Cassie Kiser / CVG Airport / October 8, 2024CVG Airport is a special place where important moments in people’s lives unfold. It is where heartfelt reunions take place daily, but two 90-year-old women, who were once professional baseball players, were in a league of their own at CVG in early September.Mary Moore met her long-term friend, Lois Youngen, at CVG’s Baggage Claim after Youngen flew from Oregon to CVG. The duo was in town to attend the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) annual reunion that was held in Cincinnati this year. Moore was a second basewoman for the League and Youngen was a catcher. Mary Moore (left), Lois Youngen (right)Lois Youngen was 'practicing at CVG'Mary Moore and Lois Youngen had a ball at the airportAAGPBL was the forerunner of women’s professional sports in the United States. It began in 1943 during World War II while many male baseball players were fighting overseas. It provided an opportunity for women to competitively play baseball and build morale across the country.Photo credit: All American Girls Professional Baseball League | (L-R) Lois Youngen, Mary MooreThe League’s first reunion took place in 1982. At that time, more than 300 women from the organization attended. In 2024, less than 10 were able to join. The athletes said because of their age and health conditions, it’s more important than ever to gather in person.“We’re friends, but we belong to one organization and are so close that we all feel like family,” said Moore. “Any time we meet one of our other players, you will always see big smiles, big hugs, and just so much happiness.”Mary Moore and Lois Youngen shared a warm hug when they reunited at CVGAfter Moore and Youngen reunited at CVG, they met up with fellow players. The next day, the group of trailblazers attended a Cincinnati Reds’ game. They walked on the field and Youngen, who had been ‘practicing’ her skills at CVG, caught the first pitch of the game that was thrown by fellow player in the League, Katie Horstman. They were Fort Wayne Daisies teammates; Youngen was the catcher and Horstman was the pitcher.Photo credit: Cincinnati Reds |Katie Horstman throwing the first pitch to YoungenPhoto credit: Cincinnati Reds | (L-R) Mary Moore, Dolly Vanderlip Ozburn, Gloria McCloskey Rogers, Katie Horstman, Jeneane DesCombes Lesko, Lois YoungenThey also participated on a panel at the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum. The women discussed their experiences in the League and how it impacted their lives. The queens of baseball meeting in the Queen City, where the sport began, was a home run, and CVG was excited to play a small part in connecting these friends and teammates for a very special reunion.Get to know Mary MoorePhoto credit: All American Girls Professional Baseball LeagueMoore was a star player for the Springfield Sallies. In 1951, the second basewoman from Michigan led the team in games played (77), hits (75), total bases (96), home runs (3), runs scored (65), and RBIs (48) in 1951. She suffered a severe hand injury while working in a factory in the off-season and returned to the League for Battle Creek in 1952 before she then had a career-ending ankle injury. Today, Moore remains active. She’s on a bowling team and enjoys playing golf. [Read Moore’s full player profile](https://aagpbl.org/profiles/mary-moore-sis/161).Get to know Lois YoungenPhoto credit: All American Girls Professional Baseball LeagueYoungen, who is from Westfield Center, Ohio, played for a few different teams in the League but notably played for the Fort Wayne Daisies in 1952 under the management of Hall-of-Famer Jimmie Foxx. He was inspiration for the character of Jimmy Dugan in ‘A League of Their Own.’ In 1954, Youngen finished the year, the last year of the League, with .284 batting average. She earned a Ph.D. in 1971 and retired in 1996 from the University of Oregon as Director of Physical Activity and Recreation. [Read Youngen’s full player profile](https://aagpbl.org/profiles/lois-youngen/468).

8/16/2024Cassie Kiser / CVG Airport / August 2024Economic growth in the Cincinnati region is fueled by aviation-related economic development. CVG Airport – one of the world’s fastest growing cargo airports – joined its regional partners, REDI Cincinnati, BE NKY, and JobsOhio, on the world stage in participating in the Farnborough Airshow in July 2024. The global event took place just outside of London, England. In addition to promoting how CVG has helped spur tremendous growth for DHL Express and Amazon Air as [North America's sixth-largest cargo airport](https://www.cvgairport.com/business/business-opportunities/air-service/air-cargo/), the Airshow provided valuable opportunities to promote major developments underway at CVG, including [Hangar Row](https://www.cvgairport.com/business/business-opportunities/air-service/air-cargo/hangarrow/) and CVG [Global Logistics Park](https://www.cvgairport.com/business/business-opportunities/air-service/air-cargo/globallogisticspark/). These two projects are key components of the airport’s vision to create a self-sufficient aviation ecosystem.An environmental study is currently underway on the Hangar Row site, and this activity is quickly building the case for investment opportunities. The site covers 350 acres of prime airport real estate, with direct connections to taxiways and CVG’s longest runway. The vision of Hangar Row is to create a one-stop shop for any aircraft maintenance and manufacturing-related needs. “We want our partners to have the opportunity to acquire resources they need without leaving our campus,” said Rich Elwell, director of commercial management, CVG. “Hangar Row will complement the existing business operations at CVG, as well as future business partners.” Global Logistics Park also contributes to CVG’s plan of creating a self-sufficient aviation ecosystem. Freight forwarders and cargo operators will have direct access to aircraft ramps and multiple truck loading docks when this site is built out. In addition, the Park will diversify cargo operations at CVG because its supporting facilities and infrastructure will allow for businesses to ship high-value goods and large parcels that do not have time-sensitive delivery requirements as is often the case with express air cargo and e-commerce logistics fulfillment. “CVG is a critical element of the Cincinnati region, already supporting more than 49,000 direct and indirect jobs and a $9.3 billion annual economic impact,” said Simon Wood, director of air service development, CVG. “We are working quickly to fill Global Logistics Park, which will boost cargo efficiency at CVG.”Hangar Row and Global Logistics Park are new developments underway at CVG. The team that attended Farnborough continues conversations from the Airshow and welcomes the opportunity to connect. To learn more about these opportunities, [click here](https://www.cvgairport.com/business/business-opportunities/air-service/air-cargo/). Photo courtesy of REDI Cincinnati. Pictured from left to right: Kevin Donnelly, REDI; Rich Elwell, CVG; Kimm Lauterbach, REDI; Candace McGraw, CVG; Kimberly Rossetti, BE NKY; Simon Wood, CVG

Have you visited St. Thomas yet?A weekend with friends, a family adventure, or a romantic escape off the grid—whatever your reason to get away, let’s help with some new vacation ideas!A Clearwater Beach sunsetFamily Vacation: Tampa / Clearwater / St. Petersburg, FloridaDestin and Orlando have always been solid destinations for families, but if you’re looking for a change of scenery, consider flying to Tampa.Thrills await at Busch Gardens TampaWhat to do:- Find coasters and family fun at [Busch Gardens](https://buschgardens.com/)- Hop on a streetcar and visit [The Florida Aquarium ](https://www.flaquarium.org/)- Take in a Tampa Bay Lighting, Rays, or Buccaneers game - See the animals at [Zoo Tampa](https://zootampa.org/)- Head down to Clearwater Beach and soak up some sun- On a rainy day, visit the [Glazer Children's Museum](https://glazermuseum.org/)The 250,000 square foot Florida Aquarium is perfect on rainy daysHow to get there:Daily non-stop flights to TPA on Frontier and Delta are about two hours long. St. Petersburg-Clearwater airport (PIE) is also an option with daily non-stop flights from Frontier. Many great hikes await in Colorado SpringsOutdoor Enthusiasts: Colorado Springs, ColoradoYou’ll love hiking throughout this area and visiting one of two dozen trails with spectacular views and varying difficulty levels. There are also a variety of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hotels to charming short-term rentals. Since it is around 6,000 feet above sea level, consider staying a day or two at the start of your trip to help acclimate to the elevation before heading up into the mountains.Garden of the Gods National ParkWhat to do:- [Garden of the Gods Park](https://gardenofgods.com/) with miles of trails to explore- [Red Rock Canyon](https://coloradosprings.gov/redrockcanyon) offers more spots to scope out- Join a [four-wheel drive group tour](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g33364-Activities-c61-t211-Colorado_Springs_El_Paso_County_Colorado.html)Let’s head off-road!- Spend a day and check out the outdoor arcade in nearby [Manitou Springs, CO](https://manitousprings.org/)- Visit [Helen Hunt Falls](https://coloradosprings.gov/helenhuntfalls) or [Palmer Park](https://coloradosprings.gov/parks/page/palmer-park)Helen Hunt FallsHow to get there:Go nonstop to Denver (DEN) on one of five daily flights of your choice offered by Southwest, Frontier, Delta, or United. Snag a rental car and make the scenic one-hour drive to Colorado Springs.A time-lapse along the Thames RiverFirst Time across the Atlantic: London, EnglandIf you’ve always wanted to visit Europe but aren’t sure where to begin, London is a great first-time trip. With a nonstop flight from CVG to Heathrow (LHR) via British Airways, getting there is easy; incredible cuisine and historic sights await so it’s an ideal trip.Westminster AbbeyWhat to do:- See hundreds of years of history at [The British Museum](https://www.britishmuseum.org/) (bonus: it’s free!)- Visit [Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament](https://www.parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/building/palace/big-ben/)- Take a guided tour of the [Tower of London](https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/)- Step inside historic [Westminster Abbey](https://www.westminster-abbey.org/)- Relax in [Hyde Park](https://www.royalparks.org.uk/visit/parks/hyde-park) (the other one)- Stroll through the shops and restaurants of [Covent Garden](https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/london-areas/covent-garden)Covent Garden is spectacular during the holidays.How to get there:Fly nonstop from CVG on British Airways and be in London in under eight hours! There are five flights a week in the summer. There are also one-stop flight options on American, Delta, and United.Amazing views are everywhere in St. ThomasCaribbean without a passport: St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin IslandsVisiting the Caribbean is a favorite for Cincinnati-area travelers, especially in the colder months. But for those looking for a last-minute vacation without enough time to get a passport, the U.S. Virgin Islands are an excellent choice. St. Thomas offers amazing beaches, snorkeling, diving, mountain views, and tasty cuisine. The top-rated beaches of Magens BayWhat to do:- Spend some time relaxing on the beach at [Magens Bay](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147406-d149849-Reviews-Magens_Bay-Magens_Bay_St_Thomas_U_S_Virgin_Islands.html)- Get up close with dolphins at [Coral World Ocean Park](https://coralworldvi.com/)- Snorkel at [Coki Point Beach](https://www.vinow.com/stt/stt-b/coki-point/)- Take a boat ride to nearby [St. John](https://www.visitusvi.com/st-john/)- Enjoy breathtaking views on the [Skyride to Paradise Point](https://www.paradisepointvi.com/)- Rent an ATV and explore the IslandAbundant sea life surrounds you while snorkeling in St. Thomas.How to get there:Multiple daily one-stop flight options are available year-round on American, Delta, and United. Consider a trip in January or February for nice weather, fewer crowds, and better deals. This is a popular spring break destination, and prices can jump in April. Also, good deals can be found in the summer, but keep in mind that is the rainy/hurricane season.Hello Savannah!Romantic Getaway: Savannah, GeorgiaAny destination with that special person can be romantic, right? But some destinations are made for a romantic vacation, and Savannah fits the bill. From late-night strolls through historic streets to a short 20-minute trip to Tybee Island for some beach time, Savannah is perfect for a long weekend or week-long stay.The live oaks of Savannah create the perfect shady canopy.What to do:- Utilize one of the hop-on / hop-off trolleys of [Old Town Trolley Tours](https://www.trolleytours.com/savannah) or [Old Savannah Tours](https://oldsavannahtours.com/) and see the city at your own pace- Go on one of the popular [ghost tours](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Products-g60814-t12066-zfg11866-a_contentId.129029782547+14161074705-Savannah_Georgia.html)- Bring your walking shoes and check out the famous [historic district](https://visitsavannah.com/historic-landmark-district)- Visit the [Cathedral of St. John the Baptist](https://savannahcathedral.org/)- See the live oaks at the [Wormsloe Historic Site](https://gastateparks.org/Wormsloe)- Enjoy water views along [Riverfront Plaza](https://visitsavannah.com/profile/john-p-rousakis-riverfront-plaza/6142)Riverfront Plaza is a perfect place to take an evening walk.How to get there:It’s only a one hour and 40 minute flight, and Allegiant offers nonstop service to SAV five times per week. They’re timed nicely; you can leave on a Thursday after work and return home on a Sunday evening. There are also many one-stop flight options on American, Southwest, Delta, and United.The Tybee Island lighthouseNeed some inspiration for your next adventure? Visit the Jay’s [Deals](https://jetwithjay.cvgairport.com/jays-deals/) page to find low fares for any occasion!Have any suggestions for a trip? Find me at @JayKruzOfficial on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/JayKruzOfficial), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jaykruzofficial/), or [X (formerly Twitter)](https://twitter.com/jaykruzofficial), and let me know!I’ll see you on a hiking trail in Colorado!-Jay

One of the critical functions at CVG is the Airport Operations Center (AOC), where a team full of telecommunicators serve as the watchful eyes and ears of the airport. How do they do this? This specialized team is constantly monitoring all aspects related to safety and operations at the airport while fielding emergency and non-emergency phone calls. At times, the team answers as many as 120 calls daily; more than 5,000 calls are fielded per month during peak times. All of this happens while they juggle a multi-channel radio system, monitor alarms, provide security access to perimeter gates, and page over the intercom systems.The team stays busy. CVG welcomed 8.7 million passengers in 2023, a 15% increase over 2022, and there are more than 16,000 badged employees working across the airport campus.“Earlier in the year, I took a 9-1-1 call from an employee who works with an aviation business at CVG. He had just ended his shift and was walking with a coworker. Once they reached their cars and were saying their goodbyes, the coworker started to have a seizure and was bleeding from biting his tongue. The caller stated that he had never had to call 9-1-1 before and he was scared. With the extensive training I had, I was able to calm the caller so that he was able to answer questions and listen to pre-arrival instructions before airport firefighters arrived on scene,” said Madison Rechtin, telecommunicator.Madison, along with her coworkers, are experts in providing over the phone medical directions before help arrives. They are friendly and remain calm with each caller throughout their shifts and know what action to take when a person needs them the most.“I received a call from a worried mom, who was concerned about her daughter, who is visually impaired. The daughter was trying to fly back home, but she missed her first flight, and her phone battery was dying. I looked at the camera and found the daughter. I then asked a public safety assistant (PSA) to check in on her. The PSA helped the daughter make her way to the ticketing counter so she could get her flight rebooked. I called the mom to tell her the good news, and I connected her with the airline for further assistance. Helping the family was rewarding, and we are always happy to lend a helping hand,” said Kaitlyn Howard, telecommunicator.While calls like the one Kaitlyn described are some of the most heartwarming, other calls may surprise you.“I have talked a caller through AED (automated external defibrillator) instructions then my next call was to enter a work order for a loose toilet seat,” said Jennifer Van Fleet, lead telecommunicator.The telecommunicators dispatch maintenance crews for routine services. If an employee or passenger sees a safety hazard at CVG, they are encouraged to call dispatchers at 859-767-7777 to report the issue. The team of dispatchers also verify IDs for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and other agencies, help passengers locate lost items, and even coordinate mutual aid calls for when a surrounding jurisdiction needs help from airport firefighters or airport police.“We do camera and investigative work for police officers and handle multiple radios and numerous phone calls. We also monitor the weather, help travelers with customer service issues, and ensure first responder safety,” responded Sara McLaughlin, telecommunicator.Although their jobs are high-stress and high-stakes, the team remains a very tightknit group, working together in 12-hour shifts and providing 24/7 dispatch coverage for CVG.“Each and every person in the AOC will jump in and help and back up their partners and each other without hesitation. I can say from personal experience that the comradery we have here is not always present at every other dispatch center. What we have here is unique and could be used as an example for other centers to follow,” said Jason Chambers, telecommunicator.If working on CVG’s telecommunicator team might be a career for you, you are encouraged to apply online at [jobs.cvgairport.com](https://www.cvgairport.com/careers/jobs/), or reach out to hrinfo@cvgairport.com for questions. If you are not looking for a job now but are interested in how you can keep others safe, this is how you can contribute.How you can help1. For emergency calls (medical, fire, life safety, accidents, etc.) call 911. Clearly identify your location as CVG Airport and give the specific operational area of the emergency.2. For non-emergency and administrative calls to Airport Operations, call 859-767-7777 and select the appropriate response in the call tree.3. Please be patient and stay on the line. Due to call volume and the task of juggling multiple calls and radio traffic, you may be placed on a brief hold due to emergency priorities.4. Please be prepared for questions during your emergency call. The protocol of questioning is to get you the best resource and care for your emergency needs. As emergency medical dispatches, we are also providing pre-arrival instructions to help until an emergency responder arrives on scene.5. Be patient on the phone or radio with us; the AOC can get busy, and we are often handling multiple calls at one time.

A helicopter, an assortment of engines, and various small aircraft are some resources available to students at [Epic Flight Academy’s aircraft mechanic school](https://epicflightacademy.com/aircraft-mechanic/). The school held its grand opening ceremony on Monday, April 22 at its new location on CVG’s campus.Students can complete Epic Flight Academy’s program in about 19 months. They will have the opportunity to become FAA-certified airframe and powerplant (A&P) aviation mechanics, which are in high demand, and the students can seek employment at CVG. As one of the fast-growing cargo airports in the world, as well as having robust passenger airline activity, CVG has thousands of jobs across the campus and only looks to increase employment in the years to come, as evidenced by the recent [opening of FEAM Aero’s second aircraft maintenance hangar](https://www.cvgairport.com/business/news/item/business-courier-feam-aero-opens-second-usd45-million-aircraft-repair-hangar/). Many future mechanics are eager for their careers to takeoff.“I’ve been working for an airline for three years. I’ve become friends with other mechanics, and they informed me about this school. It was the right place and right time. I’m excited about electronics and avionics, and I am ready to learn how different computer systems work in each different type of aircraft,” said Elias Unasa, student, Epic Flight Academy. Another student, Dalton Messer, was previously employed in cargo operations, and he is ready for a new opportunity within the aviation industry.“I’m looking forward to being back out on the ramp and being with the planes. I want to learn everything I can, I am really looking forward to it,” said Messer.If you or someone you know is interested in joining Epic Flight Academy’s school, the program is offering year-round open enrollment and has rolling start dates for classes. Eligible students must be 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent, amongst other requirements. You can learn about the school’s curriculum by visiting [Epic Flight Academy’s website](https://epicflightacademy.com/aircraft-mechanic/), or by calling 1-866-359-3742. The opening of Epic Flight Academy’s aircraft mechanic school at CVG represents another way that the airport has become a self-sufficient ecosystem at the epicenter of e-commerce in the United States and a leading job hub for the Cincinnati region.

If you were one of the 8.7 million passengers who made your way through CVG Airport in 2023, you likely walked or drove (let’s hope you didn’t speed) by one of the airport’s police officers. You could have passed Officer Jeannine Nocero, who is often patrolling the concourses, or perhaps you saw a K-9 officer team supervised by Lieutenant (Lt.) Christy Strucke, or spotted a member of the ramp security escort service supervised by Lt. Emily Ritter. All three women took a break from their busy days protecting the public to discuss their roles at the airport.What inspired you to become an officer at CVG?Officer Nocero: I was interested in getting into law enforcement when I was younger, but I never had the opportunity to bring that interest to fruition. Then in 2019, I was working for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and I met a former female Airport Police Department (APD) officer. I told her how I was thinking of getting into law enforcement, and she took me under her wing. I also have a daughter for whom I want to make sure I am a role model. I want to instill in her that it is never too late to pursue your passion in life and that she can do anything she desires if she has the heart and is willing to put in the work.Photo of Officer Nocero from a 2023 training exercise.What do your typical days look like? What are your main responsibilities? Lt. Ritter: As the Special Operations Section Commander, I’m typically in the office. My more exciting days include department training days on the range, or on the mat (fun fact, I was a certified women’s self-defense instructor), or in the cruiser.Photo of Lt. Ritter conducting a self-defense course.In addition, I recently became certified as an airport security coordinator for CVG, and I was elected president of the Northern Kentucky Police Chiefs Association in January. I am a committee member of the Northern Kentucky Police and Sheriff’s Training Center, a Kentucky Law Enforcement Council certified police training academy, and I am undergoing an airport management certification program.Lt. Strucke: I’ve worked at APD for 14 years. My current rank is Lieutenant, and my role is Patrol Commander. As Patrol Commander, I am responsible for all the patrol officers, as well as the explosive detection K-9 teams. If staffing minimums are not met, I step in and help the patrol officers. In addition, I am an airport security coordinator for CVG.Photo of airport police officers. Lt. Strucke is second from the right.Officer Nocero: I could be on the ramp, in the concourses, or in various places around campus. My main responsibilities are to ensure public safety, enforce laws and regulations, conduct patrols, respond to emergencies, conduct investigations, collaborate with airport security personnel, and provide assistance to travelers.What would you say to a woman who is interested in becoming an officer at CVG?Lt. Strucke: I’d highly encourage them to apply. It’s a tough path, but so satisfying. Many women think you can’t achieve work/life balance in law enforcement, but that isn’t the case. While challenging, I still feel a lot of support from CVG as a female officer and a mother.Lt. Ritter: Women have something special to offer this career field, but for all those wanting to do this job, you must earn the badge. Be someone worth trusting and control what you can: your effort and your attitude. Put in the effort to physically prepare for the stresses of the job, and exceed the established fitness standards.Any stories you’d like to tell? Lt. Ritter: The first time I applied to become a police officer, I failed my fitness test and was removed from the hiring process. I failed the first event: the bench press. I knew law enforcement was my calling and had no plans of giving up. Being at Eastern Kentucky University, I was able to seek out and train with someone familiar with the police academy test protocols. I improved on the bench press and push-ups, so when the test was offered again a few weeks later, I was ready. This experience is why I encourage any woman who expresses interest in law enforcement to begin training early and maintain that drive for fitness throughout their career.Photo of Lt. Strucke talking with another airport police officer.Anything else you’d like to share? Officer Nocero: Successful female role models within the CVG Airport Police Department give us opportunities to highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion in law enforcement and can help attract more women to pursue careers in this field.If you're interested in learning more about job openings within the Airport Police Department, email hrinfo@cvgairport.com.