Marvin Sutton, left, a Moultrie native, receives recognition from the FAA’s Southwest Region Administrator, Kelvin Solco, during a celebration of his 35 years of service to the U.S. Air Force and the Federal Aviation Administration.
ARLINGTON, Texas — On Feb. 26, Federal Aviation Administration recognized Marvin Sutton, a native of Moultrie and Colquitt County High School Class of 1980, for 35 years of service in the government of the United States (eight years with the US Air Force and 27 years with the FAA as an air traffic controller).
The recognition ceremony was held at Fort Worth Air Route Traffic Control Center in Fort Worth, Texas. The Southwest Region Administrator of the FAA, Kelvin Solco, presented Sutton with a certificate of recognition, FAA 35-year lapel pin, and a lapel pin featuring the Nambo Eagle, which symbolizes virtues of vision, leadership, and success.
Sutton was also presented with a congratulatory letter and a US flag flown over the US Capitol in his honor by US Rep. Joe Barton of the Texas 6th Congressional District. Chris Turner, a member of the Texas House of Representatives, presented Sutton with a state resolution and Texas state flag flown over the state capitol.
Ron Wright, Tarrant County tax assessor collector, presented him with a proclamation issued by Tarrant County Commissioners’ Court, Tarrant County elected government officials. Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association Southwest Region Vice President, Andrew LeBovidge, sent congratulatory letters recognizing this honor.
Sutton enlisted in the Air Force July 7, 1980 and was honorably discharged on March 28, 1988. He served as a security specialist, securing nuclear weapon systems during his first enlistment. After re-enlisting, he served as an air traffic controller.
On Veterans Day 2014, Sutton was one of 43 veterans selected to be published in an Air Force Public Affairs Publication, Veteran in Blue Volume V. His portrait and biography were on display on the fourth floor of the Pentagon.
He was hired by the FAA on Oct. 5, 1988, and on Dec. 13, 1988, he was assigned to Fort Worth ARTCC; two and a half years later he was certified as an professional air traffic controller.
“I worked during 9-11, when our nation was under attack,” Sutton recalled. “My colleagues and I worked skillfully to clear the US skies by landing over 4,000 aircraft in about four hours. That day our skills were tested above and beyond the call of duty.”
Original article can be found here: http://www.moultrieobserver.com
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