In honor of Military Appreciation Month, we are profiling employees who have either served or are currently serving in the military. This week, we meet 767 First Officer Mark DiCarlo and Station Supervisor Jordan Noland who are also members of the Army National Guard in their respective states, Hawaii and Pennsylvania. Learn more about their commitment to service and to Atlas.
767 First Officer Mark DiCarlo
First Officer DiCarlo.
Tell us what prompted you to join the military?
I serve in the military as a Pennsylvania Army National Guardsmen. For me, nothing is more patriotic than service to your country. I feel so fortunate that I can serve and at the same time enjoy an amazing career in aviation at a great company like Atlas.
What piece of advice would you offer to anyone interested in joining the military? How has it helped you with your career?
I truly believe anyone who is willing and able should serve their country. It instills discipline, self-respect and confidence, and offers a great opportunity to make a difference for the country and the people you love.
What inspired you to get involved in aviation?
My father was an Eastern Airlines pilot and my mother a ticket agent/ramp agent for Midway Airlines. They met at the Philadelphia International Airport. Growing up with parents in the industry, I fell in love with aviation at a very young age.
How did you find Atlas?
Before Atlas, I was working as a pilot for a regional airline. I would often have Atlas pilots on my flights, particularly when flying to Atlas bases such as CVG and JFK, among others. They were always the best dressed (as far as professional uniform standards are concerned), the most friendly and humble, and the happiest. Many times, they would tell stories of the various places they were assigned to fly on their upcoming trips, or where they had just been. All the experiences these pilots shared sounded extremely rewarding and the type of flying seemed more challenging and interesting that what I was doing at my passenger airline. It seemed like a great next step in my career.
First Officer DiCarlo and his family.
What has been your most memorable moment at Atlas?
Starting at day one of my pilot indoctrination at the CVG Training Center, I realized how much of a family company Atlas is. All of the instructors, dispatchers, scheduling, chief pilots, etc., were all wonderful and enthusiastically welcomed the class. They showed us that they cared about their fellow employees, and we were not just the “new guys.”
Is there anything else you would like to share at this time?
The best advice I ever received was from my grandfather, a Korean War, U.S. Army Veteran who said “Whatever you do in life, do it right!” I’m blessed to be able to live this through Atlas and the U.S. Army.
Jordan Noland, Station Supervisor, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
Jordan Noland.
Tell us what prompted you to join the military?
I’m currently serving in the Hawaii Army National Guard. I wanted to join the military, not only to serve, but to better myself as an individual and to push myself to new limits.
What piece of advice would you offer to anyone interested in joining the military? How has it helped you with your career?
My advice is not to be scared and to just do it! Being in the military has helped me throughout my career because I have met a lot of amazing people and made lifelong friends and some great memories.
What inspired you to get involved in aviation?
When I was growing up, I thought working at the airport and around planes was the coolest thing in the world. It still is!
How did you find Atlas?
Prior to Atlas, I was working as a ramp manager at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL). An Atlas Station Rep reached out to me about an opening on the Atlas team and I jumped at the opportunity.
What has been your most memorable moment at Atlas?
Having the opportunity to travel to different stations and gain knowledge and experience on how other stations operate. While working at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) I enjoyed getting a chance to work at a station that serves as a main hub for Atlas. There was something new to learn every day.
Is there anything else you would like to share at this time?
The sky’s the limit, you can accomplish anything you are willing to set your mind to.