As safety and healthcare remain a top priority across our state and nation, the State of Oklahoma is showing slow improvements. The trend is gradually showing a downward movement in the coronavirus. Our state and federal leaders continue to make decisions based on scientific data and advice from healthcare professionals. The White House is developing a phased-in approach, as states are determining how they can slowly move back to a more normal way of life. The ability to have enhanced testing and contact testing plays a major role in a state’s ability to resume daily activities. Virologist experts predict a resurgence of the virus in the fall, because the virus does not live as long outside during hot weather. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases reports, "the virus very well might be cyclical, and we really need to be prepared for another cycle."
As we continue to shelter in place, communicating via emails, phone calls and video conferencing, we are still doing vital work in accomplishing our mission. Our strategic focus of using the 4 C’s – Culture, Communication, Collaboration and Cost Effectiveness remains ever-present. More emphasis is placed on our communication and collaboration efforts right now, as we battle this pandemic together. In this newsletter issue, we highlight some of the innovative and collaborative ways that employees are working together - reinforcing the significance of staying connected with one another. Many of us are likely to be learning at least one new skill while navigating through these unprecedented times.
On a good news front, the U.S. Space Force is starting to accept applications from military service members who are interested in transferring to the new space branch. In addition, the new branch is ensuring that it is gender-neutral, as the role of women in business has undergone a major revolution. I had an opportunity to speak about this with The Oklahoman just this month.
As federal employees working for the Department of Transportation (DOT), we are witnessing some exceptional aid. Within just weeks, the DOT and the FAA’s Office of Airports created a new program called the CARES Act Fund, supporting an Airport Grant Program, where $10B was given to provide critical economic relief to 3,000 of our nation’s airports impacted by COVID-19. These monies go to airports of all sizes, helping to save jobs, providing flexible spending for payroll, utilities, supplies, debt payments, operation and maintenance costs, and offsetting revenue loss (during this drastic decline in passenger travel and related airport business). Thanks to each of you, we are able to continue the safe operation of our national airspace system, as desperately needed medical supplies are being delivered while critical transportation systems remain operational. The selfless work that continues with our health care professionals, our transportation specialists, our food service employees and all essential employees, demonstrates a commitment to really pull us through during this time of need.
This month, we also remember the 25th Anniversary of the Alfred P. Murrah bombing, where 168 people and 19 children lost their lives. We are reminded of this journey, the lessons learned, and our ability to not be defined by this one incident. We are also grateful for all the support that Dr. Antuñano and his team at the Civil Aerospace Medical Institute are providing the healthcare system in fighting the COVID-19 virus. We are thankful for all of our Oklahoma National Guard members who are working to help deep clean nursing homes, distributing personal protective equipment and providing their service at mobile testing sites.
The Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has approved a special Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) solicitation period during COVID-19 which will be open from April 20 - June 30th. This allows employees to donate to CFC agencies (locally and nationally) that are struggling to continue providing much needed support to many Americans that need assistance at this time. OPM has agreed to the 100% pass-through of money pledged. This means that 100% of the money pledged will go straight to the designated CFC agencies. The pledged funds will be distributed as received on the 15th of each month, starting May through July. Please consider pledging to any one of the CFC agencies to help your fellow Oklahomans and neighbors who are so desperately in need of your assistance at this time.
The Office of Facility Management has noticed an increase in the amount of traffic coming through the Center’s security gates. While it appears that we are beginning to flatten the curve with regard to fighting this virus, it is extremely important that each of us continues to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC’s) social distancing guidelines. It would be easy to believe that it is okay to go back to our normal routines. However, doing this may cause another spike in the number of COVID-19 cases. If you are teleworking, please continue to telework and remain at home. We encourage everyone to do your part: practice social distancing, wear facial masks when going out in public; stay 6 feet apart from other people, practice good hygiene, and be please be patient. For more information about the status of COVID-19, please visit:
https://www.governor.ok.gov/
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Each of us have an important role to play in fighting this pandemic. Thank you for what you are doing to serve one another during this emergency response.
Stay safe and healthy,
Michelle Coppedge
Director, Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center
