Department of Aviation Maintenance Coordinator Calvin Truitt recently received the “Unsung Heroes” award from Philadelphia International Airport’s (PHL) Employee Recognition Program. The program honors employees who work behind the scenes and are not typically recognized for their work. Although they do not work directly with guests, their effectiveness significantly affects the airport and guest experience.
As a maintenance coordinator, Truitt works in job control by resolving maintenance issues related to electronics, plumbing, carpentry and safety, while also collaborating with contractors. He’s been at PHL since 2011 and works from 3 to 11 p.m.
“The most meaningful part of my job is passenger satisfaction,” he said. “It’s my duty to make guests feel like their vacation begins once they arrive at the airport, not when they get to their destination. People talk about their experience at the airport when they talk about their vacation. I know how important that is, and I try to focus on that every day. I think about what can improve things so it does not interrupt anyone’s traveling experience here.”
Truitt was nominated by PHL American Airlines Facilities Department employees Pat Lewis, Barbara Calise, Ariel Morales, and Les Vilchock. In their nomination of Truitt, they stated, “Calvin is a true asset to the stakeholders at PHL. He exhibits excellent communication, problem-solving, and follow-up skills. You can always depend on him to ‘jump’ in and get involved in assisting you, even if it is not in his scope of work. Calvin consistently exhibits an eagerness to help. His integrity and respect for others is unparalleled. He loves what he does! His professionalism and expertise in resolving every maintenance problem's root cause are impeccable. This week was a perfect example of many in which Calvin was scheduled to work at 3 pm. His counterpart was getting off duty, and rather than have him get involved, Calvin came to our rescue a few minutes before his shift started. His work ethic is truly amazing. It is a pleasure to work with him as he is always smiling, positive and friendly.”
This employee recognition is the third award he has received at PHL for his above-and-beyond job performance.
“I want everyone to know their value is measurable,” said Truitt. “Before you are recognized, it seems like it takes too long. No matter where you are, do not be afraid to do more than what is required. Someone will see it, and you will be rewarded.”
Truitt believes in efficiency, growth, and making a difference at PHL. “I like the strength and camaraderie we share here at PHL,” he said. “Everyone in job control is amazing.”
Truitt believes that people can change their lives for the better at any moment. “People want to wait for all the stars to align or for New Year’s Day before they decide to start doing something,” he said. “They should start now; you do not have to wait for a sign, just go for it.”
He also believes in taking risks. “If you win, you’ll be happy, if you lose, you’ll be braver and wiser,” he said.
One of his most memorable moments was finding the wedding ring of a passenger who had accidentally lost it. He was happy to see how ecstatic she was upon hearing that it had been retrieved.
“I would like to thank Pat, Barbara, Ariel, and Les for nominating me for this award,” said Truitt. “I feel like we’re doing more than working together. We are building alliances. It’s a family. I also thank the employee recognition award team and everyone that formulates these awards.”
The PHL Employee Recognition Program was established by the airport’s Guest Experience (GX) Department. Honorees are nominated by their peers and selected by the GX Council Steering Committee’s Employee Conduct and Recognition Committee. For more information about the program and to nominate an employee, click here.
