NATCA Southwest Region

This Memorial Day, we pause to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. Their sacrifice is the foundation of the freedoms we live and work under each day.

As union members committed to protecting the rights and dignity of working people, we recognize that those rights exist because of extraordinary sacrifice. We remember them with gratitude and respect.

In our workplaces and in our communities, we recommit ourselves to the values of service, solidarity, and responsibility. May we honor the fallen not only in remembrance, but in the way we show up for one another every day.

The Southwest Region was proud to be the location for the 2026 Women in Aviation International Conference, held March 19–21 in Grapevine, Texas.

Women in Aviation International Conference brings together aviation professionals, students, and future controllers from across the industry, creating valuable opportunities for connection, learning, and inspiration.

NATCA Southwest was represented by Regional Vice President John Bratcher and Runway Safety Representative Bridget Singratanakul (DFW). Volunteers at the NATCA booth included Kim Shattuck (D10) and Alicia Jordan, NATCA Meeting Planning and Events Representative.

Throughout the conference, NATCA engaged directly with attendees to highlight its mission, career pathways, and commitment to workforce development and inclusion across aviation.
We look forward to continuing this momentum and supporting the next generation of aviation professionals.

The 2027 WAI Conference will take place February 25–27 in Savannah, Georgia.

Meet the NSW Legislative Committee. These are the members carrying the legislative work of the Southwest Region into NATCA in Washington 2026. Members from across Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico, in Washington this week to walk the halls of Congress alongside our delegation.

This committee was rebuilt from the ground up over the last year. Today, they stand together as the legislative backbone of NSW.

We’re proud of this team. NSW is stronger because of every member in this photo.

The Southwest Region is proud to introduce our 2026 NIW first-timers, here in Washington this week alongside RVP John Bratcher to walk the halls of Congress and advocate for the future of air traffic control.

These members traveled from across our region to be part of something bigger than themselves.

Congratulations to Cory Hajicek (ZFW), recipient of the 2026 NSW Regional Legislative Award. As Alternate NLC Member, Cory’s leadership and dedication to the Southwest Region’s legislative work are unmatched. NSW is grateful for his service and proud to recognize him this week at NATCA in Washington.

Opening reception at 101 Constitution.
32 Proud NSW members in Washington. One team. Veterans and first-timers walking in together.

This week, we set the standard.

TUL Leaves Its Mark on the Future.

Recently, our NATCA family at TUL quite literally left their mark on the future of air traffic control.

Controllers and staff support specialists were invited by the Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust to participate in a milestone moment for the new tower and TRACON facility currently under construction. As part of the event, members had the opportunity to sign and write messages on a structural steel beam that will become part of the new tower itself, embedding their names and pride directly into the foundation of the facility.

Construction on the new tower began in summer 2024 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2028. Once finished, the tower will rise more than 250 feet, replacing the current structure that has served the operation since 1958.

Moments like this highlight the connection between our workforce and the infrastructure we rely on every day. This isn’t just a new building, it’s the next chapter of the operation, shaped by the very professionals who will staff it.

From the cab to the concrete, TUL is building the future.

Every day, air traffic controllers across the country demonstrate outstanding professionalism, teamwork, and leadership. Know someone who consistently inspires and elevates those around them?
Nominate them for the 2026 NATCA National Professionalism Award.

Winners receive national recognition and a trip to Communicating For Safety in Las Vegas, Sept. 14–16, 2026, where they will be honored among their peers.

Nominations are quick and easy—just share a brief work history and examples of their professionalism. Multiple nominations are encouraged.

Deadline: June 1, 2026.

Submit now: www.natca.org/professionalismaward