Welcome to March! 

Spring is in the air, can you feel it? Flowers are starting to bloom and warmer weather is near. Don't forget to spring your clocks forward on the 12th and Have a Happy St. Patrick's day on the 17th. And remember, never iron a four leaf clover - you might press your luck.

Congratulations to our March Employee of the Month -

Dave Hood!

Thank you for reading Airways Insider, and as always please feel free to visit us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter!

"Employee of the Month" DAVE HOOD!

"When you think of Airways, you think of consistency, continually thriving for excellence and exceeding the expectations of those we work with. These same words would describe Dave Hood. Other than myself, Dave has been around longer than anyone. 

"Dave is truly the cornerstone of Airways Operations. Having started as a pickup and delivery driver for Caudle Freight Service, (that would eventually become Airways) Dave experienced first-hand the difficulties and challenges our cartage agents and vendors face on a day to day basis.

"With that understanding, Dave went on to develop and train the Airways operations staff for many years before taking on the position of “Compliance Officer” where he has spent the last couple of decades keeping us safe and out of trouble with all government agencies.

"There was never a day that Dave left the office early if there was still anything that was needed to be done, and would then be on a plane the next morning to be wherever he was needed.

"To list all of his contributions to Airways would be impossible. Dave has been a true friend and an unbelievable partner. No one deserves more recognition than Dave Hood.

~ Dale Caudle, Chairman

"When I joined Airways, David Hood was the kingpin of cargo. I think there was only about 15 employees and most of them in operations. David taught them all, including me. If you did not know how to handle a problem, you went to David. If it involved dangerous goods, you went to David. If you needed to charter a plane, you absolutely went to David. We eventually not only worked together but socialized together, including family vacations. However, David never quit working. He answered the phone 24 hours a day 365 days a year, helping customers, agents and staff reduce the biggest nightmares into successful outcomes. 

"He was amazing at handling huge distributions where you might have a couple thousand shipments that required special handling coupled with the need to all deliver at all those locations on the same day or same morning no matter where they were located geographically. 

"Most people currently see David as our compliance officer, not realizing the hundreds of thousands of dollars he has saved Airways through his ability to work with various government agencies in addressing issues where human error or other circumstances left Airways in harms way. Over his four decades of service to the company he not only deserves employee of the month, but also Employee for the life of Airways. He was a hero 40 years ago and still today stands out as one of the greatest assets we have ever been lucky enough to have in our lives.

"I can’t imagine Airways with out David Hood. I know he deserves the time spent award of “retirement”, but I also hope that he will never forget that he has a place here. Maybe he will consider us as a retirement hobby? I hope so."        

~ Ken Center, CEO

"Way back in 1986 I began my career at Airways, David Hood was there routing freight and providing solutions for customers. Only five years earlier he was in the same place, starting work for a fledging freight company, but it seemed like he had been working freight operations all his life. He was a walking encyclopedia of knowledge and always had the answer. Through the years he was always available as the “go to” guy for any questions pertaining to freight. He’d even have a “bird dog” shipment for any new employees (old employees will get this).

"When we started the trade show operation he was supportive and was a big influence in the startup. As the company grew, David was always there to provide support and answers, eventually moving out of the daily operations routine to oversee our compliance and DG. As good as David was at operations, he has been even better at compliance/DG. For over 42 yrs David has given 110% to Airways. Airways would not be where we’re at today without the influence of David and many of us would not be who we are at Airways without his support." 

~ Denny Wood, President

"I have known Dave Hood since my early teens, and as his employee for the better part of the last 17 years I have spent more time with him than I have with most other humans, so I am uniquely qualified to dish up all the dirt on him! 

However, in the 3+ decades I’ve known him my admiration and respect for him has only increased. 

"Dave has proven to be one of the finest humans I’ve ever met and by far the best boss I’ve ever had. As my boss he is steadfast, patient (oh my goodness how I must have tried this poor man’s patience over the years!), clear, deliberate, precise, always as willing to learn as he is to teach, and has gone out of his way to intentionally set me up to succeed. His leadership and strength of character, not to mention his mastery of all things transportation, have kept me his unwaveringly loyal employee. His thoughtfulness, wisdom, and humor will keep me his loyal friend forever. 

"Dave has my eternal love and gratitude for every awesome little and big thing he has done over the years – if he thinks retiring is going to allow him to escape me…baahahahaa…nope!"

~ Jamie Reed, Assistant Security Coordinator

"Dave is one of the most accommodating people I know. Always more than willing to help find a solution for anything that happens at Airways. Have a DG question more than likely he knows it off the top of his head, if not give him 5. Have a TSA question? He is one of the most informed people I know when it comes to that. Always thinking on what is going to push Airways forward while keeping us 100% compliant with any rules and regulations the government might throw at us. He is never to busy for any questions that might come his way. Dave also handled our Friday night happy hour and always made sure everyone had what they needed, always knew what they wanted, and had it ready for them by the time they made it to the South Office. 

"Dave, Congratulations on 40+ years of making Airways one of the best places to work and making sure the family atmosphere is always here. I am not going to say we will miss you because I fully expect to be able to have many more conversations with you at the South Office and company picnics."



~ Erik Fortin, Director of Operations, Product/Domestic Services

"In my 33 years here, I’ve never heard Dave Hood complain about anything, and he has had plenty to complain about over the years…Late night calls from the FAA, the TSA, desperate customers, and staff like myself in situations that felt over our heads. One call to Dave is usually all it ever took to make the problem shrink and feel managed. He could do this with only a few words….never more than needed…just enough to fix the problem and lift the burden off the staff and leave you feeling like it would work out. 

"Dave was the same way in our Management and Board of Director Meetings. He never wasted words and when he spoke we all listened. Rather than hear himself talk, he preferred to quietly just take care of the people here and those that came to the office. Many of our best vendor relationships started with Dave and his consummate host mentality that endeared them to us made them want to work harder for is.  What a great legacy he has left and we all hope he never totally retires!"  

~ Brad Watson, EVP, International

"Some empty seats cant be filled, Dave’s place here at Airways is the perfect example.   Dave is an Airways institution; always reliable and steadfast, in his dedication, demeanor, knowledge, and willingness to absorb your problem as his own and join you in working for the solution.    No one has ever entered his office with an issue and not felt relief that he was quickly invested in it with you, and nothing was ever beyond his figuring it out.   Then there’s the other side of Dave, the one that wants nothing more than everyone to enjoy their day here, end each week with time to unwind and be among friends, and hates the thought that anyone might be lacking food or drink to relax.   He’s a One-of-a-kind in every way, and we wish him all the best in retirement. 



~ Craig Luttrell, Manager, Exclusive Truck-load Division

"I met Dave Hood shortly after coming to Airways nearly 21 years ago. 

Dave has always been helpful to me whether it was questions pertaining to cartage agents, TSA compliance or otherwise.

"Dave’s always been willing to assist with any sticky situation that arose.

He’s managed various classes and compliance training sessions as long as I’ve been here and has always been a resource I could reach out to for any question I had. If he didn’t know off the top of his head, he’d find out and come back to me.

"I appreciate Dave’s willingness to assist with anything, any time.

I can say that he’s been one of the most helpful folks here and I certainly appreciate all the help he’s been to me as well as his friendship and support.

Thanks Dave!"

~ Jerome Casey, VP, Ocean Operations

Congratulations

to Dave Hood on his Retirement!

Let's give a hand of applause for

our 2022 Agent Awards!