As we begin to make changes in our normal routines with social distancing, teleworking and postponement of activities, it’s important to for us to cultivate ways to stay connected and find moments to celebrate our successes. In the interest of keeping some normalcy, this past month we celebrated the 5th year partnership with the William J. Hughes Technical Center in Atlantic City, NJ. We virtually connected to review our Strategic Partnership Roadmap for 2020, continuing our collaboration and integrating some incredibly innovative technologies into our system. We also were able to host several visitors to the Center including: Brian Byrnes, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing for the OKC Thunder; Michele Orsino, Manager of the AFN Resource Management Branch; James Hatt (AST-3) and Glenn Rizner (AST-4), members from the Office of Commercial Space Transportation. Kim Sheppard, Chief of Staff recently visited and spoke at the Mustang Chamber of Commerce talking about the growth of aviation in our state. We also hosted sixteen members from the Oklahoma Aerospace & Aviation Legislative Caucus, a team dedicated to increasing the visibility of the aerospace industry in our state.
Earlier this month, Oklahoma State University broke ground on a new Flight Center near Stillwater Regional Airport to help accommodate the growing number of aviation students. The new 11,000 sq. ft. facility is scheduled to be completed by fall 2021. Additionally, we gave a tour to members of the OK Ward 3 Youth Council Day. These are high school students that work with the City Council to learn about the challenges and successes of municipal government. They help in addressing issues affecting Oklahoma City’s youth through meetings, seminars and more.
As we adapt to these challenging times with the novel coronavirus, it is important to think about one another and remember our neighbors. I would encourage you to try to avoid the pitfalls of anxiety that are often times created by media outlets and commercial retail. During this time, it is a perfect opportunity to really stop and focus on something much deeper than ourselves. There may be a much bigger lesson to be learned in the trials that we currently face. Let us be united in looking out for and helping one another. At any given time, any one of us can fall victim to the virus, as no one has immunity from it. Compassion and understanding is what is needed, not is hoarding or gaining control. It’s important to be realistic and prepare, but what if we each consciously choose to act mindfully instead of selfishly – doing something like dropping off groceries to someone who may have the virus or to someone who is isolated? When we are united and work with empathy, we are able to share our wisdom, our food, and our kindness to help one another. None of us are in this alone. Let each of us do our part in taking the known precautions and do what we can to not spread the virus to anyone, especially those who may be at higher risk.
Coronavirus Information
Stay safe and healthy,
Michelle Coppedge
Director, Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center
