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She may
have taken a longer road than most of the full-time staffers at the
Salina Airport Authority, but for Gretchen Engstrom the road less
traveled has made all the difference.
Originally from Shawnee, Gretchen attended Johnson County Community
College where she earned her degree in graphic design. She moved to
Salina in March 2007.
It was December 2008 when the Arnold Group led Gretchen to the Salina
Airport Authority. Executive Assistant Kasey Windhorst was on bed rest,
so Gretchen took the reins until that January.
The Arnold Group really helped give me direction, explained a thankful
Gretchen. They really looked for a place that fit me as opposed to just
putting me in a job I could do.
The staff at the airport seemed to agree because a month later the
airport requested the Arnold Group send Gretchen back. Gretchen then
worked part-time, sharing the duties of administrative assistant.
Then I needed a full-time job, she said. So when a full-time position
opened a stones throw from the airport at Salina Area Technical
College, she said her good byes but added that if there was ever a
full-time position available shed love to come back.
It just so happened that in mid-December, just such an opportunity
presented itself and Gretchen was the first person to receive a phone
call.
I wanted to come back for many reasons, she said. I enjoy watching
changes happen and being a part of them, but most of all its the
friendly faces and people who really care about their jobs.
After finishing her time at the college the Salina Airport Authority
got a sweet Valentines treat when Gretchen came back full time.
It was worth it in the long run because I'm here now and extremely
grateful, she said.
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TOWER UPDATES
· We are happy to
see the Canadian F-18's returning to KSLN. They are always fun to work
with. Also, the Alpha Jets have been flying all week to and from the
Military Operating Areas. Hopefully the worst of the winter weather is
behind us.
· Jon Botkin, the
new tower controller, is certified on Ground Control and still training
on the Tower position. We expect him to be fully certified in March.
· We have another controller in the
pipeline. He is Steve Morgan who recently retired from the FAA in the
Tulsa area and should be here in March. When the tower is fully
staffed, we should be able to have 2 controllers on the day shift and 2
on the night shift 7 days per week. I will be back in office doing
administrative work most of the time. Darn, just when I was having so
much fun watching airplanes everyday!
·
The Airport
Authority has done a nice job keeping the runways and taxiways clear of
snow and ice this winter. This has been one of the worst winter seasons
we can remember.
· Pilots just a reminder that all the
military jets conducting a 360 overhead maneuver to land will always
break to the east for Runway 17 or 35 at 2800 msl. Expect to see quite
a few of these in the next couple of weeks.
Thank You,
Bruce M. Boyle
Manager, KSLN FCT
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