But, we felt we’d be remiss if we didn’t take the opportunity to learn from the challenges we all faced, and remind ourselves what human resilience looks like. All eyes toward the future, but never forgetting where we came from.

Silver Linings

Around March of last year, when it became clear that the airline industry was going to have to make drastic changes to its operations, procedures and personnel, the days were bleak and the mood even bleaker. However, as people began to navigate their way through the turbulence, a silver lining appeared.

That’s how we got the title of our series Silver Linings. We began to receive stories of great human spirit shining through those dark, unsure times, and we had to share them with you. Here’s some of our favorites:

• Envoy employee joins church buddy system
• Hearts for hope in MQT
• All across Envoy, people are pitching in and making masks
• Envoy couple finally ties the knot
• Envoy pilots start grassroots campaign for military

Of human importance

Even as the year rolled on and it became clear that this was indeed the new normal, stories of great human character continued to show up. We got to hear from a wide variety of voices and backgrounds and learn what it is that makes them unique. Here’s our top three:

• Envoy pilot following in her father’s footsteps
• Envoy cancer survivors on winning the fight
• A Place for Pride, with Envoy Cadet Mikayla Quesenberry

This is who we are

As new challenges, roles and ways of thinking began to evolve, some of the same things that make us Envoy remained the same. We’re a company of hard-working individuals driven to innovate at every turn, lead with integrity and be our very best.

The last crop of stories we want to share displays the Envoy way. As we embark on 2021, let’s never forget who we are and where we came from — Happy New Year!

• Crew Scheduler is one (friendly) piece to the Envoy puzzle
• Envoy team in Miami spends time with Very Important Passenger
• Envoy GM reflects on leadership & fishing
• The huddle before the storm

Earlier this month, we told you about two Envoy First Officers who started a grassroots donation drive for U.S. service members. Inspired by similar drives put on by American Airlines team members, Brian DePuy and Adam Kee gathered donations, supplies and volunteers to successfully send over 2,500 care packages to military bases on behalf of Envoy.

This past weekend, Brian and Adam invited volunteers from American Airlines, Envoy and the 100 Vets Who Give a Damn non-profit to assemble the care packages at the C.R. Smith Museum.

“It was a big success,” said Brian. “Thank you to all the volunteers and everyone else who helped make this all happen. Without all of us joining together, we would not have reached our goal of donations and care packages.”

Congratulations, Brian and Adam — and thank you for all you do!

All over Envoy we have employees that are not only hard-working airline aficionados, but also spend their time outside of the airport dedicating their lives to something else very special. Whether they are a breakdancing aviator or a surprisingly strong competitive weight lifter, Envoy has some of the most skilled, talented and devoted employees in the industry. 

At John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), we have a Lead Agent whose special skill is his leading with his heart. Mike Aaron is a Columbus, Ohio native who is also the Executive Director of the Rickenbacker-Woods Foundation (RWF), a non-profit that provides after-school programs and other resources for elementary school children in the Columbus area.

As the pandemic forced schools and businesses to close all over the world, Mike and the RWF “became very concerned about the nutritional aspects of our kid’s especially knowing that many parents overnight became unemployed,” Mike said. As a response, the RWF teamed up with a couple of area non-profits and restaurants to deliver meals and care packages to the many students the RWF serves.

Let’s hear from Mike all about his passion for aviation and serving the community in this special Q&A.

Born to give back

What’s your background and how long have you been with Envoy?

I am 40 years old. I was born, raised and still live in Columbus, Ohio. I was hired by Envoy in June 2019 when I was hired as a part-time Customer Operations Agent, and now I’m a Lead Agent at and a member of the CMH Station Safety Committee.

But, I worked in the airline industry before. When I was 19 years old, my childhood dream came true, and I was hired by an airline in 1999. I started on the ramp and worked my way up to the ticket counter.

I left the airline in 2002, but I’m grateful that almost 20 years later I again get to smell jet fuel in the morning. Once in the airlines, it never leaves your blood.

How did you become the Executive Director of the Rickenbacker-Woods Foundation? 

The boyhood home of Captain Eddie Rickenbacker is located in the historic Driving Park neighborhood on Columbus’ southeast side. I have lived in this community for over 25 years; I grew up here with my family.

Since my early twenties I have been involved in the community in one way or another. I have served on the board of our civic association, organized community clean-ups,  and gathered sponsors to support our neighborhood cook-outs.

What other organizations did you collaborate with to help provide care packages and meals for kids?

When schools closed down, we put out a call to FoodRescue, a non-profit located in many cities nationwide, and they delivered 165 meals every week donated by local restaurant Hot Chicken Takeover.

So far our staff has distributed well over 500 meals to our families and neighbors. Knowing that our young scholars are used to the fun science experiments, arts and crafts and other learning experiences we offer, we also put together 45 care packages for our students and their siblings.

Help others and they might help you

In your own words, what is the mission of the RWF?

Our focus is to share the rich legacy of two historic giants so that future generations might be inspired; Eddie Rickenbacker, WWI Ace Pilot, Medal of Honor recipient and President of Eastern Airlines for over 34 years, and Granville T. Woods, a prolific African-American scientist. 

These two gentleman both came from very humble beginnings, and would eventually leave a mark in history that still reverberates today.

We try to honor their legacies by offering opportunities for personal development such as our award winning after-school program for elementary students, healthy cooking classes, financial literacy classes, summer aviation camps, and so much more; all of which are offered at no cost to participants.

Are there any other projects you’re taking on to help the community in the Central Ohio area?

Access to affordable housing is a major issue all across our country, and the Columbus metropolitan area is not immune. That’s why we partnered with the Buckeye Community Hope Foundation to create Kent Place Homes, a housing development that built 47 energy-efficient homes in Driving Park.   

We continue to be very much involved in the public policy conversation around affordable housing and serve as a template for other non-profits on how to create partnerships that deliver tangible results.

Why do you think community service is important, and why even more so in times like these?

I have learned two very important facts about life. The first is to see that the easiest way to move past a sad or terrible life circumstance is to help other people. How you decide to help others is your choice, however you will definitely feel good about yourself and it will help you count your blessings. 

The second is that what you do for others is returned to you, while not always by the same means that you gave, but giving to others definitely has its rewards. I just think community service is a pretty awesome way to give a gift to someone in need.

Know any more “silver linings”? Send us an email at Envoy.News@aa.com. We’d love to share your stories of perseverance and hope during this COVID-19 crisis.

All hands on deck! It’s a phrase we’re hearing all too often these days.

When Envoy First Officers Adam Kee, Brian DePuy, and Derek Schurman heard that American Airlines was drumming up volunteers to send care packages to military service members, they jumped on the chance to help. Now, they’re forming a drive of their own.

With a goal of sending 1,000 packages, Brian, 25, said that they are “fortunate” to be in a position to help out by virtue of their pilot profession and affiliation with Envoy and American.

“Community service is fundamental to our society,” Brian said. “When society needs it most, regardless of how things are going for you, it’s important to contribute. As a pilot, I recognize that I have the means, time, and connections to be involved. As such, it’s only natural to make good on this duty.”

Pay it forward

Adam, 25, who spent six years in the Air Force Reserve, has always known the military life since his father served in the U.S. Army for 32 years. That longstanding love for veterans and the military is what inspired him to join in the efforts.

“Having served in the military, I try to volunteer when I hear of events that would enable me to ‘pay it forward’ to other service members,” Adam said. “We hope that these care packages help relieve some of the stress from these difficult situations and let service members know that we care about those sacrificing so much to help our country during this crisis.”

Brian didn’t serve in the military but said that his support is to show respect to the people who serve the country and “are truly one of our nations greatest assets.”

“Working at Envoy, I’ve seen the caliber of individuals that the military produces and wanted to do my part to support the opportunities they sacrificed for,” Brian said.

As they begin reaching out to friends, families and coworkers, the three First Officers are hoping they can find enough volunteers who are as passionate as they are about helping service members. Assuming they raise enough money by June 10, they plan on holding packaging events to assemble the thousand care packages in the next few weeks.

Until then, they’ll continue to heed any call that comes their way, be it as a pilot or a concerned citizen.

“An airline pilot’s commitment to the safety and well-being of our passengers becomes a part of our daily lives,” said Adam. “So naturally, helping others during this crisis is a responsibility I take very seriously.”

If you want to get involved in this grassroots effort and join Adam, Brian and Derek with their drive, you can send an email to Brian at (brian.depuy@aa.com) or Adam at (adam.kee@aa.com). If you wish, you can also make contributions by donating to defendersoffreedom.us and let them know it’s for Envoy Care Packages.

]]> /2020/06/01/silver-linings-envoy-pilots-start-grassroots-campaign-military-2/feed/ 0 /2020/05/07/silver-linings-envoy-mechanic-creates-masks-3d-printer-2/ /2020/05/07/silver-linings-envoy-mechanic-creates-masks-3d-printer-2/#respond Thu, 07 May 2020 14:29:21 +0000 /?p=13477 Cover photo: Envoy Inspector Mechanic Humberto Montalban wearing his mask at the Columbus, Ohio hangar. 

With innovation and technology being a major tenet of aviation, it’s only fitting that, during this pandemic, an Envoy mechanic would use his technical know-how to improve upon the homemade-mask movement. Humberto Montalban, an Inspector Mechanic based in Columbus, Ohio was inspired to make 3D-printed masks and face shields after he saw how the shortage of supplies was affecting frontline workers.

Humberto, 57, said that through a Facebook group of 3D-printing enthusiasts, he learned a lot about how to design the perfect mask. Now he’s been on a tear printing masks for his family, friends and coworkers, as well as continuing to send equipment to his son-in-law in New York so he can distribute to first responders and healthcare workers.

Make it work

Beginning about four years ago, Humberto began tooling with 3D printers to make unique modifications to his remote-control drones. Using his Creality CR-10 and CR-10s model printers, he has the ability to create hi-grade products in his own home.

With each project, including making masks, there’s some trial and errors. Through open-sourced designs for the 3D models, Humberto is able to tweak other’s designs to perfection.

“COVID-19 took the world by surprise, so we in the 3D-printing community geared up in order to help to first responders and hospitals,” said Humberto. “First I gave them to people in need like in New York, then I started giving them away to neighbors. I’ve made some for my family and friends, but eventually I will run out of materials, so it’s important to dial-in the design as to not waste anything.”

Come together, right now

Humberto began his airline career with Eastern Airlines, held various positions with several aerospace and engineering companies, and eventually came to Envoy in 1999 to work on a beloved “little airplane,” the ATR 72, he said. Humberto’s parents, now retired physicians, are part of the reason why he found himself contributing to the cause.

“I guess it’s in my blood to run into the fire and help,” said Humberto.

Growing up in Central America, Humberto said that epidemics were a common occurrence, so he’s seen firsthand how a disease can devastate a community.

“Epidemics were the dish of the day when I was growing up, so I’ve seen how communities are affected by disease and how they can get better,” said Humberto. “This is a time when we all have to come together to give what we can.”

Not only is Humberto sharing the hi-tech masks he made, but he also wanted to share his designs with anyone who wants to give it a try on their own 3D printers. Click here to download Humberto’s design template (.STL file) from Facebook.

Know any more “silver linings”? Send us an email at Envoy.News@aa.com. We’d love to share your stories of perseverance and hope during this COVID-19 crisis.

During the COVID-19 crisis, Michigan has been one of the hardest hit states in the U.S. — currently it is seventh in confirmed cases. At Gerald R. Ford Airport (GRR) in Grand Rapids, Mich., Envoy managers and lead agents began asking if anyone needed any support trying to find food and supplies.

As these discussions turned into a bartering market, with employees exchanging goods, Lead Agent Ruthie Blackgrove had an idea to start a food pantry for GRR employees and their families. Quickly, the word got out about the food pantry, and agents, pilots, flight attendants and even people away on leave began donating as much as they could to the effort.

We caught up with Ruthie to learn more about their food pantry and how it’s impacted their Envoy family.

“Stronger together”

The food pantry in the Envoy office at Gerald R. Ford Airport in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Why did you want to start a food pantry for employees at GRR?

I wanted to help because I knew there were agents that depend on their income to support themselves and they weren’t able to find the necessities. Everyone was good about texting each other if they found toilet paper and such, so we decided that if anyone had any extra items at home they wanted to donate, we would start the pantry. So if someone was in need, they knew it was there to help them.

Has it been successful so far?

Yes, it’s encouraged people and brought the team in GRR together. We found that employees were very considerate of their peers, and would reach out to those who they knew lived alone, had health issues, etc. 

Some of the younger team members showed genuine concern for the older team members and offered to grocery shop for them so they didn’t have to risk  being exposed.

What impact do you think the food pantry has had on employees?

I think it’s comforting for people to know that they are not alone in this, and their work family is here to support them.

Why do you think it’s important to help others during this time?

Given the stress of the unknown both with the health risk and the uncertainty in the industry, team members will find comfort in knowing that we are here to help. We come to work every day to help those passengers who are traveling get to their destinations. 

We don’t have a lot of employees calling out of work, so everyone is pitching in with the cleaning and sanitizing to help keep everyone safe.

Know any more “silver linings”? Send us an email at Envoy.News@aa.com. We’d love to share your stories of perseverance and hope during this COVID-19 crisis.

Walk don’t run. For 20 years, Nancy Hunter and Bob Riney lived together in Dallas-Fort Worth, but were never married.

Nancy, a native of Long Island, New York, has been a Flight Attendant with Envoy since 1992, and her newly wedded husband has been an airline pilot since 1973. Bob has been a Captain and Check Airman with Envoy since 1989.

Since they met, the two have been on countless adventures together, like wild nights camping in the rain or marathon motorcycle rides all throughout the U.S. Five years ago, Bob finally gave Nancy a diamond (as Nancy puts it), but they were in no rush to officially tie the knot — until this Easter Sunday.

“We started talking about a wedding just before Christmas,” said Nancy. “We were in a place where it just felt right, and we were ready.”

“Wouldn’t change a thing”

Despite the soggiest of wet blankets (ahem, coronavirus), Nancy and Bob managed to hold a lovely, romantic and meaningful wedding ceremony at the chapel in Dallas-Fort Worth Airport. The two donned their work uniforms in lieu of a dress and tuxedo, because it fit the aviation-centric couple — “it’s who we are,” said Nancy.

Respecting the social distancing guidelines, they invited around 50 guests to virtually attend the wedding through a video communication web app. Just like any wedding, it was produced by family and friends coming together to create a special moment for their loved ones.

Their friend Chris offered his services as a Chaplain; Nancy’s sister Susan and brother-in-law J.D. handled the video conference, music, photos, rings and even the cake; Nancy’s daughter Debbie provided her mother’s bouquet and recorded the ceremony onto video.

“As it turned out, it was amazing!” said Nancy. “I had amazing help putting it all together. Everyone could be there, no one had to travel or even dress up. It was perfect, and I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Stay positive. Count your blessings.

While they won’t be going on a honeymoon anytime soon, they said they’re enjoying their time isolating at home together. Between long walks, rides on their motorcycles, and home-improvement projects, they still manage to “stay positive and count their blessings,” said Nancy.

“We are fortunate to be off from work during this time,” Nancy said. “I think it’s important to remember that this pandemic won’t last forever. When this is over, I think people will be friendlier and kinder to each other with a better sense of what is important in life.”

Bob will be retiring soon and Nancy has taken a voluntary leave of absence during the crisis. Now they have ample time to focus on staying safe at home and can enjoy their newlywed lives together, but they still can’t wait to get out and travel.

“When the pandemic is over, visiting our families and friends will be at the top of the list,” said Nancy.  “By then, my house should be organized and my cooking should be outstanding.”

“Back in the air”

While Bob is nearing retirement and eager to live carefree without a schedule, he’s still going to miss his time as an Envoy pilot.

“I have never felt it was a job, but a privilege to get to do what I love,” said Bob.  “I will especially miss the view of the clouds and the Earth from the flight deck. And I will miss the people — my fellow pilots, our Envoy family, and the passengers alike.”

Thankfully, Envoy will still have Nancy taking care of our customers once business gets back on track and she can return from her leave of absence.

“I am looking forward to relaxing a bit at home and hope to accomplish some of those things we all plan to do ‘someday’, like sorting my photos,” said Nancy. “It will be a treat to be home for a while as newlyweds, but I already miss flying and look forward to being back in the air.”

You and everyone else, Nancy.

Know any more “silver linings”? Send us an email at Envoy.News@aa.com. We’d love to share your stories of perseverance and hope during this COVID-19 crisis.

As a result of school closures, restaurants closing their dining rooms and grocery stores operating with limited inventory, there has been a sudden decline of available meals for low-income households. Thankfully non-profit organizations and volunteers are stepping up to increase their workloads in getting meals to the people that need them most.

In Houston, Envoy Lead Agent John Laboy has joined up with the Kids’ Meal organization to help deliver pre-packaged meals to children in the Houston area. Read below as John describes the process and the joy of giving back to the community.

Love your neighbor

John Laboy Sr. and his son, John, picking up food to deliver to children in need.

How did you get involved in putting together lunches and delivering them to the community?

We signed up to volunteer for Kids’ Meal organization. According to Kids’ Meals, 1 in 4 Houston children live with food insecurity.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they have grown 133 percent in the last two weeks and need help to provide 7,000 free meals daily. Our family signed up to be a driver — in this volunteer opportunity you pick up the packed lunches and Kids’ Meal will provide you with a list of addresses and the number of children you will serve that day.

What items were in each meal you delivered and about how many have you delivered?

The brown lunch bags are decorated and each bag includes a drink, a snack, and protein. During the two days, April 1 and April 2, my family delivered 290 meals. We are planning to continue to volunteer throughout April and May.

Why do you think it’s important to take care of the community during this crisis?

I believe that giving back to our community allows us to be purposeful and live by the saying “love thy neighbor.”

What did your son think about it?

My 12-year-old son John enjoys volunteering and was vital as our GPS coordinator, we did not get lost.

What was the response from the people receiving food you delivered?

Kids’ Meals allows you to share a smile or a greeting face-to-face with the families at a safe distance. The families are always so appreciative, and the smile you get from the children is heartwarming.

Know any more “silver linings”? Send us an email at Envoy.News@aa.com. We’d love to share your stories of perseverance and hope during this COVID-19 crisis.

People around the world are joining the effort to flatten the curve in droves. With protective face masks being a relatively quick sewing project, those who know their way around a sewing machine are mobilizing to make all kinds of facial coverings for their communities.

All across Envoy’s system, our employees are producing hundreds of the much needed masks at home, and some are even bringing their sewing equipment to the airport. This is one Silver Lining that can not only make a difference in their lives at work, but also in the lives of others in the community like frontline healthcare workers.

Dozens of Myrna’s masks in several different patterns organized on her sewing table.

Safety Analyst Myrna Fletcher saw such an opportunity when her sister, who is a nurse, mentioned that they were running low on masks and other personal protective equipment.

“So I researched how to make cloth masks, and figured I could make some so that she could wear over the N95 (medical-grade) mask to give daily longevity,” said Myrna.

When Flight Attendant Leah Plummer heard the news that masks were recommended to be worn on the job, she packed up her sewing machine, fabric and elastic to bring into the crew lounge at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).

After three days, she estimates she made about 90 masks for Flight Attendants and other employees.

Envoy Flight Attendant Leah Plummer sitting behind her sewing machine at the DFW crew lounge.

“Once I heard that we were going to be wearing masks, I knew I wanted to make them for us,” Leah said. “Setting up my sewing in the crew lounge allowed me to give them out to our people as soon as possible.”

All together now

From Fargo, where the general manager and his wife are making masks for Envoy employees, to DFW, where the Customer Services team has set up a pop-up sewing shop (pictured above), Envoy employees are looking out for the community and one another. Even though the company has pledged to provide masks for frontline employees, that supply is limited and arriving slower than hoped. That’s why employees pitching in and making their own in the meantime is encouraged.

In Redmond, Oregon, Airport Agent Daisy Jensen noticed that even when making masks of her own, there’s a limit on supplies.

“Sometimes elastic isn’t available, so we have to make strips on 3D printers to help tie the masks,” said Daisy, who has been making masks with a Facebook group of women in the Oregon area. “There is a whole team of minds at work. It is the most I have seen this community come together.”

Four Envoy Flight Attendants wearing Leah’s masks in the DFW crew lounge.

Now more than ever, coming together is necessary. The Envoy family is thankfully heeding that call, and uniting to help curb this crisis and get back to a better future.

“There is such a large need in and around our communities for volunteers to do what they can,” said Myrna. “There’s nothing more gratifying than knowing that you and the people you care about are doing something for the greater good.”

Know any more “silver linings”? Send us an email at Envoy.News@aa.com. We’d love to share your stories of perseverance and hope during this COVID-19 crisis.

So you can all feel what I feel every night at 7pmET ( up!). #ClapBecauseWeCare #StayHome pic.twitter.com/2vZdVlTQDO

— Kathryn Tappen (@KathrynTappen) March 31, 2020

“Lift our spirit and others up”

In Marquette, Mich. (MQT) at our maintenance facility, Inventory Expeditor Clerk Billie Ladwig decided to use her office window to share some cheer by pasting paper hearts for passers-by to see. Billie was inspired by others in an Upper Peninsula Facebook Group who have been pasting hearts to their doors, windows and garages at their homes and businesses as a sort of scavenger hunt for people driving around the area.

MQT Base Coordinator Sharon Johnson, who has only been with Envoy for seven months, was overjoyed that her community members and coworkers were doing what they could to keep spirits high during these incredibly difficult times.

“A lot of people are quarantining in their homes with their children right now and it is a fun activity to brighten their day,” Sharon said. “It’s important to know that there is hope for the future, and this situation is temporary. Instead of always dwelling on the bad, we should try to lift our spirits and others up.”

It’s a very human behavior to share affection and hug those we love, especially in times of need. Dealing with this crisis has been very different, but Sharon and Billie said they’re finding ways to cope.

“It is hard not seeing people you know and love, but it is important right now to try to limit contact to keep others safe,” said Sharon. “With today’s technology, we still have the option to call friends and loved ones to keep in touch while still staying safe in our homes.”

“The fact that we are working keeps our hands and minds busy,” said Billie. “There is video-calling, and I know people who are going to the doors and windows of their grandchildren just to get a glimpse.”

“Community and compassion”

It’s bizarre to think that a glimpse through a window is all we have right now, but it’s these small acts that our holding our communities (and our nerves) together. For Billie and Sharon, they’re grateful that they live in such a unique and cohesive community like the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

“Our community is nothing short of amazing,” Billie said. “I lost count of all the masks our community has made for the healthcare workers. We are checking in with the elderly to make sure they have food, water and other necessities. This is heartwarming.”

“I have never lived in a place where I have observed a better sense of community and compassion,” said Sharon. “One word used a lot up here is SISU, which is a Finnish concept described as stoic determination, tenacity of purpose, grit, bravery, resilience, and hardiness. Here at Envoy, I have witnessed the SISU of others and the willingness to help and care for others.”

Know any more “silver linings”? Send us an email at Envoy.News@aa.com. We’d love to share your stories of perseverance and hope during this COVID-19 crisis.