| | In This Issue: Hotel Specials, Low Fares & More
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Good News from Airport Director
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Greg Donovan, A.A.E. Airports Director  | VPS Makes Positive Impact. The numbers are in and our airport system contributes $509 million dollars of positive economic impact per year into our local community and employs over 4,500 people. The accomplishment is even more notable considering that all three county airports are financially self-sustaining, generating revenue entirely from airport users, and not dependent on ad valorem taxes.
Good Reason to Compare Fares. When you are planning a trip, remember to compare fares and consider the cost and time of driving. Our parking rates are the lowest in the region and our convenient, central location makes VPS a speedy choice. Check out www.flyvps.com for the latest specials.
- Up to 3 checked bags are free for active duty military on all airlines, whether flying on orders or for personal travel.
- Due to the distinction of jointly using the airfield at Eglin Air Force Base since 1957, our 54 daily commercial flights provide immediate accessibility for active duty, contractors, and dependents.
- The new USO Freedom Lounge lets our heavily worked military make the most of their time in the terminal.
Have a great summer and thank you for supporting your Northwest Florida Regional Airport. |
Hotel Special: Enjoy 1 Night Free
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Now through July 31 bring the whole family to enjoy the beautiful Gulf Coast with a special Buy 3 Nights, Get 1 Night FREE offer from Breakers Condominiums. Feel the breeze of the Gulf of Mexico from your private gulf front balcony. Enjoy breathtaking sunrises and vivid sunsets. Relax in a spacious 1, 2 or 3 bedroom condo, professionally decorated and fully equipped with everything you need to enjoy your vacation. Make your reservation today and don't forget to mention promo code: VPS. (If oil shows up during your stay Breakers Condos will refund the balance of your stay with no questions asked).
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VPS Hosts Book Signing for Local Author
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Decorated ve teran and local author Dann Wallis was on hand to sign his first novel "Burnin' Daylight!" on Friday, June 11th in the front of the Euro Café. "Burnin' Daylight!" is about the American Civil War and was inspired by his great-grandfather John Wallis who served under General Grant. He was also a Prisoner of War. Dann Wallis is a decorated veteran of the Korean War and a local Niceville resident.
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Summer Travel Tips from TSA
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Are you ready for summer travel? Now is the time to brush up on security policies from the TSA. To make sure your trip goes as smoothly as possible, visit their site for tips on: - How to go through the line faster
- Liquid rules for carry-ons
- Prohibited tems
- How to travel with children
- ...and more
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 Low fares are always available from VPS. For example:
Chicago O'Hare (ORD): $236 Houston, TX (IAH): $230 Phoenix, AZ (PHX): $288 - Washington, DC (DCA): $242
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New USO "Freedom Lounge" Opens
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Our new USO C enter is officially open for military personnel to relax and make the most of their time at VPS. We celebrated the Grand Opening of the new facility Tuesday, June 29th with a ribbon cutting and festivities. The center is a joint project between the airport and Military Affairs Committees at local chambers of commerce. Coined "The Freedom Lounge," the new center features workstations, a kitchenette, relaxing furniture, a children's play area, and televisions to provide military personnel with the comforts of home.
 The USO is a non-profit 501c(3), non-governmental organization that depends on corporate and individual support to fund its services and programs. To learn more about the USO, or to make a donation in support of this USO, please email Heidi Blair.
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VPS Hosts WWII Honor Flight
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On May 5th, VPS honored the military with two events. A UH-1 "Huey" Helicopter Dedication honoring local hero and Medal of Honor recipient CWO Michael J. Novosel was followed by the welcoming home of Honor Flight #7. The Lt. Governor and thousands of fans gave the Honor Flight veterans a hero's welcome as they arrived back from their trip.
The Emerald Coast Honor Flight is a non-profit organization which flies a select group of veterans to Washington DC for a free visit to the WWII memorial. Indyne Inc., an information technology firm, hosted this year's trip.
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Congratulations to Ms. Helen Ochs
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 Congratulations to our Employee of the Quarter: Ms. Helen Ochs. Helen has worked for Regional Elite for a year and a half and has consistently provided outstanding customer service for our passengers. Regional Elite delivers a wide array of airport ground handling and customer services for Delta Airlines and other airlines across the nation.
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New Hires Welcome Aboard!
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Scott Musser & Bill Potter  | Scott L. Musser - General Aviation Manager
Scott comes to the staff after serving 21 years in the Air Force as a command pilot where he last served as the Deputy Operations Group Commander at Fairchild AFB, Washington. He has nearly 5,000 flying hours in both military and civilian aircraft and holds an FAA airline transport pilot license (ATP) as well as single engine, multi engine and instrument certified flight instructor certificates (CFI, MEI, CFII). He received his BS in Logistics Management from Weber State University and is MAS in Aeronautical Science, Aviation Management from Embry-Riddle University. His wife Janeal is a registered nurse and they have four boys, Sean, Ryan, Alec and Bret and their dog Meg.
Bill Potter - Operations and Maintenance Manager
Bill joins the airport staff after moving his family to Northwest Florida from California where he was the Assistant Director of Aviation at the Mineta San Jose International Airport. Prior to working in airport management he worked for McDonnell-Douglas in their Airport Compatibility Group and in various aircraft programs. An "Air Force Brat", Bill joined the Navy as an air traffic controller. He received his MBA from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and is one of two accredited airport managers on our team. Bill is a private pilot but has traded planes for boats. His wife Cathy is very active in the south Walton community and their children, Kristy and Felix attend South Walton High School.
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| For additional information, please visit our website at www.flyvps.com or contact our Business Development Manager, Mike Stenson at 850-651-7160 Ext: 1004. | | | | | | |
