NASA Astronauts Present Patch to Front Line Employees of Million Air

Mission Spc. Jose Hernandez and Cmdr. Rick “C.J.” Sturkow of NASA’s Discovery STS‐128 mission presented a specially designed Million Air patch, which accompanied them into space, at Million Air headquarters in Houston.

The idea was conceived by NASA research pilot Nebojsa “Solo” Solunac who also participated in the presentation. Solunac, a long-time Million Air customer and friend wanted to do something special for the Million Air front line teams.

“As a NASA pilot, I frequent many FBOs on a weekly basis,” Solunac said. “After visiting Million Air Topeka for the first time and subsequent Million Air FBOs since, my experience has been so impactful that I wanted to do something special to recognize the Million Air family of front line employees. Their commitment to outstanding professionalism serves our mission’s efforts with expertise and care. I wanted to thank them in a spectacular way, so I turned to my friend astronaut Jose Hernandez to help make it happen.”

Subsequently, employees across the Million Air network submitted designs. The patch was created and delivered to the crew of STS‐128 in Florida before the launch on Aug. 28, 2009.

On Feb. 4, 2010, the three NASA crew members presented the patch in Houston. The presentation was streamed live to all Million Air locations. Line service professional Mark Rodriguez of Million Air Houston accepted the patch on behalf of all the front line employees throughout the Million Air network. “It is truly an honor to accept this patch on behalf of the entire team,” Rodriguez said. “I know this will fuel the enthusiasm and pride this patch represents.”

Hernandez and Sturkow also presented a U.S. flag which flew onboard the STS‐128 mission to Million Air CEO Roger Woolsey. “It’s a true testament that professionalism and exceptional service exists in the hands of every one of our front line employees and what makes Million Air what it is today,” Woolsey said.