Hot Fun in the Summertime! Aerodyne News

Aerodyne News
Hot Fun in the Summertime!
Vol. 2, No. 2
http://www.aerodyneindustries.com/
By John M. Janokaitis
With apologies to Alice Cooper, “School’s out for Summer” is a familiar
refrain echoed throughout the halls of education from Florida to Texas and
while the old (which is a relative term) rocker’s lyrics leave much to be desired, a similar message rings true for many of us: It’s Vacation Time!
Speaking of summer, we would like to thank many of our readers who
provided picturesque landscapes for us to share, including this scenic sunset in Cocoa Beach. Nothing says summer like a nice, warm sunset! (Well,
actually a gorgeous, sun-kissed beach day does also, but we didn't have one
of those pictures.)
As many of
you begin to
pack the station
wagon
(are they still
around?) and
SUV for roads
less travelled,
we wanted to
share
some
news
and
notes of upcoming
events.
Sunset in Cocoa Beach taken from home of E.W. Hall on August 16, 2014
Social me- (Photo courtesy of E.W. Hall).
dia, the bane
to print journalism, is obviously the media choice of the masses for the future and Aerodyne doesn't not plan to sit idle on the sidelines while the
world passes us by. Oh sure, some of us may not know the difference between Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and such, but we do know they are
integral modes of communication. You may have also recently noticed a
few enhancements to our corporate website. Well, that’s only the beginning — just wait and see what’s coming next!
In the meantime, enjoy your summer and be on the lookout for our information request for your students to be published in our special Back to
School Fall issue, which will be out in September.
It’s our opportunity to give a shout out to our recent high school & college graduates. More info will follow via e-mail in the next few weeks, but
in the meantime, you can be searching for your favorite photo to accompany your pride and joy.
That should keep you busy on those long, summer road trips.
Enjoy.
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Summer 2015
A Message
from our CEO
Each month we hold a
Teammate Principal Program Review (TPRR)
meeting that allows the respective
Teammate Principals, along with reps
from Business, HR and Media Relations to status the various activities
going on within Aerodyne.
It’s typically a 60-minute exchange
of information, ideas and opportunities that not only serves to update; it
provides the impetus for how we can
support one another as we continue
to grow the company.
Topics range from the mundane,
such as paying our taxes, to the exciting, which usually involves tracking
current proposal efforts, identifying
new business opportunities and
strategizing.
Each respective Teammate Principal also addresses highlights and
milestones, discusses any issues or
concerns and focuses on growth potential, which often entails job openings.
In our recent meeting, we also discussed the AS9100 external audit,
which successfully concluded May
29th in Cape Canaveral.
The telecom also allows us to share
a unified message paramount to our
success – your support and satisfaction.
We’ve said it during all hands and
we’ll continue to reiterate it: Our
success is based on your performance. If there’s anything we can do
to enhance your satisfaction, please
do not hesitate to ask.
Here’s wishing you a safe and fun
summer with family and friends.
Aerodyne News
Summer 2015
Aerodyne Industries LLC: A Corporate Overview
Aerodyne Industries LLC is a ServiceDisabled, Veteran-Owned, Small Business
(SDVOSB) headquartered in Cape Canaveral,
FL.
It was founded in 1968 by Dr. Charles Allen
and re-registered in 2006 under his son, Andrew (Andy) Allen, who is the Chief Executive
Officer and majority owner.
Aerodyne is comprised of two major business areas:
1. Engineering Solutions, which encompasses
design, development and production of
flight and ground support systems for aero-
Andrew Allen, Chief Executive Officer
space and defense.
2. Technical Services and Staffing in advanced
Technology Hardware, Software and Systems Engineering, Information Technology,
Operations and Logistics support.
We also offer Consulting and Professional
Services on a contract basis.
With revenues of more than $16 million in
2014, we currently have 126 employees located in Cape Canaveral (Kennedy Space Center),
FL, Houston (Johnson Space Center), TX, Huntsville (Marshall Space Flight Center), AL, and
Oldsmar, FL.
Lee Williams, Chief Operating Officer
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Aerodyne News
Summer 2015
Corporate Headquarters
7001 N. Atlantic Ave., Suite 200, Cape Canaveral, FL
Test and Operations Support Contract (TOSC) –
NASA
*Engineering and Science Services and Skills Augmentation (ESSSA) Contract – NASA
Subcontractor to Jacobs Technology, Inc.
Location: Kennedy Space Center (FL).
Teammate Principal: Ralph Rohloff.
Role: We provide the overall management and implementation of ground systems capabilities, flight hardware processing and launch operations at KSC.
Tasks support the International Space Station (ISS),
Ground Systems Development and Operations (GSDO),
the Space Launch System (SLS), Orion Multi-Purpose
Crew Vehicle (MPCV) and Launch Services programs.
Subcontractor to Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc.
Location: Marshall Space Flight Center (Huntsville, AL)
Teammate Principal: Sherrie Millwood.
Role: We provide engineers, scientists and technicians
in support of Marshall's Engineering Directorate; Science
and Technology Office; Flight Programs and Partnerships
Office; and future programs, projects and other offices
with similar needs.
Services include support research and development,
spacecraft systems development, comprehensive engineering support, scientific research and applications,
payload development and integration, information technology, facilities management and operation and maintenance, and business services.
Agency Consolidated End-user Services (ACES) NASA
Subcontractor to Hewlett Packard (HP).
Location: Kennedy Space Center (FL).
Teammate Principal: Ralph Rohloff.
Role: We provide desk top Information Technology (IT)
services in support of HP Enterprise Services.
JSC Engineering Technology and Science (JETS)
Contract – NASA
Subcontractor to Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc.
Location: Johnson Space Center (Houston, TX)
Teammate Principal: Robin Osborn.
Role: We provide engineering, technology, and science
services; our personnel support the Engineering Directorate and Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science directorate. Services include engineering design
and development, sustaining engineering, engineering
analysis and assessment, technology development, test
services, laboratory and facility operation and maintenance, planetary mission research, physical science research, and astromaterials curation.
Tasks support the International Space Station, Orion,
Advanced Exploration Systems, the Chief Technologist
and Commercial Crew and Cargo, and Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) science research and operations.
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*Awarded MSFC Small Business Subcontractor of the Year Award
(Sept. 2014). Candidate for NASA Agency Level Small Business Subcontractor of the Year Award (2015).
Oldsmar, FL - Engineering Solutions
Strategic partner with Tandel Systems for design and
production.
Role of Engineering Solutions: We provide engineered
solutions, encompassing design, development and production of flight and ground hardware and support systems for aerospace and defense.
Flight Hardware on the ISS:
 Built and acceptance tested 12 complex Flight Harnesses
for the replacement Ammonia Tank Assembly.
 Fabricated six Power Wire Harness Assemblies and six Data
Wire Harness Assemblies for the ExPRESS Rack system.
 Fabricated three Flight Covers for existing external Multi-
plexer/Demultiplexers (MDM).
 Awarded contract for build to print of an Integrated Ampli-
fier Printed Wiring Assembly (PWA), which resides in the
Audio Terminal unit (ATU).
Test Systems, Prototypes and Simulations:
 Design, development, manufacturing and testing of Box
Level Test Consoles (BLTC).
 Remote Advanced Payload Test Rig (RAPTR) Portable ISS
Host Systems Emulator.
 ISS Galley Power Prototype.
 Fire Suppression System Prototypes.
Aerodyne News
Summer 2015
TOSC’s Jim Bewerse receives NASA’s
prestigious Space Flight Awareness Award
TOSC Mechanical Engineer
“Our task out here at
Jim Bewerse received the
KSC is a team effort
prestigious NASA Space
and I’m privileged to
Flight Awareness Award on
be recognized as a
March 10, 2015 for his exmember of the team.
traordinary efforts supMy wife said she was
porting the Ground Systems
very proud and told
Development and Operaeveryone she knew.”
tions (GSDO) Program at the
Married for 34 years,
Kennedy Space Center.
Jim and Paula have
One of the highest awards
three adult children:
available to NASA’s SpaceJennifer,
Catherine
flight Team, the SFA Honand Steven. The couoree Award Program also
ple resides in Merritt
includes a milestone event
Island, footsteps from
to attend. Jim and wife,
KSC where he began
Paula, were guests for the SFA recipient Jim Bewerse and wife, Paula, attended the QM-1 his career launching
successful Qualification Mo- Static Test Firing in Promontory, Utah.
Space Shuttles and is
tor (QM)-1 Static Test held
now an award-winning
at the Orbital ATK Test Facility in harnessed power of the accom- team member supporting NASA’s
Promontory, UT on March 11, plishment of our nation’s achieve- missions of tomorrow.
2015. The couple witnessed the ments. I was in awe and very
“As I’m sure those who came
historic test firing of the largest, proud!!”
before me in the Apollo and
most powerful rocket ever built.
Jim’s nomination stated that his Shuttle programs felt, I consider it
“I started here at KSC on the eye for detail and extensive back- a privilege, honor and joy to know
Shuttle program in 1988 and have ground in vehicle/ground systems that our current team efforts are
structures were integral to the setting the foundation and paving
success of the inaugural flight of the road for future generations in
Orion in December 2014 as well as Manned Spaceflight travel and
on-going certification of the study.”
Crawler Transporter 2 Pressure
Vessel Systems. His efforts in
these and other critical tasks contributed significantly to future
flight safety and mission success.
The nomination concluded:
“Jim is deserving of recognition
for his leadership and significant
Jim Bewerse (right), SFA Award Recontributions to support this next
cipient, with William H. Gerspace program for our nation. Jim
stenmaier, Associate Administrator
Bewerse is the type of employee
for the Human Exploration and Opour organization is proud to nomierations Directorate at NASA Headnate for the distinguished Honquarters.
oree Award.”
seen over 100 Shuttle launches
“When the director calls you in
standing at the base of the VAB, the office you think ‘What did I do
but it was a system of engines,” this time?’ but when he told me I
Jim and Paula at the SFA reception.
Jim said. “Seeing one SRB fired all was selected as an SFA Honoree I
by itself is a witness to the raw was totally humbled,” Jim said.
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Aerodyne News
Summer 2015
TOSC’s Mark Taffet earns Astronaut Silver Snoopy
It’s simply known as the
“Astronauts’ Personal Award,”
and to earn a Silver Snoopy, candidates must make contributions
“toward enhancing the probability of mission success or made
improvements in design, administrative/technical/production
techniques, business systems,
flight and/or systems safety or
identification and correction or
preventive action for errors.”
Mark Taffet, a Project Manager for the Test and Operations
Support Contract (TOSC), became the third Aerodyne employee to receive the award
when he was honored during a
formal Astronaut presentation
Tuesday, May 12, 2015 at the
Debus Center on the KSC Visitor’s Complex.
Mark, a resident of Viera, was
recognized for his dedication to
the Exploration Flight Test (EFT)1 recovery planning and execution activities. As the Project
Manager for this critical NASA
mission, Mark and his team developed and implemented procedures and received the applicable training to safely execute the
recovery and return transportation of the Orion EFT-1 Crew
Module following its successful
launch on Dec. 5, 2014.
Mark and his multi-talented,
cross-functional team prepared
diligently and supported a
battery of cross-country tests to
ensure the safe recovery of the
Orion Crew Module from the
Pacific Ocean and transportation
from Naval Base San Diego to
KSC.
In preparation for this historic
event, Stationary Recovery Tests
were conducted at the Langley
Research Center (VA) in June
2013 and Naval Station Norfolk
(VA) in August 2013 and multiple
Underway Recovery Tests were
held off the coast of San Diego
from Feb through Sept. 2014.
(Left to right): KSC Center Director Bob Cabana,
Aerodyne GM Andy Allen, Snoopy recipient Mark
Taffet, TOSC Teammate Principal Ralph Rohloff,
and Astronaut Kevin Ford.
Aerodyne’s Commitment to Safety
With Hurricane season beginning this
month, we urge each of you to develop
a Home Emergency Plan.
In the spirit of our safety culture,
Teammate Principals will issue each Aerodyne employee a rechargeable, external phone battery.
This item will augment the typical
emergency supplies that should be kept
on hand.
It should also serve as a reminder that
we share a commitment to Safety and
are looking out for one another on a
24/7/365 basis.
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Aerodyne News
Summer 2015
Aerodyne Quarterly Awards (January—March 2015)
JETS’ Trio receive Aerodyne Honors
Three members of the JSC Engineering Technology and Science (JETS) Contract were recent
honorees of Aerodyne Quarterly Awards in separate presentations held in Houston, TX.
The talented triumvirate included Clem R. Herbert, Larry D. Quinn and Elizabeth B. Rampe.
Engineering Department Team Quarterly Award—Clem R. Herbert
(Left to right): Paul Nemeth, Director of JETS Engineering, presents
awards to CMS Team Members Kathy Duncan and Aerodyne’s
Clem Herbert.
Clem Herbert, a computer Engineer, was a member of the award-winning, three-person
CMS Software Team, which is responsible for performing sustaining engineering for the
Countermeasures System software for the International Space Station (ISS).
The team efforts typically consist of developing and maintaining process tools, participating in technical meetings as software subject matter experts, performing equipment inventory updates and audits, and analyzing and resolving on-orbit anomalies.
Recently, the CMS Team assisted with the production and collection of required review
artifacts to support a CMMI (Capability Maturity Model Integration) recertification effort for
NASA.
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Aerodyne News
Summer 2015
Aerodyne Quarterly Awards (January—March 2015)
Engineering Department Team Quarterly Award— Larry D. Quinn
(Left to right): Lon Miller, JETS Program Manager, Chris Tutt, Lei Niu, Aerodyne’s
Larry Quinn, and Joy Kelly, JETS Deputy Program Manager.
Larry Quinn, a Manufacturing Lead and Project Engineer for the Space Debris System, was
instrumental to the success of the Asteroid Retrieval Mission (ARM) proposal effort.
Larry was awarded for his unparalleled dedication and indefatigable energy and focus on
developing a 1/5 scale functional asteroid capture system test article on schedule, under
budget and for exceeding all expectations for this Phase I Project.
Science Department Quarterly Award — Elizabeth B. Rampe
Elizabeth Rampe displays her well-deserved certificate.
Elizabeth Rampe, a Mars Research Scientist, was recognized for her outstanding efforts
supporting science and education endeavors on the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission.
Elizabeth’s knowledge, expertise, enthusiasm, and willingness to participate have been
greatly beneficial to NASA and the Science Department.
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Aerodyne News
Summer 2015
JETS’ Robin Osborn and Emilio Vela Host Booth at the
2015 NCMA 13th Annual Small Business Conference
Aerodyne Industries was omnipresent as a corpo- professional resource for those in the field of contract
rate sponsor at the 2015 NCMA 13th Annual Small management. The organization, which has more than
Business Conference and Trade Fair at the South 22,000 members, is dedicated to the professional
Shore Harbour Resort and Conference Center in growth and educational advancement of procurement
League City,
and acquisiTX on April 9,
tion person2015.
nel
worldPresented
wide.
by the NaThe Small
tional
ConBusiness
tract ManageConference
ment Associaprovided intion (NCMA)
formation
Space
City
useful
to
Houston
small busiChapter, Aerness and netodyne’s
working opbooth
was
portunities
manned by
with
other
JSC Engineersmall busiing, Technolonesses and
gy and Scilarge
busience (JETS)
nesses in the
Teammate
Houston arAerodyne’s Emilio Vela networks with a potential customer.
Principal,
ea.
Robin Osborn, and Emilio Vela, Technical Manager for
Melanie Saunders, Associate Director at NASA JSC,
the Propulsion and Power Division.
welcomed attendees, who were also treated to a variThe duo provided the Corporate Capabilities Bro- ety of workshops and presentations, including “Small
chure for outreach to future business opportunities Businesses and the Affordable Care Act” and a Small
and took advantage of the opportunity to network Business Update from Valerie Coleman, a representawith other businesses.
tive from the Procurement Center/Commercial MarOne of 22 corporate sponsors of the event, Aero- ket of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
dyne was presented with an Appreciation Trophy as a
“I thought the event was a good opportunity to
Level III sponsor. Robin accepted the award for Aero- meet other company representatives and to both disdyne.
tribute and gather information,” said Robin. “The
Founded in 1959, the NCMA is the world’s leading breakout sessions were also very well presented.”
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Aerodyne News
Summer 2015
Aerodyne’s impressive booth at the NCMA was manned by Robin Osborn
and Emilio Vela.
Aerodyne’s Appreciation Award.
Robin Osborn (2nd from left) receives the Appreciation Award at the NCMA Small Business Conference.
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Aerodyne News
Summer 2015
Ten 10 Ways to Save on Health Care
The costs of health care are continuing to rise. It is
extremely important for health care consumers to
shop for their health care to educate themselves on
the true costs of their upcoming procedures. Patient Care can help with this! Calling Patient Care
before a planned procedure – like CT Scan or Colonoscopy – can ensure you’re getting the best price
without losing out on quality.
It pays to shop around! Patient Care is completely
free and confidential through your benefits at Aerodyne. You can contact us at 866-253-2273 MondayFriday 8am-9pm and on Saturday 9am-2pm ET.
We hope you look to Patient Care for all of your
health care benefit needs and we look forward to
hearing from you soon!
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Ask about generic prescription drugs.
Shop around! Call to see what other pharmacies are charging for the same drug you are taking.
Use a Flexible Spending Account. The deduction means you pay for expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Compare costs for lab tests. Call Patient Care to compare prices.
Consider a high deductible plan. Patient Care can help you compare plans based on your lifestyle.
Try Mail Order prescriptions.
Double check your medical bills. Call your Advocate if you are questioning anything!
If you’ve been a loyal patient and your finances are tight, don’t be afraid to ask if your doctor or
health care provider can cut you a break on a visit or a procedure cost.
9.
If you’re taking a brand name drug regularly, check the drug maker’s website to see if they offer a
coupon or discount card.
10. Walk every day and eat smaller portions. You’ll tend to stay healthy and out of the doctor’s office!
We
Want
Your Photos!
With employees stretched from the
Sunshine State to the Lone Star State,
we are in a unique position to share
views from our respective corner of
the world.
So what makes your area special?
Please send your favorite photos
to jj@aerodyneindustries.com.
Please be sure to include your
name, a photo description and date.
Our staff will select the best candidates and your reward will be seeing
your work published!
(And, of
course, your career could skyrocket in
new directions once you’ve updated
your résumé to include “Published
Photographer.”)
April showers bring May flowers…
Tia Riter, the 16-year old daughter of TOSC’s Alex Riter, photographs new blooms at their home in Port St. John, FL. Photo taken April 2015. Photographer: Tia Riter.
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Aerodyne News
Summer 2015
TOSC’s Ellen Brown named to Board for BAC
TOSC Project Manager Ellen Brown conA 27-year veteran of KSC, Ellen is a 2014
tinues to add to her growing resume with
graduate of LEAD Brevard and Certified Lean
the recent announcement of her selection
Six Sigma Black Belt.
as one of three new board members for
She has an MBA in Aviation from Embrythe Brevard Achievement Center (BAC).
Riddle Aeronautical University and a bacheHeadquartered in Rockledge with officlor’s degree in Industrial and Systems Engies in Melbourne, Titusville and Orlando,
neering from the Georgia Institute of Techthe BAC is a non-profit organization that
nology.
provides innovative services and opportuA native of Savannah, Ellen resides in
nities to assist people with disabilities TOSC Project Manager Merritt Island with husband, Dave, and has
achieve personal success.
two children.
Ellen Brown.
David Letterman’s “Top 10 Drawbacks to Working in a Cubicle”
His last show aired May 20, 2015, but in our neverending quest to increase our entertainment value by
referencing pop icons, we would like to honor late
night talk show host David Letterman. A former TV
weatherman from Indiana who once predicted hail
stones “the size of canned hams,” Letterman’s Top
Ten lists became legendary through the years.
We present our all-time favorite for the workplace:
“Top 10 Drawbacks to Working in a Cubicle”
10. Being told to “think outside the box” when you’re in a box all day long.
9. Not being able to check e-mail attachments without turning around to see who’s behind you.
8. Cubicle walls do not offer much protection from any kind of gun fire.
7. That nagging feeling that if you press the right button, you’ll get a piece of cheese.
6. Lack of roof rafters for the noose.
5. The walls are too close together for the hammock to work right.
4. 23 power cords – 1 outlet.
3. Prison cells are not only bigger, they also have beds.
2. The carpet has been there since 1976 and shows more signs of life than your co-workers.
And the Number 1 drawback to working in a cubicle is…
You can’t walk out and slam the door when you quit.
Just in Time for Summer: Blockbusters with KSC, Clooney & Jaws!
A
pair
of
“blockbuster” (yes, we
use that term “lightly”)
movies that feature scenes filmed
at the Kennedy Space Center are
making their national debuts on
the large and small screens in the
next few months.
Walt Disney’s production of Tomorrowland, a space-inspired film
that stars George Clooney, was
released Memorial Weekend. In
addition to KSC, portions of Tomor-
rowland were filmed in Altamonte
Springs, New Smyrna Beach and
Walt Disney World in November
2014.
Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No! probably had zero chance to sign actors
with the clout of Clooney, but they
did the next best thing. Ian Ziering
(Beverly Hills, 90210), often considered by someone somewhere to
be the “poor man’s George
Clooney,” will star alongside Tara
Reid and Bo Derek (yes, that Bo
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Derek! Millennials, ask
your Dad.)
In what we consider
to be perfect typecasting, Washington Redskin linebacker Ryan
Kerrigan plays a NASA technician.
Kerrigan is 6-foot-4, 260 pounds,
and will make $7 million this season for the Skins! He must be an
excellent method actor.
Sharknado 3 is scheduled to be
released on the SyFy network July
22 (check your local listings).
Aerodyne News
Summer 2015
Ralph Rohloff
Employee Spotlight
Director of Information Technology & KSC Teammate Principal
Test and Operations Support Contract (TOSC)
Kennedy Space Center, FL
(Left to right): Ralph & Family: Victoria, Ryan, Charlotte, and Matthew.
Education:
Master of Business Administration in Technology Management, University of Houston – Clear Lake (2008).
Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering, Purdue University (1992)
Family/Pets
Charlotte and I have been married for 22 years. We have three children. Matthew (21) will be graduating next year with a Bachelors in
Economics from Stephen F. Austin (Nacogdoches, TX). Ryan (18) will be a Freshman next Fall at the University of Central Florida (Orlando)
majoring in Aerospace Engineering. Victoria (16) will be a Junior next Fall at Merritt Island High School (FL).
Favorite Vacation:
We enjoy traveling to new places, but my favorite was a family trip to Spain when the kids were younger.
Favorite Hobbies/Pastime:
Most of my time is with my family supporting the kid’s extracurricular activities, Band, Soccer, Cross Country, etc. When not doing that, I
enjoy firing up the smoker and barbequing with friends and family.
Favorite Books:
I enjoy spy/espionage books, my favorite is the Mitch Rapp series by Vince Flynn.
Favorite Singer/Bands:
With three kids, I listen to whatever they have on the radio.
People Would be Surprised to Know:
That I ran my first half marathon this year and hoping to work my way up to a full marathon in a couple of years. Also, that I like to cook
to relax, but that may be that I just enjoy eating it afterwards. Somehow the two of those don’t really go together.
What I’ve learned:
Having a job where I get to work with a good team and doing things that I find interesting/challenging and enjoyable makes it fun to come
to work. For a brief time, I left the space industry to work in the petrochemical industry. While the pay was good, it was hard to get excited about making millions of plastic pellets every day. To me, working as part of the Space Program is the most exciting and rewarding job.
Aerodyne News Staff:
Sponsor....................................Andy Allen, CEO
Sponsor....................................Lee Williams, COO
Advisor.................................... Carl McManus
Human Resources....................Terry Lupo
Contributing Editor..................John Janokaitis
The Aerodyne News is published quarterly for the
employees of Aerodyne Industries LLC.
Employee contributions are encouraged and
should
be
submitted
by
e-mail
to:
jj@aerodyneindustries.com.
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