LaGuardia aviation workers gathered as a group in the Central Terminal Building this spring to "kick off" their contribution to "Proudly We Fly!" and submit the first stories. Below, you'll find those stories, plus others that have come in since. We add as stories as we get them - so check back regularly.

Name: Augie Thorn
Airport/Airline: American Airlines/LGA

Story: One day when I was working as a gate agent for Reno Air in SF, I noticed an elderly woman sobbing in the gate area while I worked a flight to LA. I approached the woman and asked her what was wrong. She told me that me that her youngest child had been killed in a car accident and she had no family with her and was terrified of flying. I did my best to reassure her and provide comforting words over the loss of her daughter.

After getting everyone on board the flight, I noticed the woman was sitting in the gate area still and crying with grief. Again I approached her. I had her upgraded to first class and made the crew aware of her loss. I even had a box of tissues put her seatback pocket. Since this was my last flight before going home for the night I was anxious for the flight to leave on time. Then suddenly I saw the woman stand and begin walking away. I ran up to her to ask her where she was going.

She said she couldn’t do this, and she was going home. She was too afraid to fly alone. I asked her if she would reconsider since I knew her family would need her in LA and she would need them even more.

At that point I turned to my co-worker and asked her to close the flight for me.

“I’m flying to LA,” I said. I turned to the woman, grabbed her by the arm and said, “Come on, you can’t be alone on this trip.”

After we landed in LA, her son was at the gate to meet her. She gave me a hug and left with her family. I never saw her again, and my flight back to SF was delayed an hour, but I knew this customer would be OK and would never forget a random act of kindness.

name: Warren Kroeppel
airline/airport: LGA/Airport General Manager

story:: I am proud to be part of the LaGuardia community. All through the events of 9-11, snowstorms, blackouts, and airline financial difficulties, the airline, Port Authority and service company staff have persevered to keep our customers moving to their family reunions, vacations or business meetings [as well as keeping the economy robust!].

Everyone constantly strives to provide a high level of service to our passengers, and assist each other in their duties when needed. I have even witnessed examples of rival airlines assisting each other "when the chips are down.”

Being part of this teamwork is very gratifying.

Name: Kathleen Pettit
Airport: Crown Plaza Hotel at LaGuardia/Dir of Sales

I work together with the airlines to make sure that people still come to New York to visit whether it is for business or pleasure. WE NEED THE AIRLINES to keep people traveling to NY. Our visitors keep New York Alive and we are better than ever since September 11. On September 11… we were one of the hotels that accommodated over 600 people when they were evacuated from the Terminals and our hotel only has 358 rooms…we put cots in our ballroom and did whatever we could to help these passengers in need… TOGETHER the airlines and our hotel …as one …. As we work every day together ….AS ONE!

I have worked at this hotel for 18 years and throughout my career have built very strong relationships with the all the Airlines, their employees, the Airline Vendors, the Port Authority and the Private Airlines that fly in and out of LaGuardia Airport. We are a tight knit community and we are proud of our Airport… that generates so many people into our wonderful city NEW YORK CITY!!

Even though I don’t work directly for Aviation we work close enough and we need this industry in order to make our hotel and our city……..successful!

Name: Frank Mirovsky
Airport/Airline: LGA/Maintenance/Port Authority

We regularly fly a huge American flag during patriotic holidays. 30 by 50 feet this is the largest regularly displayed American flag that I know of in NYC, save the Geo Washington Bridge. We display the flag on our parking garage in view of thousands of travelers on the Grand Central Pkwy.

On 9/11/2001 one of our operations supervisors, Debby D’Avanso, suggested we put it up immediately – which our maintenance team did. It was a great and courageous statement by proud airport employees – a statement that we would persevere.

Name: Rose Ann Hogan
Airport/Airline: LGA, Port Authority, Business Mgr

I am proud of having worked at LGA since 1997 and all the jobs I have done – whether working in the security office night and day after 9/11 to make sure all the ID cards at the airport were reissued, or any of the behind the scenes jobs I do to help keeping LGA running.

Name: Rose Astacio
Airport/Airline: AA/LGA/Flight Service

NOTE: This story below from Rose is very interesting, as you will see. It's a tribute, offered first in a letter, then a poem, by a woman to a multitude of AA staff at LGA, whom the woman calls "American's Angels." The story will be self explanatory. Rose submits it as an expression of "pride" she feels for her AA colleagues who "rose up" in a time of need for one of their own:

To: Mr. Arpey, CEO of American Airlines
From: Donna L. Hardy

I would be remiss if I did not commend the employees of American Airlines for their exceptional support during a crisis in January. Eldon Saffer is a flight attendant with American Airlines and on January 14, 2007 he suffered a TIA (mini stroke) while reporting for duty at LGA. His family lives in Colorado and I (his girlfriend) live in Las Vegas. Without question the news left us stunned and feeling helpless so far away from him.

There were so many employees who came to our aid (and his) and went far beyond the call of duty. Not only did they make reservations for us to get to NY but stayed in close contact during the process. Rose Astacio, Flight Service, could provide all their names. Rose assured me that they all loved Eldon and were his “New York family.” Barry (one of the managers) accompanied him to the hospital and kept in close contact with me, until I could get a flight out of Las Vegas. Joe Schweiger, an agent, not only helped facilitate Eldon’s treatment at the airport but made a special trip to the hospital that night to check on him.

There were weather delays that evening and Manny (in LGA) constantly tracked flights and adjusted my schedule accordingly till I could get there. When I did get to LGA, two managers, one of whom was Barry, met my flight and escorted me to a car waiting to take me to the hospital. Arrangements were also made for Eldon’s sister and her husband to fly from Denver to NY.

Prior to my arrival, one of the flight attendants, Cat Cote, who shares a “crash pad” in NY, contacted me to let me know I could stay with them. Cat, Liz Boelte and Hildy Winter, all “crash pad” friends of Eldon’s received me as if I were a family member.

At every turn there was a hand reaching out.

Thankfully, Eldon has made a miraculous recovery and is back at work doing what he loves. We feel so much nore at peace knowing that with him so far away, he truly does have a “NY Family.”

To honor all the men and women of American I have written a poem which I am including with this letter. I hope that everyone will be made aware of our heartfelt, sincere gratitude.


American’s Angels
By Donna L. Handy

Fear and panic gripped our hearts
Peace, of moments before, quickly forgot
News like a thunderbolt, from miles away
Our loved one, helpless, in a hospital now lay
But angels await to help us along,
Offer a hand and keep us strong
Expressions of love and concern abound
Words of kindness, such gentle sounds
Voice on the phone, our eyes at the scene
Our loved one cared for, and not in pain
Burden was lifted by angels who shared
Details and plans to us there
They let it be succinctly known
Their arms were open, we weren’t alone
The hours were long, schedules delayed
It seemed a lifetime, fear enslaved
But each moment of weakness
Brought an angel with strength
To carry us through, the walk we faced
Prayers and concern, goodwill expressed
Heartfelt words of friendship professed
By their actions it was easy for us to see
American’s Angels were family
The fear has passed and days returned
To work and travel and wages earned
But years ahead will never fade
The gratitude we feel, nor thoughts of the day
When the arms of angels carried us through
American’s Angels, yes, each of you…

name: Mary Wynne
airline/airport: Air Canada, LaGuardia Airport, NYC

story:: I come to work everyday and in twenty years I have never had two days alike.

I worked for TWA for 10 years at JFK and am now in my thirteenth year with Air Canada. I am a Customer Service Manager so it is certainly not to be berated by irate passengers but the small smile on someone's face when you are able to help them in some small way.

Two couples travelling to YYZ for a grandson's Confirmation. They flew on UA to JFK and then came to LGA to connect on AC to YYZ. Don't you know there are only two seats left for four people because the UA flight was late....You are able to get another passenger to take the next flight and let them travel together or else the whole point of taking the flight in the first place is to no avail. Talk about the commercial, the look on the grandfather\'s face is priceless.

Sometimes things happen that you have no control over and cannot fix. For that you are there to listen, and that is usually all it takes for that passenger to realize you are not out to get them and they appreciate that.

Name: Laura Guenego
Airport/Airline: Air Canada/LGA

I always wanted to work for an airline since I was a child. One day I helped a wheelchair bound lady who had a stomach virus. She needed to change her clothing. We found her checked luggage and got her fresh clothing – and she was able to continue her travels.

The most important thing was helping her maintain her dignity. It’s not every day you get to do that for another human being.

Name: Donald G. Knight
Airport/Airline: Air Canada/LGA

I’m proud of the job I do. It’s not just the numerous compliment letters I have received for customer service – it’s to see them overjoyed when they get reunited with their luggage.

Name: Bill Simmon
Airport/Airline: LGA/TSA

As a security screener who screens luggage and passengers before they board, I have found this job anything but boring. Mine is a job of necessity in this country, one that’s here to stay, and I am proud of what I do.

Name: Gene Amos
Airport/Airline: LGA and JFK/Port Authority

I’m proud of what I do... I am an engineering consultant responsible for inspecting existing and new construction at the airports.

Name: Morine Reid
Airport/Airline: LGA/Air Canada/Lead Customer Service Rep

I’m proud – for going above and beyond to get a pax on a flight during irregular operations.

Name: Mathew Dionisio
Airport/Airline: LGA/Customer Service Institute

I’m a traveler too. As such I like to have customer care service provided when I travel. That motivates me.

Name: Norman Clayton
Airport/Airline: JFK/LGA, Port Authority

I’m proud of helping make the LGA airport a better facility for passengers and patrons with the PA resident engineers group.

Name: Nirmal Andy Gajadhar
Airport/Airline: LGA/PA/ Security

I serve and protect the airport through screening and checking ID at airport security checkpoints.

Name: Melania Hernandez
Airport/Airline: LGA/ Brooklyn National Deli

I help EVERY customer!

Name: Hilda Hernandez
Airport/Airline: LGA/Brooklyn National Deli

I give out GOOD information!

Name: John L.
Airport/Airline: LGA/ Coffee Beanery

I am a part time employee – but I really like to serve customers. I pour the coffee exactly the way they like it. I'm a people person.

Name: Jules Seino
Airport/Airline: LGA/Coffee Beanery

I like to put smiles on people's faces. It brings joy to my heart to know that I have brought them satisfaction, along with a good cup of coffee.

Edited 4/9/2007 6:02 pm ET by reclaimingdirector

Edited 4/9/2007 6:10 pm ET by reclaimingdirector

Edited 4/11/2007 12:36 am ET by reclaimingdirector

Edited 8/1/2007 2:11 pm ET by reclaimingdirector