NATCA Southwest Region

Congratulations to the 22nd Annual Archie League Medal of Safety Award Winners!
NSW is proud to recognize this year’s Southwest Region recipients from Houston Center (ZHU)

Matthew Albrecht
Kenneth Almeter
Theresa Juhl

These outstanding professionals exemplify the highest standards of dedication, professionalism, and teamwork in our National Airspace System. Their ability to remain calm under pressure, solve complex situations, and provide unwavering support to those on frequency is truly inspiring.
A special thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate their peers. Your nominations ensure these aviation heroes receive the recognition they deserve.

Meet Patrick Carter, National Co-Lead for Professional Standards.
Thank you for your continued dedication and for proudly representing the Southwest Region

🇺🇸 Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸

Today we celebrate the birth of the United States and the freedoms that unite us all.

To the dedicated members of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, thank you for the professionalism and commitment you demonstrate every day in service to our nation and the flying public.

Wishing you and your families a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July.

250 years of freedom.

Happy Birthday, America! 🎆

On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston to announce and enforce the Emancipation Proclamation. Although the proclamation had been issued more than two years earlier, it was on that day that many learned of their freedom.
Juneteenth offers an opportunity to reflect on this important moment in our nation’s history and the meaning it continues to hold.
We remember those who endured, acknowledge the progress that has been made, and recognize the ongoing importance of fairness, respect, and equal opportunity for all.

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.