19, of Cumming, Ga., is currently attending the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Ga., where she is studying aerospace engineering. Aspen Riser, 21, of Cedar Hill, Texas, is working on her master’s degree in behavioral sciences and health education at Emory University in Atlanta, Ga. Daniela Walls,17,of Col-

leyville, Texas, will be attending the University of California, Berkeley, and majoring in materials science engineering. The 2016 American Airlines Credit Union Scholarship applications will be available in December 2015. To learn

more about Credit Union Youth Programs, or to become a member-owner, call (800) 533-0035, visit AACreditUnion.org or visit your local Credit Union branch. SOURCE American Airlines Federal Credit Union

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www.dfwnewsflash.com STRANGE BUT TRUE by Samantha Weaver * It was back in the 19th century that American author and philosopher Henry David Thoreau made the following sage observation: “Men have become the tools of their tools.” * Clinomania is an affliction that affects a large percentage of the American population. If you suffer from an overwhelming desire to stay in bed, you’re one of us. * If you’re like most parents, at one time or another you’ve been shocked by how quickly your kids outgrow things -- especially shoes. What may be an annoyance in a developed country is a major problem in undeveloped areas of the world; Kenton Lee is working on changing that. As a volunteer in an orphanage in Kenya, he noticed that many children had the toes cut out of their shoes just so they could fit in their feet. After return-

DFW NEWSFLASH - June 2015 ing home, Lee developed an adjustable sandal that can grow with a child, increasing up to five sizes via a system of snaps.

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Veterans find healing through bicycling By Teri Webster After battling a cumbersome Veterans Administration (VA) system, some veterans struggling with depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other ailments are taking recovery matters into their own hands. For some, the road to recovery begins with a bicycle. It’s happening through Ride 2 Recovery, a national cycling program for veterans with physical or emotional trauma, or a combination of the two. In 2014, a total of 10,000 riders participated in the program, according to Ride 2 Recovery’s year-end report. Although it’s not a cure-all, the Ride 2 Recovery provides a way for veterans to connect with other veterans with similar experiences. “It’s very difficult for other people to relate to what you’ve been through,” said Army Veteran Brian Keefer of Riverside, Calif., a participant in the third annual Honor Clay Hunt ride on Saturday, April 25. About 200 cyclists participated in the ride, which spanned from downtown Fort Worth to Roanoke. Clay Hunt was a U.S. Marine Corps sniper in Iraq and Afghanistan. Hunt suffered from PTSD and depression, yet struggled to receive timely and adequate care from the VA system. In 2011, his battle ended in suicide. Unfortunately, Hunt’s story

is all too common. According to the VA, an estimated 22 veterans per day die from suicide. U.S. Army Veteran Jen Goodbody of Chico, Calif., also participated in the local Clay Hunt ride. Goodbody, who served in Iraq, said she knows firsthand the struggles with depression that can happen after returning home from war. “When you’re over there, you’re just at such a heightened level of awareness,” Goodbody said. “It’s a very high level of energy and stress. And then when you come back, it’s not the same, and it’s difficult to lower that.” Military conditioning involves a mindset of being tough and not asking for help, she said. That can carry over after veterans return home. Goodbody isolated herself because she believed she was a burden on her family. “There’s this hurt that’s just hard to explain,” she said. “When you’re at that place, you just don’t want to feel that way anymore. It’s difficult to get past that.” Cycling helps because it allows her to be a part of a group working toward a common goal. “Training hard for cycling events is so exhausting that it leaves little time to think about or dwell on things that happened in a war zone,” she said. It also can teach veterans how to ask for and receive help.

“Sometimes you need that extra push to get up a hill,” she said. “Sometimes it’s the first time for a rider to even accept help. I think that’s a good first step.” Keefer said the VA tried to treat his emotional and physical scars with medications, something he was determined to change. “I was on 17 medications before I started Ride2Recovery, and now I’m taking none,” Keefer said. “You get lost in the VA system. Once you get lost, it’s hard. They just want to douse you with medications and leave you. They don’t tackle the issue.” Echoes of similar stories are heard from other veterans seeking services from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) association surveyed 2,025 veterans. Many said the system is too complicated or they do not trust the VA. Thousands of veterans have languished for weeks or months while waiting to receive treatment. All of the stories about their experiences with the VA appear on the website thewaitwecarry.org. The website features 152 stories from veterans in Texas. Clay Hunt’s parents also related that their son was overmedicated during a 2014 hearing before a House Committee on Veteran’s Affairs. Hunt’s mother, Susan Selke, told the committee: “Clay constantly voiced con-

cerns about the care he was receiving, both in terms of the challenges he faced with scheduling appointments as well as the treatment he received for his PTSD, which consisted solely of medication. He received counseling only as far as a brief discussion regarding whether the medication he was prescribed was working or not. If it was not, he would be given a new medication. Clay used to say, ‘I’m a guinea pig for drugs. They’ll put me on one thing, I’ll have side effects, and then they put me on something else.’” Keefer said his battle with depression led him to contemplate jumping out of his car and onto the California State Route 91 Freeway. “And then I found a bicycle,” he said. “And I haven’t thought about that since.” Sometimes, the smallest gesture –just listening to what a veteran has to say - can really mean a lot, according to Keefer. “It can take just one person to make a difference,” he said. Additional information about Ride 2 Recovery, including how to get involved, is available at www.ride2recovery. com. Money raised from the races is used to purchase bicycles and other equipment for veterans. In 2014, Ride 2 Recovery raised $5.2 million to help veterans, with nine percent going to administrative costs, according to its website.

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Am. Airlines launches 787 Dreamliner flights from DFW By Teri Webster An enthusiastic crowd of airline and airport guests, employees and executives celebrated the inaugural flight of American Airlines’ Boeing 787 Dreamliner on Thursday, May 7, at the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. On a rainy, gloomy morning, the 787 Dreamliner departed from DFW to the Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Despite the cloudy weather, airline executives beamed with pride prior to the plane’s inaugural flight. “We’re excited to be the first airline to bring the Dreamliner to DFW,” said Fern Fernandez, Executive Vice President of Global Strategy and Development for American Airlines. Depending on the model, the plane seats up to 280 passengers. Although it is big, it is also cost-effective. The cost-effective features of the airplane make it a very powerful tool for airlines, according to Allan Smolinski, Boeing’s director of (commercial) sales for the Americas. Designed for maximum fuel efficiency and passenger comfort, the Dreamliner holds the world record for speed and distance, and can travel around the world in 42 hours and 27 minutes, according to Boeing’s website. Passenger Shane Adelman of Dallas said it was exciting to be a part of something for the first time. “It’s something that only happens once,” Adelman said. “It’s pretty cool.” Adelman researched the plane online and was im-

pressed with its large overhead luggage storage areas, big windows and fuel efficiency. “I really like the windows,” he said before boarding the plane. “And I like the economics of the airplane.” Windows on the 787 are about 25 percent larger than windows on other airplanes. The size provides all passengers the ability to see outside – even if they are not in a window seat. A touch button on the windows allows passengers to dim or brighten the amount of light coming through. The tinted window technology can also keep the cabin cool while it is on the ground in hot climates. Passengers also have more room on the 787. In the main cabin, passengers will have up to five additional inches of legroom, universal power outlets and USB ports at every seat, inseat entertainment featuring 250 movies, more than 180

TV programs and 350 audio selections, and international Wi-Fi ability, officials said. Additional amenities in the business class section include seats that transform into 77-inch beds, along with expanded living and table space and noise-cancelling headsets. Passengers are not the only ones enjoying the new plane. American Airlines Capt. Greg Knapp said he was not flying the 787 on Thursday, yet he could not resist stopping by to watch it take off. “It’s always fun to fly the latest and greatest,” Knapp said. “This has the latest features and technology.” New technology provides 787 passengers with a smoother ride. The 787 is able to sense turbulence and adjust its wing surfaces. Additionally, the engine design allows for less cabin noise, as well as less noise while flying over communities. Over the next month, Boeing

787 service will switch from domestic flights to international flights. Daily non-stop flights will take place from DFW to Beijing and Buenos Aires. “New destinations create a standing connectivity between DFW and Asia and also connect travelers from Asia to the Americas efficiently and easily,” said John Ackerman, executive vice president for global strategy and development at DFW International Airport. A celebration was also held at DFW May 7 for the first non-stop flight connecting Beijing and DFW. The DFW airport is about half-way through a more than $2.7 billion renovation project, which includes renovating the airport’s four original terminals, Ackerman said. “Our customers are seeing new dates, new finishes, and a brighter look and feel along with new restaurants and shopping,” Ackerman said.

In celebration of its inagural flight, guests got an exclusive look at the 787 Dreamliner cockpit.

/ Photo by Steve Gould

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American Airlines offers non-stop flights from DFW to Beijing By Teri Webster Beijing-style dancing and authentic music kicked off a celebration for American Airlines’ inaugural flight from the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport to Beijing, China on Thursday, May 7. Travelers, city officials and airline executives joined in the festivities. The new, nonstop flights to Beijing will open up more cultural and business opportunities between China and the DallasFort Worth area. “It’s a brand new flight, so it’s going to be much more fun,” said Yudong Zhao, a passenger who is a public relations student at the University of Alabama and a native of China. Two years ago, Zhao flew back to China to visit family there but had to first travel to Houston to catch a non-stop flight. The DFW flights offer him a more economical way to get back home again. Zhao hopes the flights will allow more communication and exchange between China and the U.S. “It will allow people to experience different cultures and lifestyles,” Zhao said. “There will be more interaction between America and China.” American is using a Boeing

777-200ER aircraft to kick off the non-stop service, and will switch to a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner in June. Earlier in the morning, American Airlines marked the inaugural flight of the Dreamliner from Dallas to Chicago. Doug Parker, chairman and CEO of American Airlines, said service is now offered to five major business markets in Asia: Beijing, Hong Kong, Seoul, Shanghai and Tokyo. The new service between Beijing and DFW is expected to fuel an estimated $200 million into the local economy. “This new destination further enhances our network footprint and allows for one-stop connections through DFW between Asia and major business and leisure destinations in North, Central and South America,” Parker said. Beijing is the government of China’s capital, as well as its center for business and cultural events. “This new flight to Beijing is a milestone achievement for our airport and for our region as we gain nonstop connectivity to one of the world’s leading business centers and the capital of China,” said Sean Donohue, CEO of DFW International Airport. “This airport benefits greatly from American’s passion,”

Making it official, airport and airline executives are joined by local dignitaries while cutting the ceremonial ribbon to begin the American Airlines’ inaugural flight from the DFW Airport to Beijing, China. / Photo by Steve Gould

Students of the Jia Ping Shi Dance School in Plano celebrate the American Airlines’ inaugural flight from the DFW Airport to Beijing, China with traditional Chinese dances. / Photo by Steve Gould Donohue said. “Our mission at the airport is truly to connect the world and with this service to Beijing, it represents another major milestone in the history of the airport and the entire north Texas region. The Beijing flight opens up markets for our businesses, tourism and the economy.” The celebration featured several of the top dancers from the Jia Ping Shi Dance School in Plano, which teaches traditional Chinese dance. One of their dances featured the waist drum, an instrument used during festivals and other celebrations. Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings and Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price were also in attendance. Rawlings and Price

both said they are hopeful the new connection will promote additional revenue and bring more cultural exchange to the Dallas-Fort Worth region. “It allows us to connect to one of the greatest world capitals in the history of the world,” said Rawlings said. “We believe this will drive so many agendas of the international sector.” That includes a “vision” of having the area serve as one of the business epicenters of the Western Hemisphere.” Less than one year ago, American also began flights from DFW to Hong Kong and Shanghai. Serving more than 62 million passengers annually, DFW is the ninth-busiest airport in the world.

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Volaris begins service from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport to Guadalajara By Jess Paniszczyn A celebration made complete with festive music, fandango dancers and cupcakes awaited the inaugural Volaris flight from Guadalajara to Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) International Airport on April 29. The carrier will use Airbus A320 aircraft and will operate out of DFW’s International Terminal D three times a week to Guadalajara offering passengers another convenient low-cost option for traveling to Mexico. “DFW welcomes Volaris as our newest airline,” said John Ackerman, executive vice president of global strategy and development at DFW Airport. “At DFW Airport, it is our mission to bring new opportunities for travel and business to Dallas and Fort Worth. Volaris has earned a reputation for high quality service at affordable prices, and is now regarded as not only one of the leading airlines in Mexico, but as a leader in Mexico and US transporter market. “As Texas’ largest trade partner, Mexico is the engine for its economy. The state of Texas generates more trade with Mexico than any other US state, more than $190 billion of exports and imports combined. This represents 40 percent of DFW’s international traffic. The new service increases travel options for all customers to Mexico and will support more growth of the leisure travel market between Guadalajara and North Texas. “The arrival of Volaris continues a record run of suc-

Fandango dancers celebrate the inaugural Volaris flight from Guadalajara to DFW Airport. / Photo by John Starkey cess over the past four years of new air carriers and new routes launched from DFW. Thirty new international routes have been added since 2011, 21 of these to new destinations. It’s an honor to continue to bring the world to DFW, and to continue to be known as the front door to North Texas,” he said. “We are extremely excited to forge ahead with our expansion into the US via its most important cities, and that is the case with Dallas/

Fort Worth, which according to the US Census Bureau, has a 39 percent Hispanic resident base,” said Holger Blankenstein, Volaris chief commercial officer. “Now they have a new option to visit family and friends in Mexico. Furthermore, our customers in Mexico’s Perla Tapatía, as Guadalajara is commonly referred to locally, also benefit greatly from the extensive connectivity to visit family and friends on both sides of the border, especially given that we operate

the largest destination offering from this city – to 20 international and 18 domestic destinations, averaging 525 flights per week.” Consul General of Mexico in Dallas, José Octavio Tripp Villanueva, was an honored guest at the Volaris launch. “As the General Consul of Mexico, it is a real privilege to precede the outstanding crowds of interactions between Mexico and the state of the Lone Star,” Villanueva said. “The intensity of the relationship between Mexico and Texas is unstoppable. It is increasing every day. Currently, the financial trading as close to $200 million every day, and growth is in our future.” Volaris currently serves over 50 destinations in Mexico, the United States and Central America, and has the youngest fleet of any airline with an average aircraft age of four years among its 52 Airbus aircraft.

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Sun & Star Legacy Award honors individuals for contributions to business, arts By Jess Paniszczyn The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth (JASDFW) honored Chairman Emeritus Yoshiyuki Kasai of Central Japan Railway Company and samurai armor collectors Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller of Dallas during the Sun & Star Legacy Award Dinner at the Four Seasons Resort and Club in Irving on April 20. “Our annual Sun & Star Legacy Award Dinner celebrates the considerable presence of Japan in North Texas,” said Elaine Browning, JASDFW president. “Japan is the third largest trading partner for North Texas with two-way trade of $4.3 billion in 2013. There are more than 100 Japan-based companies in North Texas and 14 non-stop round-trip flights between DFW and Narita every week. Moreover, three Metroplex cities have sister or friendship cities in Japan – Dallas and Sendai, Fort Worth and Nagaoka, and Southlake and Tome; and several area universities have Japanese sister schools.” “The evening is kind of an unusual opportunity for American and Japanese executives who are involved in U.S.-Japan businesses to get together for networking and business development in a social setting,” said Anna McFarland, executive director of JASDFW. “There aren’t many opportunities for those executives specifically involved in US-Japan relations to get together and interact. “The bilateral U.S.-Japan

Distances between people continue to shrink as the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth honors Chairman Emeritus Yoshiyuki Kasai of Central Japan Railway Company and samurai armor collectors Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller during the Sun & Star Legacy Award Dinner. / Photo by John Starkey relationship between the countries is very important internationally and the Japan American societies around the country support that relationship through their grass roots efforts. The people to people relationship supports the country to country relationship. “Personally, I think there is just kind of a fascination that happens to Americans who go spend time in Japan. They come back hooked on it. I think that’s what keeps it going. It’s the people who volunteer who have that kind of personal passion for the Japanese culture and their experience with the US-Japan friendship,” she said. Kasai joined Japan National Railway (JNR) in 1963 and played a major role in JNR’s reform. After the break-up and privatization of JNR, he was appointed President of JR Central in 1995, Chairman in 2004, and then Chairman Emeritus in 2014. Yoshiyuki Kasai received the Sun & Star Legacy Award for his distinguished leadership and strong commitment to bringing true high-speed rail service to the United States.

“Twenty years have passed since the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Sovi-

et Union,” Kasai said during his address. “However, I feel the world is still searching for a workable trademark for the 21st century. Today the main stage for international politics has shifted from Europe Atlantic to the Asia Pacific, and U.S.-Japan faces a second important crossroads on the world par-line since 1960. That important, steadfast U.S. Japan alliance and its contribution to peace and stability of the region cannot be overstated. We cannot let others think that they can drive a wedge between the U.S. and Japan.

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www.dfwnewsflash.com “I believe there are two things that need to be accomplished. First, on the security’s front for Japan to increase its military contribution to the alliance in order to enhance its deterrence. “Secondly, on the economic front to strengthen the foundation for the free trade through the signing of transpacific partnership. “Both of the opposing groups are not as loud as they were in the 1960s,” he said. “However, there is very high degree of economic interdependency between the U.S. foreign-policy and China today. “I feel that some take advantage of this fact to manipulate public opinion in a most subtle manner to try to weaken ties between the U.S. and Japan. “Part my desire to further strengthen U.S.-Japan relations happens to be important to two areas which are relevant to Texas. The first is space. The Japan’s National Space Policy Committee for which I happen to be a

DFW NEWSFLASH - June 2015 chairman was consulted last September by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who is the chair of Strategic Headquarters for Space Policy, to devise a basic plan on space policy taking into account national security and U.S. Department cooperation as the core. My policy draft that the committee presented was approved by the Strategic Headquarters on Jan. 9. “Texas a leader in space. It is my hope that Japan can work closely with Texas institutions on issues relating to space. “The second area is that of high-speed rail. I am a railroad man,” Kasai said. “I have been in the industry for 51 years. I’m in my 28th year at JR Central, the company that owns and operates Tōkaidō Shinkansen. It is a high-speed rail system, commonly known as a bullet train, operating on the 320 mile corridor connecting Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka. The Tōkaidō Shinkansen celebrated its 50th anniversary last autumn.

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The total distance that train lection – among the largest has run over all these years private collections of Japaamounts to the nese armor – distance equivwas amassed alent to seven by Ann and roundtrips beGabriel and tween the sun their children and earth. The over the past 25 number of peoyears. In March ple who have 2013, The Ann used our ser& Gabriel Barvice total 5.6 bilb i e r- M u e l l e r lion people, and Museum: The we have not had Yoshiyuki Kasai speaks about the Samurai Colone fatality or in- status of U.S.-Japan relations. / lection opened Photo by John Starkey jury. in the historic “The most realistic way for St. Ann’s School in Dallas’s me to contribute to the 21st Harwood district. A treasure century business relation- house of armor, helmets, ship is to farm that Tōkaidō masks, and weaponry spanShinkansen total system ning ten centuries, it is the technology and know-how to only museum outside Japan enable the U.S. to improve its dedicated solely to the art and culture of the samurai. transport system,” he said. Ann and Gabriel Barbier- The Honorary Hosts of the Mueller received the Bridg- Sun & Star Legacy Award es-to-Friendship Award for Dinner were Ambassador fostering appreciation of and Mrs. J. Thomas SchiefJapanese culture in North fer. Ambassador Schieffer is former U.S. Ambassador Texas. They have enriched the arts to Japan and Australia and in North Texas with their su- now senior adviser for Texas perb collection of samurai art Central High-Speed Railway. and armor. The Samurai Col-

Dallas chefs help battle neurofibromatosis

By Jess Paniszczyn

Chefs from 43 top Dallas restaurants brought out the knives, grills and secret sauces to create something memorable for the 20th An-

niversary of Dining Out in Dallas, Battle of the Chefs. Outstanding wines, a great selection of beers and mixed drinks as well as live entertainment complemented the

Surrounded by his family, Ethan (11) offers a glimpse into the lives of millions of people who live with neurofibromatosis. / Photo by John Starkey

chef’s unique creations. Themed ’20 years of dining out and we are still hungry for a cure,’ the event benefits the Texas Neurofibromatosis (NF) Foundation’s efforts in finding a cure for NF. NF is a genetically-determined disorder which affects more than two million people worldwide. It is more prevalent than cystic fibrosis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy and Huntington’s Disease combined. The star of the evening was 11 year old Ethan, who was named Dining Out in Dallas’ Jr. Chef. He worked with host chef, Samir Dhurandhar from

Nick and Sam’s Steakhouse, to ensure the evening was a success. Like most boys, Ethan enjoys building with Legos. He also likes cooking and playing violin with his sister, Naomi. “Being the junior chef means that I can taste food,” Ethan said. “My favorite food is Nick and Sam’s rabbit meat balls. They are spicy.” Born with NF, he had surgery to remove his right eye when he was 10 months old. However, Ethan does not want to be judged on his appearance. “I think people should learn about the disease,” Ethan

Page 18 said. “I want people to know that I’m not handicapped. I feel like I want to punch the kids who insult me, because I look different. They speak too early about things they don’t know. I want them to be quiet until they know that I’m not handicapped because I look different. “I like being homeschooled because I won’t be bullied,” he said. Ethan is the youngest of four children. Even though his treatments are expensive and sometimes stressful, his mother, Molly D’Amato, says God provides for their family. “I think the event is very supportive of NF and it also creates awareness in the public. A lot of research still needs to be done, because they still don’t know how the tumors progress. “This event gives Ethan a chance to be out there and interact with people and make him feel normal. Being chosen as the junior chef has given Ethan a voice. It makes him feel special. We are honored for Ethan to have the opportunity. “As he grows older, my hope is that he will be content for who God made him, and he will be able to contribute to the fullness of who he is as a person, and not thinking he is any less off, because he is

June 2015 - DFW NEWSFLASH special. “No matter what, everybody carries some kind of a scar or hurt. For Ethan, everybody can see that he is different, but each one of us walks with a different scar. If we are able to see the beauty of the other person, it will make the world a better place to live wherever you are. The richness is not on what the eye can see; it is from the heart,” she said. Host chef, Samir Dhurandhar, says he enjoys working with kids and giving back to the community. “The little kids come in and I cook with them,” Dhurandhar said. “Every small little thing that seems so miniscule to us means a lot to them. To see that smile, to see that passion in their eyes, I wouldn’t ask for anything else. “I enjoy giving back and seeing happy faces. I have everything I could ever ask for: a beautiful family, a great job. If I can give back a little bit and make someone happy, it is the least I can do,” he said. Mike Thornton enjoyed sampling foods and speaking with friends during the event. “We want to support any kind of work being done with NF,” Thornton said. “My wife has NF, so it’s something close to our family that we like to be involved in. This is our third year here, and we are pas-

Meso Maya chef Nico Sanchez takes a moment to chat with a patron about the evening. / Photo by John Starkey

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For 20 years Dining out Dallas has raised money to help find a cure for NF with some of the best dining, company and surroundings Dallas has to offer. / Photo by John Starkey

sionate about funding to help other people who have NF. “It is a terrible disease. There is no cure for it right now. We just need work done to try to find a cure. “Tonight is great. There’s a great crowd, and it looks like everything is going well. I hope they raise a lot of money,” he said. Friends invited Pat Sayers to partake in Dining Out in Dallas for the first time. “I hope the event raises a lot of money for the cause,”

Sayers said. “It’s a fun event. It’s kind of a different format than I’m used to. The food is great, and I think everybody’s having a good time. The best thing I’ve eaten definitely has been the pork belly from The Capital Grille. In addition to helping people living with NF, NF research may benefit an additional 100 million Americans (i.e. 65 million with cancer and 35 million with learning disabilities).

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Frontiers of Flight Museum’s gala honors aviation lovers By Teri Webster Aviation is a passion and a lifestyle for those who love to fly. “There is a famous saying in aviation,” Sean Donohue, chief executive officer of the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, said. “To most people the sky is the limit. To those who love aviation, the sky is home.” Donohue made the comment at the 2015 Gala for the Frontiers of Flight Museum in Dallas on Saturday, May 16. During the event, Donohue received the George E. Haddaway Award. The award recognized Donohue’s 28year career as an aviation leader and celebrated DFW International Airport’s service to North Texas as well as its ties throughout the world. “Tonight we celebrate the magic of aviation,” Donohue said. “For more than 100 years, aviation has changed the way we work, live and travel.” More than 600 people attended the annual fundraiser at the museum. Donohue focused many of his comments on the late Jan Collmer, an aviation enthusiast and pilot who helped found the Frontiers of Flight Museum 29 years ago. Collmer died in January from myelodysplastic syndrome, a bone marrow disease, according to published reports. “He was an aviator and an

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entrepreneur who knew no bounds,” Donohue said. “At DFW, the team fondly remembers the day in 1996 when he helped dedicate our seventh runway, cutting the ribbon with the propeller of his plane as he flew by just feet off the ground. You still hear that story to this day.” A video of Collmer flying his plane - at age 74 - showed him tilting, diving and swirling across the sky. L. Robert Smith and his wife, Carmella, of Dallas attended the gala in honor of Collmer, who was a close friend. “My whole life has been in flying,” Smith said. Smith was the pilot for the flying scenes for the movie, The Bridges at Toko-Ri, a 1954 film set in the Korean War that starred William Holden and Grace Kelly. “The sound stage was bigger than (AT&T) Stadium,” he said. Smith served in the Korean War as a U.S. Navy fighter pilot, an admiral and major general. A short film was aired that featured the Liberty Jump Team, a World War II military parachute exhibition group of active duty and veterans. The film, Dirty ½ Dozen, also featured cameo appearances by the following local figures from Dallas and Fort Worth: DFW International Airport Board Chair, Lillie Biggins DFW International Airport Board Vice Chair, Sam Coats Director of Aviation, City of Dallas Aviation Department Mark Duebner Former Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief President & CEO, Dallas Regional Chamber Dale Petroskey

Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings President & CEO, Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce Bill Thornton The keynote speaker for the gala was Amelia Rose Earhart, the youngest woman to fly around the world in a single-engine aircraft. She also is president of the Fly With Amelia Foundation, a nonprofit organization that offers flight-training scholarships to young women. Her parents named her after Amelia Mary Earhart, who attempted to fly around the world in 1937. “Why on earth would I have that name?” Earhart said. “I’m not related. My family’s last name is Earhart, spelled the same way.” Her parents named her Ame-

lia after one of the most passionate and adventurous women out there. “They gave me some pretty big shoes to fill,” Earhart said. “I became my version of Amelia Earhart.” Money raised from the gala helps support the museum’s mission of education that annually serves more than 12,000 students. The museum this year expanded its six-week Science of Flight program to include 23 Dallas Independent School District elementary school campuses. The museum’s STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) program reaches out to young women and economically disadvantaged students, among others.

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Airport sinkhole temporarily closes runway DFW Airport closed Runway 18L temporarily Tuesday morning, May 26, as a precaution while Airfield Operations crews assessed a sinkhole reported in a grassy area about 250 feet between a taxiway and runway 18L. The sinkhole was not located on the runway

or taxiway but in an area called the safety area. Airfield inspectors found the sinkhole early in the morning and immediately began an inspection of the area. Runway 18L was reopened early that same evening, after an engineering analysis of a sinkhole was com-

pleted. Crews discovered that a section of a storm drain had become dislodged from the main storm drain line, creating erosion of the soil around the storm drain. The engineering analysis determined that the integrity of the runway itself

remained intact, and the runway was unaffected by the soil erosion. The following morning, construction crews began excavation and repairs to the storm drain, which did not require any further closures to the runway. SOURCE DFW Airport

DFW AIRPORT POLICE REPORT Criminal Mischief May 5, 8:46 a.m. An officer responded to the Oncor Electric station located at 3710 S 20th Avenue on a reported Criminal Mischief. The reporting party is employed by Oncor Electric as a Lead Technician. The reporting party stated on May, 4, he responded to the Oncor Electric station concerning a large oil leak. When he arrived at the site, he discovered one of their transformers, a green 2000 KVA Transformer had been damaged and all the mineral oil had drained from the transformer. Unknown person(s), without the effective consent of Oncor, entered onto their property and knowingly removed a secondary bushing from inside the transformer which resulted in 275 gallons of mineral oil to spill onto the ground. The reporting party stated the removal of the bushing has caused a substantial inconvenience and a pecuniary loss. He stated the transformer was damaged and will need to be replaced. He estimated the replacement of the transformer at $110,000. He stated on May 4, DFW Environmental arrived on scene and advised the entire pad site and areas of runoff had to be cleaned up. He estimated the cleanup cost at $10,000. The total loss amounts to $120,000. The contacted Environmental and was advised they did arrive on scene concerning the mineral oil. The representative stated the mineral oil did not currently pose a hazard to the nearby water stream or ecosystem but did need to be cleaned up from around the actual site. He stated neither Environmental nor Oncor contacted DPS on May 4 as they believed it was just a spill. Upon further

inspection, the reporting party was able to determine otherwise and contacted DFW Police. A check of the locked gate revealed no locks were cut to gain entry. Public Intoxication May 5, 7:56 p.m. Officers were dispatched to Terminal D Gate 18 in reference to an intoxicated female. The female was described as wearing jeans and a white top. American Airlines personnel stated the passenger kept leaving her purse unattended at the gate and had been denied boarding due to her intoxicated state. As officers approached the passenger, she looked at them and took off walking toward the lower gates. Officers followed her up the escalator to the American Express Centurion Lounge. An officer asked where she was flying to today, and she asked why officers were there to arrest her. An officer asked how much she had to drink today, and she stated nothing, then two drinks, then one. When asked, she said was not a Texas resident, but eventually produced identification and stated she lived in Austin. Throughout the interview, officers noted she was swaying from front to back, had dilated pupils, and a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on her breath. She stated she didn’t know why officers were bothering her since she was on a plane (when in fact she was in the airport terminal). She continuously used profanity, and her speech was slurred and incoherent. Officers placed her under arrest for Public Intoxication. Indecent Exposure May 6, 2:38 a.m.

Officers responded to Terminal A Entry 15 in regards to a man exposing himself and masturbating near the vending machines. MCR observed a thin black male, wearing tan pants, a gray shirt and tennis shoes. Officers immediately located an individual who matched the given description. The individual identified himself as Mr. Williams. The officer asked the suspect what his business was at the Airport. He stated he had to use the restroom. He stated he had arrived by DART train and failed to get off at a previous stop and ended up here. He got off the train to use the restroom and when he returned, the train had already departed. The suspect was asked if he had ever been arrested. He stated he had about 20 years prior when he was cleaning himself off and was arrested for indecent exposure. He denied having exposed himself or masturbating while at the Airport. MCR advised there was a female in the area when the incident exposure occurred, however she was not facing the suspect and did not observe his exposure. The suspect was informed the incident would be documented and investigators may contact him. Because the suspect exposed a part of his genitals with the intent to arouse or gratify his own sexual desire and was reckless in doing so with another present, this report is filed for Indecent Exposure.

led to the American Airlines ticket counter at entry 20. Officers walked to the ticket counter where they were approached by TSA Supervisor. The supervisor pointed out the female and advised she had pulled her pants down by entry 22 and urinated on the floor. An American Airlines ticket agent approached the officers and stated the woman at the counter was intoxicated and did not have an ID. An officer approached the female passenger and asked if he could speak with her. She agreed and the officer noted a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on or about her person. The officer asked her to go sit down at the seats by entry 19. As she walked to the seats, the officer observed her balance to be very poor. The officer asked if she was traveling with any luggage. She advised she might have left her luggage at TGI Friday’s where she had been drinking alcohol. The officer asked how much she had to drink. She stated she was not sure how much. The officer asked if she had been drinking beer or liquor. She stated, “Probably both.” Another officer asked the American Airlines gate agent for the female flight information. The information revealed she arrived at DFW airport at 9:34 a.m. Officers placed her under arrest for Public Intoxication. They observed the back of her jacket and pants to be wet.

Public Intoxication May 9, 3:06 p.m. Officers were dispatched to Terminal A entry 22 in regards to a suspicious person. The reporting party, a Prospect Door Guard, advised a passenger was acting strange and was possibly intoxicated. He described the passenger as a short, female wearing blue jeans. He pointed in the passenger’s direction of travel which

Forgery May 10, 10:39 a.m. An officer was dispatched to the Terminal B, Gate 45 in reference to a possible counterfeit bill. An Envoy Lead Agent stated at approximately 10 a.m., she received a $50 bill from a lady to buy a plane ticket to Louisville, Kentucky. The agent stated after the lady left, she looked at the

www.dfwnewsflash.com money and saw the $50 bill didn’t look right to her, but was not sure. The agent took the bill to her shift manager. The manager marked the bill with a counterfeit marker and it turned brown indicating it was counterfeit. He also looked for the water marks and saw there were no water marks on the $50 bill. The officer observed the counterfeit $50 bill in question and saw there was no watermark, the paper was not thick like a real $50 bill, and the cut was different. The officer took the $50 bill to a TSA black light; there were no water marks. The officer asked the agent how she knew the $50 bill came from the suspect, she stated the suspect was her last customer and the only one who gave her a $50 bill. The officer made contact with the suspect who was on the phone and was asked twice to end her call. The suspect confirmed she bought a plane ticket in cash and one of the bills was a $50 bill. She stated she received the bills from Western Union and did not know the $50 bill was counterfeit. The officer read the suspect the Miranda Warning. She stated she understood and agreed to continue to answer questions. The suspect stated she came to Texas because she was not sure if she wanted to move here or stay in Kentucky. She said she bought a car, but is leaving it here in Texas for her friend to pick up. The officer asked her why she bought a car just to leave it here; she stated, “It was a good deal.” The suspect kept asking if she could leave to go get her papers for the car she just bought; the officer informed her that he did not need them.

DFW NEWSFLASH - June 2015 The suspect stated she did not have enough money to get home so she had her friend wire her $600 to get home. The officer asked the suspect when she arrived in Texas; she stated, “About a week ago.” The officer asked again when she arrived in Texas, and she changed her answer to a week and half ago. The officer asked when she bought her ticket what day she arrived; she said May 3rd. Due to the fact the suspect admitted to paying for the plane ticket with the counterfeit $50 bill, she was placed under arrest for forgery. Due to her arrest, her belongings were searched. During the search, officers found credit cards, social security cards, insurance cards, cell phone chips, a student discount card, and a Chanel purse. The suspect had in her procession two credit cards from Eddie R. who she stated was her boyfriend. She also had a purse with an insurance card, credit card, and student id from Mallory P. She stated her friend Hope gave her the purse. She had a social security card and a credit card with the name Timothy N. who she said was an exboyfriend. She had a social security card with the name Ashley B. who she stated was her friend’s daughter. She had a credit card with the name Mary W. The suspect also had a bill with the name Anthony W. on it who she said was her roommate but it had a different address than she previously confirmed as her address. She had five cell phone chips from different cell phone companies, but she stated her cell phone provider was Verizon. The credit cards, social security cards,

U. S. CUSTOMS REPORT An approximate weight of 12 lbs. of heroin was seized; the estimated street value for this seizure is $319,000. Two days later on May 10, CBP officers at John F. Kennedy International Airport conducted an aircraft search on another flight arriving from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, based on the previous seizure. CBP officers searched the aircraft cabin and discovered five brick shaped objects concealed behind the toilet shroud in the aft right side lavatory. CBP officers probed all five bricks and they tested positive for cocaine and heroin.

Approximately 5 lbs. of cocaine and 7 lbs. of heroin was seized; with an estimated street value of $281,000. No arrests have been made at this time and the investigation is ongoing. CBP seizes fake apparel worth $48K HOUSTON - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport seized counterfeit Gucci, Burberry, Lacoste, Versace, Armani, Ferrari, Coco Chanel, Tory Burch and Michael Kors merchandise, May

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insurance cards, cell phone chips, student discount card, and Chanel purse were submitted into evidence. Criminal Mischief May 11, 8:30 a.m. An officer was dispatched to the Terminal E Parking Garage, Gate 34, Level D in reference to criminal mischief. The reporting party advised when she returned to her vehicle, a black, 2008 Chevy Trailblazer, it had three windows broken. She parked her vehicle on Friday, May 8 at approximately 9 p.m. and discovered the damage when she returned. All three windows were shattered and mostly intact (being held by tint). The driver’s door window was shattered and the left and right rear cargo windows were shattered as well. The left rear window had a hole in which appeared to have been made with a thin instrument such as a tire tool. The other windows had points where you could see where impact was made. The reporting party discovered a note left on her windshield under the driver side wiper. The note stated (the suspect) was sorry and believed the vehicle to belong to their brother and sister-in-law. The note did not advise they caused the damage and did not give a name or other contact information. The estimated value for each window is $250.00 for a total of $750.00. Assault May 12, 11:36 a.m. An officer responded to Terminal A, A15 parking garage on a reported Assault.

Page 21 The victim is employed by Airserv as a Customer Agent at Terminal A. He was standing in the Terminal A parking garage across from the Terminal A, A15 upper roadway entrance. He observed a white male exit the terminal walking toward the parking garage. The victim described the suspect as a male, approximately 6’ feet tall, 200 lbs wearing a blue shirt and blue shorts. The suspect was wearing a brace on his right knee and using crutches. The victim asked the suspect if he needed any help and suspect yelled back at him “F**k you a**hole”. The suspect asked for the phone number of Airserv but the victim did not know it. The suspect accused the victim of lying, tossed his crutches, grabbed the victim’s shirt, and using his right hand, closed his fist and struck the victim in the face on the left cheek bone. The suspect then hurried to a vehicle, a black, Toyota Highlander, jumped in the passenger seat, and the Toyota drove away with a female driving. The victim stated while writing down the license plate of the Toyota, the suspect yelled “If you take a picture, I’ll f**king kill you.” An unrelated witness at the scene made a statement that matched the victim’s statement. The victim stated he felt pain to his left cheek bone and requested EMS. DFW Truck 34 arrived on scene to examine the victim, who refused any transport and received an ice pack for his cheek. Observation of the victim’s left cheek revealed redness and possible slight swelling.

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U. S. CUSTOMS REPORT 13, valued at more than $48,000. The seized items included shirts, hats, shoes, purses and jewelry destined for Houston. CBP officers conducted an inspection of a passenger arriving from El Salvador with checked bags. During the inspection, they discovered 161 brandnamed articles that appeared to be counterfeit. The items did not appear to be of the quality consistent with legitimate goods as the items included unusual labeling and the markings on the clothing were not manufactured by the trademark holders. “Packing hundreds of phony

articles in suitcases doesn’t release passengers from their obligation to adhere to U.S. import laws and requirements,” Houston CBP Port Director Charles Perez said. “This seizure protects the trademark holder, their businesses and their employees and denies criminal organizations from reaping profits from the sale of counterfeit and illegitimate consumer goods.” CBP officers obtained digital images of the merchandise and forwarded them to the trademark owner to determine their authenticity. After

verifying that the merchandise was counterfeit, CBP seized every item for infringement of intellectual property rights. On a typical day in fiscal year 2014, CBP officers around the country seized more than $3.4 million worth of products because of IPR violations. CBP arrests man wanted for sexual assault of child HOUSTON – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport arrested a man with an active warrant for failure to appear and second degree

sexual assault of a child, May 20. Mariano Cabrera, 48, was returning to the U.S. from El Salvador, when CBP officers arrested him. Cabrera, a U.S. citizen, is wanted in Dane County, Wis. CBP officers turned Cabrera over to Houston Police Department for extradition to Dane County, Wis. On a typical day in 2014, CBP officers arrested 21 wanted persons per day at U.S. ports of entry around the country. SOURCE U.S. Customs and Border Protection

TSA in Review From May 1 – 22: 202 firearms were discovered. Of those firearms, 173 were loaded and 70 had rounds chambered. Lost Property - A gold Cartier diamond encrusted watch was left at the Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) security checkpoint. A TSA officer spotted the watch and turned it into the TSA lost and found location. The $100,000.00 watch was picked up the next day. Inert Ordnance and Grenades etc. – An inert replica grenade was discovered in a carry-on bag at Newark (EWR). A replica grenade was detected in a carry-on bag at Albuquerque (ABQ). An inert grenade was discovered in a checked bag at Seattle (SEA). Artfully Concealed Prohibited Items – A stun cane was discovered in a carry-on bag at Oklahoma City (OKC). A credit card knife was detected under the insole of a shoe at San Antonio (SAT). A 22 caliber starter pistol was

discovered under the zipper lining and tucked above the wheels of a carry-on bag. A sword cane was discovered in divested property at Appleton (ATW). A belt buckle knife was discovered in a carry-on bag at Oakland (OAK). Miscellaneous Prohibited Items – 750 rounds of 5.56 caliber ammunition and two military smoke grenades were discovered in a checked-bag at Tucson (TUS). A container of bear spray was detected in a carry-on bag at Anchorage (ANC). Bear repellent is prohibited in the cabin of an aircraft. You can pack bear repellent in a checked bag if the volume is less than four ounces and if it has less than a two percent active ingredient of either CS or CN. Most bear repellents exceed these limitations. A traveler at BDL packed octagonal sais in his carry-on bag. Octagonal sais, as well as all other martial arts weapons, are prohibited from being packed in carry-on bags. Martial arts

weapons may be packed in checked baggage, but it’s best to check local laws to ensure your weapons aren’t illegal to possess. A replica Claymore mine was discovered in a checked back along with CO2 cartridges at Las Vegas (LAS). Two live Chilean military flashbang grenades were discovered in a carry-on bag at Jackson (JAN). Stun Guns – 83 stun guns were discovered in carry-on bags around the nation at the following airports: Seven at Dallas Love (DAL),

An inert anti-tank projectile was discovered in a checked bag at Tulsa (TUL).

Seven at Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), five at Salt Lake City (SLC), four at Portland (PDX), three at Atlanta (ATL), three at Las Vegas (LAS), three at Denver (DEN), two at Oakland (OAK), two at Oklahoma City (OKC), two at Kansas City (MCI), two at Baltimore (BWI), two at Honolulu (HNL), two at Memphis (MEM), two at Chicago O’Hare (ORD), two at San Francisco (SFO) and the remainder were discovered at, Grand Junction (GJT), Lehigh Valley (ABE), Little Rock (LIT), Milwaukee (MKE), New York Kennedy (JFK), Raleigh-Durham (RDU), Richmond (RIC), Seattle (SEA), Durango (DRO), Jacksonville (JAX), Ontario (ONT), Phoenix (PHX), San Juan (SJU), Abilene (ABI), Boston (BOS), Duluth (DLH), Gulfport (GPT), Minneapolis (MSP), Nome (OME), Norfolk (ORF), Portland (PDX), Roanoke (ROA), Sacramento (SMF), York LaGuardia (LGA), Albuquerque (ABQ), Cheyenne (CYS), Detroit (DTW), New Orleans (MSY), Orange County (SNA), Reno (RNO), Sacramento (SMF), and Wilmington (ILM).

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Lessons From a Non-Rev Rock Star of one of the best employee privileges there is.

By Mike Stacy CEO, ID90 Travel

There are a few unwritten rules of non-rev travel that many of us adhere to: Don’t bother trying to get to Hawaii in the summer. Avoid taking trips during weeks such as spring break or winter holidays. Find less popular destinations to take your family. J.R., who works for an airline in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, has broken all of them. He and his wife and two young sons have traveled to Hawaii nearly every summer for the past six years (sometimes, I kid you not, in first class seats) and spent spring breaks in such locations as Cabo San Lucas and Costa Rica. While other airline employees (especially those of us with children!) are complaining of high load factors or waiting for the shoulder season in order to travel, J.R. and his family are adding stamps to their passports and crossing off U.S. States on their quest to visit all 50. I wanted to find out his secrets, to learn how one airline employee takes full advantage

On the the day of this interview, J.R. was just returning from a winter weekend in sunny San Diego, a trip he had planned for his family of four at 4:30 on Friday afternoon, when wanderlust struck. A beachlover, he searched his employee travel site for a somewhat close beach destination with a low load factor. The last flight from Dallas to San Diego looked promising, so he called his wife from work and had her pack

family want to visit, and if the seats are there and they can swing it, they’ll go. Keep your passports updated and learn to pack on the fly; an adventure might be just hours away.

route to popular destinations like Orlando and Los Angeles. Spend time searching your employee travel site, and get to know your airline and partner airlines schedules and routes.

And J.R had plenty more to share:

4. Realize that there is a lot to see out there. J.R. is an adventurous traveler (he once traveled to the North Pole to compete in a marathon), but he’s willing to try a destination just because there’s an open flight. That’s how the family wound up visiting Ohio. (“If I had to pay I might not have gone,”

1. Take the days less traveled. That spring break to Cabo I mentioned in the intro? J.R. made it happen by not attempting to get on a flight over the busy spring-break weekend. A Monday departure and a Thursday return made the

Being able to hop on a flight just hours after planning a trip is a definite benefit of being an airline employee. bags for the four of them. What might have been a weekend of errands and sweater-weather instead provided his 8- and 11-year old sons with bragging rights for having eaten sea urchin, fresh from the ocean, right from its spiny shell. Which brings me to the first tip J.R offered on how to be a non-rev rock star: 1. Be Spontaneous. Being able to hop on a flight just hours after planning a trip is a definite benefit of being an airline employee. (The rest of the traveling world remember, gets penalized for buying tickets late in the game. ) J.R. regularly looks at loads for places he and his

trip happen. Mid-week flights can be a non-revers best friend. 2. Use priority status during peak times. My mouth was agape when I learned about all the summer trips J.R. has taken to Hawaii. In addition to finding the days and flights with the best possibility of getting seats, though, J.R. admits that he will reserve the family’s twice-peryear priority passes for summer trips to popular destinations. 3. Be a schedule snoop. J.R will search the employee travel site, finding the one day a week when his airline has a direct flight to Caribbean destination, for instance, or the finding lesser-know airport connection

he says) and he admits that it’s one of the best things about his flight privileges. Are you taking full advantage of your travel privileges? There’s a world of adventure out there; hopefully J.R’s tips can help you take advantage of one of the greatest privileges of working for an airline.

For more information

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