Three Pilots Receive ALA Service Legend Award

Three Alaska Airlines pilots were recognized last Wednesday night by the Alaska MEC for their sustained contributions to improving the lives of Alaska pilots. At its November meeting, the Alaska MEC nominated and voted to recognize three pilots with the 2012 Service Legend Award: Capt. Gary Nowak and retired Capts. Jack Stockton and Greg Calmes.

Nowak, a 26-year Alaska pilot, was a two-term MEC chairman, MEC vice chairman, and a first officer rep for Council 67 in Seattle. Additionally, he served as both member and chairman of the Alaska MEC’s Retirement and Insurance Committee, and as a member of the MEC’s Jumpseat and Negotiating committees and the System Board of Adjustment.

Stockton, who retired in 2007 after 25 years at Alaska Airlines, served as MEC chairman and both first officer and captain rep. In addition, he served as both a member and chairman of the Negotiating Committee, and as a member of the System Board of Adjustment.

Calmes, who retired in 2007 after nearly 24 years at Alaska Airlines, served on the Alaska MEC’s Negotiating Committee, System Board of Adjustment, Training Committee, and Training Board.

“Congratulations to Gary, Jack, and Greg,” said MEC chairman F/O Paul Stuart. “Their efforts on behalf of the Alaska pilot group in important areas, including retirement, insurance, and flight pay loss, have had a positive impact on the entire Alaska pilot group.”

The Alaska MEC Service Legend Award, established in 1997, is the highest honor an Alaska MEC volunteer can receive. It recognizes a pilot whose continued efforts notably aid in achieving the MEC’s goal of improving the wages, benefits, work rules, and job security of all Alaska pilots—past, present, and future.