Astronauts Jose Hernandez and Rick “C.J.” Sturkow of NASA’s Discovery STS-128 mission recently presented a specially designed Million Air patch to officials at the FBO chain’s Houston headquarters. The patch, which accompanied the astronauts on their latest mission, was the brainchild of NASA research pilot Nebojsa “Solo” Solunac, who also joined in the presentation.
Solunac, a long time Million Air customer, wanted to do something special for the Million Air front line teams who service NASA aircraft.
“As a NASA pilot, I frequent many FBOs on a weekly basis,” he 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, designs were submitted by employees across the Million Air network and the patch was created and delivered to the crew of STS-128 in Florida before their launch on Aug. 28, 2009.
On Feb. 4, 2010, the patch was presented by all three NASA crew members in Houston and streamed live to all Million Air locations. Line service professional Mark Rodriguez of Million Air Houston, who accepted the patch on behalf of all the front line employees throughout the Million Air network, said “It is truly an honor to accept this patch on behalf of the entire team. I know this will fuel the enthusiasm and pride this patch represents.”
Million Air operates a network of more than 26 FBOs in the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. For more information: MillionAir.com.
