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MDOT Aero Visit: Wendi Chen Airport Development Engineer (right) and Divya Iyer, EDP Transportation Engineer visited us in Gaylord to inspect the work being done as part of our MDOT Aero Crack Sealing & Paint Marking Project. About every 3 years, we undertake this pavement life extending process, which fills cracks and prevents water damage. Fresh paint is then applied to all the runways, taxiways, parking ramp and aircraft traffic identifiers. The entire project was paid for with grant Challenge Coin: Its hard to say when the Challenge Coin tradition started. Some say it dates back to World War II and others say even further back to the Roman Legions. However, my first experience with Challenge Coins was in 1989 when being assigned to a squadron at Osan Air Base, Korea. That commander greeted me with the unit’s coin in his hand and said “you are part of this team and this is our coin, never be without it!” Failure to show the coin when “Challenged” would have you buying the next round or doing pushups on the spot. Later on I saw coins were received for graduating military specialty schools like Desert Warfare but in the 1990s when some of our troops were being thanked for their part in a successful unit inspection, the officials gave them coins in recognition. Whether being part of a new team or in recognition for a job well done, Challenge Coins are everywhere now from police and fire departments to university’s and businesses. Years later, coins may be displayed or thrown in a drawer but they never seem to go away and when you look back on them, you not only remember the circumstances of you receiving the coin but also the people that coin represents. Humbled & Grateful: I was truly surprised and extremely blessed this past month at the Michigan Association of Airport Executives (MAAE) Conference to be named their 2021 Airport Manager of the Year. My Gaylord Regional Airport team is the best “Can Do” crew you could ever want and Otsego County the most supportive and so to them I am most grateful. The event was only magnified by the man in the picture (right) presenting me the award. Gary Kellan President of MAAE and director of Oscoda Wurtsmith Airport. Gary who is a former U.S. Military Navy Submariner, has led, guided and directed Oscoda-Wurtsmith through the transition of being an Air Force Base to being a financial lifeline for the Oscoda Community and the airport and community thrives due to his efforts. Likewise, as President of MAAE he has been representing all Michigan Airports at the State Capital ensuring our issues and concerns are met. Gary has announced his retirement and we will truly miss him! . Airports all have a personality! You may have experienced what I mean. Is it cold and impersonal or warm & inviting? Is the secret to a successful GA airport its vibe? At GLR many have told us it’s like being with family and the atmosphere is like coming home. Our crew truly loves what they do and enjoy the people they meet every day. So come visit us soon, because GLR is full of personalities! Aug 2021 Director: Matt Barresi, Admin: Shari Rivest, Maintenance Crew: Carter Moore, Brian Abel, David Diemert, Brandon Carey, Jake Nowak Shari Rivest, Carter Moore, Brandon Cary, Jake Nowak, Dave Diemert, Brian Abel, Matt Barresi