As expressed by Shannon L. Alder, an inspirational author, "Sometimes taking a leap of faith requires an imaginative mind that can create the ending you are unable to see." This is the mindset that we need, as we transition into a new transformative year. For many, 2020 represented a year like no other year that we’ve ever experienced. In looking back, we learned a lot more about health, resilience, social justice, our communities, and the values surrounding our democracy. With any luck, we will continue to keep learning and acquiring knowledge as we continue moving toward realizing our potential.

We are grateful to the True Sky Credit Union and the Aeronautical Center Employees Association for giving away 100 free turkeys during this past holiday, to employees whose names were drawn randomly. What a generous gesture from these remarkable community partners.

We are so proud of our members in the Office of Facility Management in earning the Department of Energy’s Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) Award. This award recognizes them for their innovativeness and achievements surrounding energy and water conservation. Not only are they providing a cleaner environment, but they are reducing power and earning rebates. They are truly setting the federal standard in being good stewards of our resources. Also, the Enterprise Services Center’s Accounts Payable Team was recognized with the Maritime Administration (MARAD) Dolphin Award for providing exemplary critical service in enhancing MARAD’s overall finance program.

This month, we also graduated the first Cohort of the Aeronautical Center’s Employee Development (AsCEnD) program. Although the syllabus had to be converted to a virtual format, participants received in-depth information about the Center to aid in making them official Aeronautical Center ambassadors.

Aeronautical Center set a goal of $230,000 and to date, we have exceeded this target!. Special thanks to the CFC Co-Chairs and Keyworkers for putting together a creative, one-of-a-kind, virtual campaign. The Aeronautical Center had another ’first’ this year in hosting a successful, full-day CFC telethon.

This year, we are proud to announce that the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center is turning 75! We are hoping for an in-person event, but due to the global health crisis we are re-evaluating to accommodate everyone’s safety. There will still be a celebration with activities to commemorate this exciting Diamond anniversary! In addition, we are proud to be moving forward with our NASA partnership, striving to achieve mutually shared goals and objectives. This may represent another pivotal moment in the Center’s history.

Thank you for your extraordinary commitment in staying focused on safety and on our mission. Remember, we’re in this together.

Stay safe and healthy,

Michelle Coppedge
Director, Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center