Patrick Altree, a SkyWest Airlines employee based in Phoenix, Ariz. first noticed a problem as he was pouring himself a glass of soda. That simple, routine task became a significant turning point when his right hand began to wobble uncontrollably. Soon after, he noticed trouble trying to eat soup or cereal, and his handwriting deteriorated to a scribble.

Patrick said, “I thought it was just stress or caffeine, and that it can’t be anything serious.”

After some encouragement, Patrick scheduled an appointment with a local neurologist. He was asked to perform basic tasks like opening and closing his hands, and walking down the hall. That’s when his doctor noticed that Patrick didn’t move his right arm as he walked. Following some additional testing, Patrick was received his diagnosis: Parkinson’s disease – a chronic, progressive neurological disorder characterized by tremors and general slowing.

“To say I was stunned would be a huge understatement,” said Patrick. At 38 when he was diagnosed, Patrick never imagined he would be living with a disease that normally affects those in their 60s.

“Parkinson’s has taught me a lot about priorities and the strength of the human spirit,” said Patrick. “Most importantly, I try to live a normal life.”

Patrick is also finding ways to fight back, especially when it comes to raising awareness and money to fund research. For the last two years, he has helped organize his SkyWest colleagues to participate in the Step by Step 5K Walk/Fun Run in San Diego. The annual event, sponsored by the Parkinson’s Association of San Diego, provides an opportunity for thousands to learn the latest about Parkinson’s medicine and research, and to find resources to improve their health and fitness. So far, team SkyWest has raised more than $8,000 by participating in the 5K and Patrick is hoping to raise an additional $10,000 this year!

SkyWest Airlines’ commitment to give back to the communities they serve is exemplified by their people in action. Patrick Altree and his dedication is a shining example of the passion and selflessness that is shared by more than 10,500 SkyWest employees share across the United States.

Catch Patrick and the SkyWest team in action this year on Saturday, April 12 at Liberty Station in San Diego, or visit the Team SkyWest page to learn how you can support their efforts!

SkyWest pilot Melissa Adams & daughters

From the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) of World War II to pioneers like Amelia Earhart, women have long played important roles in the aviation industry. SkyWest Airlines is committed to advancing the role of women in the industry, which is one of the reasons they regularly participate in events like the annual Women in Aviation (WIA) Conference. And this year, SkyWest provided several sponsorships so that even more employees could attend the conference in Florida.

For Crystal Jorgensen, a SkyWest flight attendant based in Salt Lake City, Utah, the chance to attend the WIA conference was an incredible surprise.

“I was almost speechless and a wave of pure excitement came over me,” said Crystal. “I was and still am excited and honored of the fact that SkyWest would pick me to go.”

Crystal says the conference gave her a chance to rub shoulders with many amazing people within the aviation industry.

Crystal said, “I not only learned of few ways to go about getting my pilot’s license, but I also learned where different aircraft parts come from and who builds them. As a woman in the aviation industry, I feel blessed to be where I am, although I am not finished.”

For Judi Stephenson, a SkyWest first officer based in Denver, Colo., the conference was a chance to meet some of her aviation idols.

“I stumbled across an article about the WASPs from World War II and I was hooked,” said Judi. “At the conference, I looked across the large conference center and saw Bernice ‘Bee’ Falk Haydu – the woman who was once named as the ‘President of the Order of Fifinella.’ This is a woman whose uniform is on display at the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum and it was an honor to meet her.”

Judi Stephenson & Bee Falk Haydu

Like other attendees, SkyWest employees also had the chance to attend classes and keynote presentations that continued to inspire them in their individual careers. The experience is one that they will not soon forget.

Marie Becker, a SkyWest maintenance purchasing agent from St. George, Utah, said, “Meeting the other SkyWest employees and spending a wonderful day exploring the exhibit hall confirmed that I had chosen the right career.”

“NTSB Chairman Deborah Hersman spoke about safety in aviation. It was so inspiring and as I listened to her stories, it made me want to be a better person, “ added Jill Baker, an Los Angeles-based SkyWest flight attendant.

SkyWest Airlines is proud to employ more 4,100 women. These incredible aviation professionals help in all aspects of the operation, from the ticket counter and ramp, to the maintenance hangar flight deck and inside the cabin. They truly help set the standard for SkyWest to be the Airline of Choice, Employer of Choice and the Investment of Choice.

Marie Becker and Crystal Jorgenson at the SkyWest booth

The people working at SkyWest Airlines are truly what makes the company great. And SkyWest pride was running high as 18-year-old Kent Callister, son of Kim Callister, a SkyWest flight attendant based in SFO, made his Olympic debut in Sochi. Kent is the first Australian man to finish in the top 10 in the snowboard halfpipe at the Olympics.

Kent moved with his family from the Gold Coast in Australia to Oregon when he was 10. He came up through the U.S. junior snowboarding ranks and was even invited to the U.S. team. Kent chose to join the Australian team because of their amazing training program and with the hope of one day going to the Olympics.

Even as he was making his way through the senior international ranks, Kent didn’t expect he would ever be included among the ten best in the world at Sochi. In fact, he just learned his two different double corks in the weeks leading up to the games but has shown considerable composure to perform them for the first time under the pressure of Olympic competition.

“It was more than I ever expected,” said Kent when he reached the final. “It was just unreal, that’s the best contest I’ve ever been in. It was the best day of my life too. I just had so much fun out there riding with everyone.’’

“We could not be prouder of our son!” says Kim. “He is not only an amazing athlete, but he is the kindest, most sincere, fun-loving child we could ask for (besides our daughter)!”

Congratulations, Kent on an amazing performance!

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Imagine being at the airport with three small children in tow, waiting for your flight that has been delayed due to weather. How do you keep your kids entertained and stay sane yourself? Well, if you’re in LAX, just look out the window and maybe you’ll be lucky enough to see SkyWest Ramp Agent Glenn Terao putting on a performance that is guaranteed to put a smile on your children’s faces (and your’s too!).

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Glenn was recently working a number of flights one evening when he noticed Kim Brouillette and her family who were waiting in the terminal. After marshaling several flights, Glenn saw three little faces that kept watching him through the window. When the littlest one started to mimic some of Glenn’s signals, he realized he had found a way to keep the restless travelers entertained.

Before long, Glenn’s audience grew to a number of passengers, old and young who passed the time watching the young girls following Glenn’s instructions. At one point, “Mr. Glenn” as the girls called him, even came in to greet them with Halloween candy. What had once seemed like a terrible wait turned into a night to remember for the Brouillette family.

“My girls will never forget this,” said Kim. “He was a lifesaver!”

It was a memorable experience for Glenn as well. “I think I had as much fun as they did!” said Glenn, “I know what it’s like to be waiting for a flight and to feel restless. I just wanted to do something that would help these kids smile and make their trip an enjoyable one.”

With attitudes like this, it’s no wonder SkyWest’s industry-leading workforce is constantly bringing smiles to thousands of passengers every day. Thank you, Glenn for brightening the day ­­– for these passengers but everyone that gets a chance to experience the type of service you’ve demonstrated!

When Bekki Manville’s brother invited her to run a Rock ‘N’ Roll half marathon in 2008, the Denver-based SkyWest flight attendant accepted the challenge, mostly because she learned she could receive a Superman medal if she ran the whole series. Little did she know that five years later she would become the just the sixth female and first Coloradan (male or female) to run a marathon in all 50 states, all under four hours.

After running 11 half marathons and one full marathon, in which she qualified for the Boston Marathon, Bekki knew she had to keep training. In 2009, she decided to run one marathon per month with no specific goals other than to see how many she could do and to enjoy the adventure. After completing eight marathons, the goal of running all 50 states, while daunting, started to seem attainable. She was finishing with awards, recovering quickly and having no pain. Bekki was blessed with a natural talent and knew she couldn’t throw away such a valuable gift.

After 25 states, Bekki was invited into the 50sub4 Marathon Club, a club supporting runners with a goal of running a marathon in all 50 states under four hours. Once the club reached out to Bekki, she became determined to finish the 50 states and D.C. under four hours and before her 40th birthday. On Sept. 1, 2013, on her 40th birthday, Bekki accomplished her goal in Hawaii in 3:30:12, becoming the youngest female to accomplish the feat.

“It’s always hard and I always hurt, but it’s amazing what positivity can do,” says Bekki. “Some races don’t have enough water, or it’s too hot or the hills go straight up, but it helps knowing we’re all experiencing the same challenges together.”
One of the biggest challenges Bekki faced was getting to and from the starting line. She made it to every state by planning races around her work schedule and where her duties as a flight attendant would be taking her. She even spent nights in her car and in airports but has no regrets. “My co-workers, especially the pilots and other flight attendants I have worked with, have been so supportive and not a trip goes by that I don’t get asked what number I am on,” she says. “It creates a camaraderie in which we share our stories and advice.”

If 50 marathons under four hours isn’t enough to impress you, you may be interested to know Bekki has won four marathons and placed in 31 others, including a victory over her twin brothers in the Layton, Utah marathon!

So what’s next for this running machine? Although she completed an Ironman in 2010, she feels she has unfinished business with triathlons. And with 62 marathons under her belt, she figures she may as well just make it an even 100!

Congratulations, Bekki on your amazing accomplishment and good luck on getting to 100!