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 /2019/01/04/rtp-newsletter-q4-2018-2/ /2019/01/04/rtp-newsletter-q4-2018-2/#respond Fri, 04 Jan 2019 15:48:56 +0000 /?p=10559  

With 2018 coming to a close, it’s time to review this year’s progress in RTP. From new initiatives to new planes, we are proud  to run a program that is always evolving and improving. 2018 was a year of progress and we look forward to continuing that in 2019.

Click here to read the end-of-year RTP newsletter!

First, I’d like to thank Envoy for giving me the opportunity by creating the very first RTP. I’m thankful that they were willing to train military helicopter pilots, and help ease the transition.

Their foresight has taken hold of the regional airline industry, and set up opportunities to help the military community transition into one of the best careers imaginable.

On the move

I transitioned from active duty in the Army after almost 10 years of service in April 2017. I spent most of my time flying Blackhawks in Assault and Medevac units between Ft. Campbell and Hunter Army Airfield.

My timing for the transition could not have been better.

Shortly after I made the decision to become an airline pilot, the industry as a whole began increasing their compensation for pilots. A few months later, Envoy went public with their RTP and I was one of the first to interview.

When I started at Envoy for training, it was some of the most intense training I had experienced to that point. With help from my classmates and guidance from their experienced training department, I made it through to my first flights as an airline pilot.

I was fortunate enough to be based out of Chicago – I’ll tell you that no other airport is better to cut your teeth. If you can handle it there, you can handle it anywhere.

My Initial Operating Experience training was a blast! Everything happens quickly above 250 knots and trying to stay ahead is tough to wrap your head around at first, but you’ll get the hang of it before your instructor releases you to the line.

Luckily, our prior experience flying military helicopters pays dividends. Our experience managing crews is extremely helpful, and our ability to manage high-stress situations is also a plus.

Just stay humble and listen to and seek advice from the many captains with whom you will fly. There is a wealth of knowledge coming from the pilots who have sat in those seats.

Boost your Quality of Life

First Officer Richie Mercado (right) with fellow Envoy RTP pilot, First Officer Shawn McLaughlin

After training, the day-to-day job is amazing – I truly love it! I find myself looking out the window like a child amazed that I’m cruising at six miles above the ground. I’m doing the job I never thought was within my reach growing up.

The best part of the job is the off time; my wife loves it, too. When I’m home, I’m 100-percent home.

That time at home has a higher quality today than it ever did on my weekends or leave while in the Army. Now that I’m here, it would be hard for me to go back to any other job that would require me to work the hours I did in the Army.

I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to serve our nation, and to support our military overseas. Now that I am a regional airline pilot with Envoy, I feel as though my life can only take off from here.

In the sweltering Alabama heat, thousands of aviators and aviation enthusiasts gathered to take in the glory of the Red Tails Over Montgomery Air Show, and to get up close with the marvelous flying machines that some can only dream to fly.

As part of its continuing support for our country’s military and veterans, Envoy was also part of the air show with a static display of the Embraer 175. For two days, on September 7 and 8, a crew of three Envoy pilots and three flight attendants gave a tour of the aircraft, from the cabin to the galleys to the flight deck.

Welcome aboard

One after another, thousands of attendees walked down the aisle, sat in the first class cabin and picked up a few cookies along the way. Many who passed through remarked how it was their first time aboard a commercial aircraft, and were eager to take a flight of their own.

Over the loudspeaker, the air show emcee revved up the crowd as he announced the next acts. Taxiing across the tarmac and onto the runway, a bright green and purple carbon-fiber plane took its position before taking off into a spectacular array of aerobatics that seemed to defy the law of physics.

Throughout the day, there were paratroopers showing off their precision landings, a taildragger landing on top of a moving truck, Marine A-4 Skyhawks performing tight barrel rolls, Red Tail F-16s from the 187^th Fighter Wing demonstrating tactical ground-support missions, and – best of all – the F-22 Raptor, in all its glory, slicing through the sky with the greatest of ease.

“The sound of freedom”

On the ground, a Red Tail P-51 Mustang and a B-17 Flying Fortress were on display to pay homage to the Tuskegee Airmen who escorted B-17 bombers to great success during World War II. Like swarms of bees to mighty flowers, air show attendees got to touch and experience the iconic aircraft of the U.S. Military, like the C-130 Hercules and KC-135 Stratotanker.

Whether a Junior ROTC cadet or a general aviation enthusiast, the common thread weaving through the crowd was their love and respect for our country and the men and women who serve in the military to keep us safe. There was no shortage of American flags, salutes to passing guardsmen or hands-on-hearts during the National Anthem.

“We had the best vantage point for the air show and as each jet flew over, the sound of freedom was felt by all of us.” said Envoy First Officer Jim Davis. “I’m proud to fly for Envoy knowing that it takes amazing care of its veterans and supports military initiatives alongside American Airlines.”

We’d like to thank the men and women at Dannelly Field who helped guide our plane, hooked us up with power and cool air, and for serving our country on a daily basis. Also, to the Envoy crew who attended the event and made it a special day for everyone involved, thank you: Captain Kyle Brantley and First Officer Jim Davis; Flight Attendants Elizabeth Bustamante, Alicia Morris and Jennifer Psota; and pilot recruiter First Officer Tyler Bridge.

Click here to view all of the photos from the Red Tails Over Montgomery Air Show

That is what 38 high school students from the Dallas Independent School District (DISD) were about to embark upon during the STEM-Liner Experience held May 19-22 at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

The STEM-Liner Experience is an immersive event designed to empower young people who are interested in positively impacting the world through Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). From the moment they stepped onboard the chartered Embraer 175 aircraft provided by Envoy, students and teachers participated in a series of hands-on STEM activities facilitated by Microsoft and other sponsors. During the three-day event, the students learned from astronauts, pilots and others about STEM careers, character development and leadership.

Smart and proud

Irma Rangel Young student Karen Chavez addresses the crowd at the STEM-liner event in DFW.

Representing Barack Obama Leadership Academy, Irma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School, South Oak Cliff High School and W.H. Adamson High School, the high schoolers were chosen for the trip based on their academic achievements and commitment to advanced learning.

To kick-off the experience, American Airlines, Envoy and several other sponsors hosted a dinner for students, their parents, teachers, and DISD representatives at Envoy’s Maintenance Hangar at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. After dinner, students were able to do a quick tour of Envoy’s Embraer 175 aircraft, the same aircraft they would board the following day.

Gary Littrell recites the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance with DISD Students.

As part of the program, guests were honored to hear from Gary Littrell, Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, on the importance of integrity and character in our society. They also heard from Michael Jernigan, who was wounded in war, but in spite of adversity has become an inspiration to many by sharing his experience.

The student speaker, Karen Chavez, a sophomore from Irma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School, said that the STEM program will give her the tools she’ll need in the future to “impact the lives of other people through the participation in the advancement of research in the medical field, and provide accessibility solutions to the community and those around the world.”

Click here to see all of the photos from the event!

Throughout the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, thousands of women from many walks of life spent time looking for career opportunities, engaging in dozens of seminars and inspiring the next generation of aviators in a special Girls in Aviation event. We caught up with a few of these women to learn more about their unique paths through aviation and to hear what they think is most important about women in aviation.

First Officer Carrie Muehlbauer, American Airlines

First Officer Carrie Muehlbauer began her aviation career in 1981 when she joined the U.S. Air Force, and has spent the last 28 years with American. When she first joined the Air Force, it was still at a time when few women were flying planes in the military; women weren’t admitted into the Air Force Academy until 1976.

“We were some of the first women flying for the Air Force alongside men when I joined,” said Carrie. “We didn’t have any mentors to talk about the issues we faced. It was a lonely place.”

Once she began pilot training, she met some of the women who would go on to be her longtime friends. There, Carrie had some hope that she wasn’t alone, and could feel a little bit more comfortable being a woman in a male-dominated arena like the military, she said.

Today, Carrie, with many other women pilots flying for American, mentor young women to help and inspire them to take on larger roles within the airline.

“Coming to the WAI Conference is a great way to meet with young aviators and provide mentorship,” said Carrie. “It’s a great place to share ideas, inspire others and see all of my friends.”

Some advice for young women aviators?

“Don’t listen to the naysayers, you can be anything you want to be,” said Carrie. “Find a mentor or someone to look up to, and they can show you the way.”

Kristen Kop, WAI Chapter Member – Honolulu, HI

Seventeen-year-old Kristen Kop is about as ambitious as they come these days. She’s a member of the Civil Air Patrol, The Ninety-Nines and the Honolulu WAI chapter.

She currently studies at Mid-Pacific Institute, a college preparatory school in Honolulu. She is also pursuing her private pilot’s license and aims to join an ROTC program in college next year.

For Kristen, the WAI Conference is all about opportunity.

“It’s the perfect place to network and make connections in the industry,” said Kristen. “I can meet with different airlines and schools that can help financially to train pilots of the next generation.”

This being her first time at a WAI Conference, Kristen was in awe of how many women are involved throughout the industry.

“I had no idea what to expect,” she said. “It feels really good and assuring for a future where more and more women are getting every opportunity available. For me, I feel good about my career opportunities in this industry as a woman aviator.”

Allison Righter, President of Wings for Val Foundation

In 2013, Navy Lieutenant Valerie Cappelaere Delaney passed away in an accident during a training mission in Washington State. At her funeral, over 200 women pilots would leave their wings with Val showing solidarity with their fallen sister.

Val’s family, including her sister Allison Righter, were so touched and inspired by the community’s gesture that they began a non-profit foundation to provide scholarships to women aviators across the world. Allison, the president of Wings for Val Foundation, came to the WAI Conference to share her sister’s story, thank people for their support and congratulate this year’s scholarship recipients.

“The best part of the conference is getting to meet our scholarship winners,” said Allison. “They also meet one another, which can begin a really supportive relationship.”

Wings for Val is all about “reaching forward and reaching back”, which means learning from the women who have experience and teaching the young women who are the industry’s future.

“The only way we can make any progress is if we do both; learn and teach,” said Allison. “Our mission is spread awareness, inspire women in and outside of aviation, and to find the best aviators to help them achieve their goals.”

Thanks to women like Allison and Carrie providing mentors, scholarships and inspiration, youngsters like Kristen can find opportunities to better their futures. Together with the millions of women and men in the aviation industry, Envoy is proud to join in that mission.

Part of the American and Envoy Veterans and Military Initiative, these special charters make travel to the Armed Forces Bowl simple and easy for soldiers and their families who might not have the means to make the trip. Each year, ASYMCA and Lockheed Martin team up to transport service members by bus from military bases in Altus and Lawton, Oklahoma and Killeen, Texas to the bowl game; the Envoy charters now add even more service members who can enjoy the game.

“This was a great opportunity to leave their day-to-day worries behind and start celebrating Christmas,” said William French, President and CEO of ASYMCA. “We’re grateful American Airlines and Envoy made it possible for them to enjoy the Armed Forces Bowl.”

Envoy sent six crews of pilots, flight attendants and volunteers to provide excellent customer service to the VIP passengers. While loading a flight, Envoy crews had the opportunity to check out one of the Army’s Huey helicopters on base.

“It’s an amazing service we provide to the military community, and a well-deserved one too,” said Envoy Flight Attendant Eric Rose. “We can never match what our country’s heroes give to us, but we can do our best to provide relief when they need time to relax and enjoy a football game!”

Maybe it was skill and preparation, but Envoy would like to think it provided a little bit of luck to the Army Black Knights who defeated the San Diego State Aztecs to the score of 42-35. HOOAH!

Gathered in the Addison, Texas gallery were family and friends of Army Sgt. Joshua Strickland, who gave his life protecting our country in 2013. Started by artist Phil Taylor and his wife Lisa, the American Fallen Soldiers Project provides original portraits to families of U.S. servicemen and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice.

In attendance from Joshua’s family was his father, Envoy Dispatch Coordinator Michael Connolly, and mother, American Airlines Release Manager Beth Funk, along with Joshua’s wife Heather and daughter, twin brother Andrew, step-parents and step-children. Also in attendance was Robert Nault, Envoy Director of Systems Operations Control; Jim Palmersheim, American Airlines Senior Manager of Veterans Initiatives; and Michael’s supportive colleagues from Envoy’s Systems Operations Control.

Paying tribute in the best way

Jim Palmersheim presents Andrew, Joshua’s twin brother, with a commemorative lapel pin from American Airlines.

A few years ago, Robert met Lisa Taylor at SkyBall – as their organization is partnered with American – and she and Phil unveiled one of their portraits to the SkyBall crowd. That ceremony inspired Robert who wanted to do something special for his colleague and long-time friend Michael.

“I saw how special the ceremony was and the impact it had on the soldier’s family, and I thought about Michael and his son,” said Robert. “I knew there was something I had to do for him, and when I saw this painting I thought it would be perfect.”

Captain Jim Palmersheim who manages American’s Veterans and Military initiatives program including the annual American Airlines Sky Ball and Snowball Express, said he was honored to join Envoy in sponsoring Joshua’s portrait. As a veteran himself, he fully understands and appreciates the service and the sacrifice of our military members and their families.

“Providing support for our Nation’s service members, veterans and their families is one of the most important things we can do as a company,” said Jim. “Envoy has always gone above and beyond in their dedication and support for these initiatives. At American, we’re committed to supporting Phil and his work, because it’s imperative that we never forget the sacrifice these men and women give for our freedom. These portraits are an important and impactful way to honor our Nation’s heroes and their families.”

Unveiling the portrait

Left to right, twin brother Andrew, artist Phil Taylor, wife Heather and father Michael.

Standing before the small crowd, Phil began to introduce the painting and the artistic process that he uses to create the incredibly life-like portraits. He explained that families will send him dozens of photos and he chooses the one that best captures the person’s personality.

The family doesn’t know which photo will be used in the portrait, so each unveiling is a surprise. Phil said that he looks for one that will give the family a “window to see their loved ones.”

After a few emotional moments, Phil unboxed the portrait, propped it onto an easel and unveiled an immaculate portrait of Joshua brandishing his signature grin and piercing blue eyes. The family all gathered in front of the portrait holding each other’s hands, crying, laughing and exclaiming how “it’s like he’s here!”

Joshua’s twin brother Andrew stood gazing at his brother’s portrait and said, “I think Joshua would have loved this portrait. He’d say, ‘man, I look good.’”

Heather shows Phil her jacket from Joshua that she still wears.

The family laughed and began sharing memories of Joshua’s one-of-a-kind charisma and kindness. Remarkably, the photo Phil chose to paint shows Joshua wearing a jacket that his wife Heather still wears to this day – and serendipitously, she wore it on that night.

“Sometimes, capturing the perfect look is tough, but with Joshua it was smooth sailing because his look in this photo is so perfect and really speaks to me,” said Phil.

Celebrating Joshua’s life

Joshua’s family with Phil Taylor and wife Lisa (right)

Considering the circumstances, the night wasn’t as somber as one would imagine, but rather a joyous occasion and a celebration of Joshua’s life. It helped that the ceremony was very relaxing and intimate, which allowed family and friends to relax – the giggling and playful children also lent a hand in lightening the mood with their youthful energy.

Toward the end of the night, the family gathered with hugs and laughter as they each took photos with the portrait. Michael looked on to his son’s face and couldn’t believe how perfect it was.

“You can’t imagine how honored we are that you painted this portrait,” Michael told Phil. “It’s remarkable how you captured everything from his blue eyes to that perfect smile.”

“We are so grateful and blessed to have this portrait,” added Heather. “You can’t believe how much this means to our family.”

Under the amber lights of the studio’s holiday decorations, Joshua’s smile shined throughout the night. Even though Joshua’s memory and spirit lives on in his loved one’s hearts, for one night, a window opened to see the grin that brought so much joy to this world.

Click here to view the gallery of photos

Sometimes, when Envoy reports for duty, the call is a somber one.

When a military cargo plane crashed on July 10 in rural Mississippi, 16 service members headed to pre-deployment training were tragically killed. The KC-130T transport plane was flown by members of the Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 452, based in Newburgh, New York.

Together with our partners at American Airlines, Envoy offered two Embraer 175 aircraft to carry a large group of fellow Marines from nearby Stewart International Airport to attend funerals in Dallas and Seattle. In one week, Envoy and the Marines traveled from White Plains N.Y. to Dallas and Seattle (plus a fuel stop in Fargo, North Dakota) to say goodbye to their fallen brothers-in-arms.

“It’s always an honor to be able to demonstrate our appreciation for these service members,” says Robert Nault, Director of Systems Operations Control. “These trips were especially humbling, and I think I speak for the whole team when I say that it’s a week we won’t soon forget.”

A special visit

Just last week, the marines carried by Envoy to attend the funerals came to visit Envoy headquarters in Irving, Texas to thank Robert and Envoy President & CEO Pedro Fábregas – along with crew members and Envoy leadership – for dedicating their time, aircraft and volunteers. The marines presented Envoy’s leadership with commemorative plaques and aircraft models of the KC-130T.

“When the Marines came to our headquarters to thank us for our help, I was surprised by their sincere generosity,” says Pedro. “Envoy has hundreds of employees who have served in the military, and they are an important part of Envoy’s success. We’ll continue to serve them as they’ve honorably served the citizens of this great country.”

Thank you to the pilots and flight attendants who operated the aircraft and provided excellent service; to the ground crews who made special adjustments to accommodate these flights; to the volunteers who took time to assist in any way they could; and to the veteran-employees who served our country and contribute daily to Envoy’s success!