ATA and its employees "give back" to the community

  • Published
  • By Kathy Gattis
  • AEDC/PA
ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, TENN. --  It's the season of giving, but Aerospace Testing Alliance (ATA) and its employees practice giving not just for a season, but throughout the year.

In Fiscal Year 2013 (Oct. 1, 2012-Sept. 30, 2013), the ATA team gave $156,834 to charities, civic organizations, education and disaster relief.

Education was the biggest beneficiary of company contributions, as ATA donated $71,985 for educational support during the fiscal year.

In 2013, ATA also created a new scholarship program for employee dependents who are pursuing a career in vocational education related to the mission and operations at Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) (drafting and CAD; machine tool technology; mechatronics; heating, ventilation; air conditioning and refrigeration; welding; industrial electricity; industrial maintenance).

As part of the ATA Vocational Technology Scholarship Program, three students receive $1,000 scholarships annually and those are renewable.

"ATA employs a workforce of men and women who are experienced and skilled in mechanical, electrical and industrial systems and crafts," said ATA General Manager Steve Pearson. "Their knowledge, skills and abilities are critical to facility and test support at AEDC, and this program supports training toward that level of expertise."

For all other company donations, the decisions are made by a group of employees elected by their peers. ATA's Employee and Community Activities Committee (E&CAC) meets monthly to discuss requests from area schools, athletic and civic groups.

"The committee is made up of employees with equal representation based on where the employee resides," said E&CAC President Christy Brunner. "This makeup ensures that all areas have representatives who live in their area and have interest in ensuring all local areas are equally considered for monetary disbursements provided by ATA.

"The local communities have supported the work being performed by ATA and its fellow contractors for many years. Supporting businesses, charities, fundraisers and many other local activities allow us (E&CAC) to show our appreciation on behalf of ATA and our willingness to provide assistance wherever it is needed."

ATA employees also showed their generosity during Fiscal Year 2013 by giving $63,925 to surrounding areas.

About $35,000 went to the employee-funded ATA Charities Program (ATACP). Contributions are made on an annual basis and deducted from regular paychecks throughout the year or by a one-time payment.

The ATACP includes the Wounded Warrior Project, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, area hospice, area children's advocacy and local charities that provide food for needy children (on weekends and holidays during the school year) and other groups who provide school supplies - a total of 25 charities in all.

When national calamities hit Texas, New Jersey and Okla., employees wanted to contribute. So, ATA offered workers the opportunity to donate vacation time which was then converted to dollars and given to areas needing disaster relief. The largest was a check sent to the American Red Cross for $14,695.

Later in the year, many ATA employees donated their award fee check to help more people suffering because of natural disasters.

"Our employees and the company have always felt the responsibility to help others in need," said Pearson. "Additionally, we have focused on helping schools by promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs as well as vocational education programs. Our disaster relief donations for West Texas and Moore, Okla. actually went to their school systems because it's easy for them to be forgotten, and they also need the help to provide meals and school supplies for those impacted."

ATA currently employs 1,709 people and is one of the largest employers in the area.