Allow me to first thank the VATUSA Staff for their hard work during this time. They are an extremely cohesive and hard-working staff, and definitely kept operations on the tracks. Also thanks to the ARTCC staffs, from the ATMs all the way down. Training has continued, promotions have been made, and events are taking place. I do apologize again for the unforseen delays.
Your new Director requires no introduction. His credentials and experiences, both real world and VATSIM are vast, and having held the position before, this is nothing new to him.
Please welcome Gary Millsaps back as VATUSA1. I know he'll do a fine job.
Congrats Gary!
_________________
Bryan Wollenberg
VATSIM - North America Regional Director
This is awesome. Can't wait to see how this works out. Gary, I wish you the best. Once around wasn't enough, huh? Just remember what you said in TeamSpeak a few short months ago. ;) I sure do.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Blowing my own horn!
Some of you may have heard by now via FaceBook, but I had my funding through the VA approved to go to flight school! I will be attending TransPac Flight Academy in Phoenix. I'll be leaving with a Commercial CFI CFII and MEI for all of your hard earned tax payer dollars. So, let me say THANK YOU to you, for helping my dreams come true! I am definitely very excited, and looking forward to getting back to Phoenix and getting started.
Now, here's the important part: None of this would have ever been possible without VATSIM, and the people who I met in VATSIM and have helped me along the way; Todd Cox, first and foremost for helping me get into the Navy, and helping me to understand that even at 27, I could become a Controller and affect a positive change in my life. Mike Hayden for encouraging me along the way and helping me to better understand ATC. I never would have thought that joining the Navy and becoming a Controller would be the pad that I needed to launch my dreams. Jason Vodnansky for helping me get involved and shape my leadership skills through various positions at Jacksonville ARTCC.
This is why I write this blog. Others need to know that VATSIM is a great organization, run by completely incompetent and ineffective people. The system is corrupt from the highest levels and organized to be a self-serving, self-empowering organization. This was not what the original Founders had in mind.
Now, here's the important part: None of this would have ever been possible without VATSIM, and the people who I met in VATSIM and have helped me along the way; Todd Cox, first and foremost for helping me get into the Navy, and helping me to understand that even at 27, I could become a Controller and affect a positive change in my life. Mike Hayden for encouraging me along the way and helping me to better understand ATC. I never would have thought that joining the Navy and becoming a Controller would be the pad that I needed to launch my dreams. Jason Vodnansky for helping me get involved and shape my leadership skills through various positions at Jacksonville ARTCC.
This is why I write this blog. Others need to know that VATSIM is a great organization, run by completely incompetent and ineffective people. The system is corrupt from the highest levels and organized to be a self-serving, self-empowering organization. This was not what the original Founders had in mind.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Another real gem.
Whoever sent this: Thank you!
Bo,
I have some news that you will find not so shocking, but this was known by VATSIM legal under George Marinakis. It was first discussed under Alex Bailey’s tenure. It concerns the offline actions of the former ATM at Miami.
http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/local/article/sex_assault_case_slow_to_trial/83786/
This case was dropped due to prosecutorial error; the case was not brought to trial quick enough violating the defendants rights. Essentially evidence and interviews were lost. The comment from the former ATM was “My lawyer says I can beat this.”, not the comment expected like, “I didn’t do it!”, this was heard third hand.
It was stressed heavily to Alex B. that he contact VATSIM legal ASAP, it took a little convincing. This conversation took place a week before the Miami live event. No one who was attending the live event knew this, and there were children under 18 who would be attending. What if something happened, could VATSIM be held liable? You could understand the concern.
The note back from VATSIM legal was that they would monitor the situation, but there wasn’t anything they could do. Understandably they could not without a legal resolution. What was shocking to those in the know that no one said or asked him to step down until the issue was resolved.
Now we have this…..
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20100407/ARTICLE/4071040/2055/NEWS?p=1&tc=pg
Read the article, the former ATM in question is mentioned by name on page 2.
I find it fascinating that there is nothing in writing on the network, code of conduct etc. With online pedophiles in abundance and the claimed number of members VATSIM has, there have to be a few on the network and it is my understanding there was one incident previous to this one (there was no mention that anything happened online).
This was the result of a Google search, these articles were not found until Alex B told a select few what the issue was and who was involved.This is public information. His initial reaction was nonchalant at best.
The ATM in question is no longer ATM of Miami, and he may have stepped down because of this new legal action. I noticed the ATM of Miami position was posted on 3/25.
Additionally, and most troubling:
The former ATM still is a Supervisor
Bo,
I have some news that you will find not so shocking, but this was known by VATSIM legal under George Marinakis. It was first discussed under Alex Bailey’s tenure. It concerns the offline actions of the former ATM at Miami.
http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/local/article/sex_assault_case_slow_to_trial/83786/
This case was dropped due to prosecutorial error; the case was not brought to trial quick enough violating the defendants rights. Essentially evidence and interviews were lost. The comment from the former ATM was “My lawyer says I can beat this.”, not the comment expected like, “I didn’t do it!”, this was heard third hand.
It was stressed heavily to Alex B. that he contact VATSIM legal ASAP, it took a little convincing. This conversation took place a week before the Miami live event. No one who was attending the live event knew this, and there were children under 18 who would be attending. What if something happened, could VATSIM be held liable? You could understand the concern.
The note back from VATSIM legal was that they would monitor the situation, but there wasn’t anything they could do. Understandably they could not without a legal resolution. What was shocking to those in the know that no one said or asked him to step down until the issue was resolved.
Now we have this…..
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20100407/ARTICLE/4071040/2055/NEWS?p=1&tc=pg
Read the article, the former ATM in question is mentioned by name on page 2.
I find it fascinating that there is nothing in writing on the network, code of conduct etc. With online pedophiles in abundance and the claimed number of members VATSIM has, there have to be a few on the network and it is my understanding there was one incident previous to this one (there was no mention that anything happened online).
This was the result of a Google search, these articles were not found until Alex B told a select few what the issue was and who was involved.This is public information. His initial reaction was nonchalant at best.
The ATM in question is no longer ATM of Miami, and he may have stepped down because of this new legal action. I noticed the ATM of Miami position was posted on 3/25.
Additionally, and most troubling:
The former ATM still is a Supervisor
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Dave Klain's email
This was sent to somebody and was posted as a comment. I got this email, but forgot to post it because I was busy with "Real life commitments" Not really, this is real life, and I just plain forgot. My bad.
Here's the background (via a comment):
Gentlemen, let's not forget the removal of a Supervisor from his position because he filed a valid complaint against Norman. You can always count on the good ole boy club to band together and protect their own. The corruption runs deep in VATSIM, yet they continue to bark orders from their mothers' basements.
Upon receiving the complaint, Dave sent the following statement to the BoG in order to cover up the removal of the SUP and make it look like it was the board's decision. Excellent leadership Capta... I mean Commander.
Who/what is BT?
Email below:
----------------
I would appreciate any comments/suggestions for improving this email before I send it (I won’t send it until I get home tonight).
BT BT
At this point I think things have gone on long enough. Michael – has ---- responded to your hints about resigning as a supervisor? It is clearly not in the interests of the network that ---- continue on as a staff member in any capacity, let alone a network supervisor where he has access to CERT given his past actions utilizing CERT. I understand that you need to keep good relations with your supervisors, but at this point he needs to go. If it will make it easier, I will call a vote of the BOG on the matter of firing ---- as network supervisor so you can tell him the BOG made the decision. For Terry (and anyone else who may be NORDO in the next day or so), please send me your proxy votes (or post them to this list) so that we will not delay a vote result pending your votes….
Here's the background (via a comment):
Gentlemen, let's not forget the removal of a Supervisor from his position because he filed a valid complaint against Norman. You can always count on the good ole boy club to band together and protect their own. The corruption runs deep in VATSIM, yet they continue to bark orders from their mothers' basements.
Upon receiving the complaint, Dave sent the following statement to the BoG in order to cover up the removal of the SUP and make it look like it was the board's decision. Excellent leadership Capta... I mean Commander.
Who/what is BT?
Email below:
----------------
I would appreciate any comments/suggestions for improving this email before I send it (I won’t send it until I get home tonight).
BT BT
At this point I think things have gone on long enough. Michael – has ---- responded to your hints about resigning as a supervisor? It is clearly not in the interests of the network that ---- continue on as a staff member in any capacity, let alone a network supervisor where he has access to CERT given his past actions utilizing CERT. I understand that you need to keep good relations with your supervisors, but at this point he needs to go. If it will make it easier, I will call a vote of the BOG on the matter of firing ---- as network supervisor so you can tell him the BOG made the decision. For Terry (and anyone else who may be NORDO in the next day or so), please send me your proxy votes (or post them to this list) so that we will not delay a vote result pending your votes….
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Another email
This is the email sent to me by Michael Hodge concerning the resignation. To me, this clearly identifies the problem with VATSIM. Here's my understanding of the issue, very directly. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong. There is a small handful of people on the EC/BoG who are committed to doing a good job. There is a larger handful of completely ineffective "leaders" who have no interest in anything other than self-serving interests. Who are those people? Well, I'm not quite ready to out them, yet, (Rolland Collins) and I just don't think it would be polite to name names (Norman Blackburn). Somewhere along the line, there was no "safety valve" built into the system which allows for the removal of incompetent, inactive, or self-serving people to be removed from the BoG. There is a process, but it is, like every other process in VATSIM a pain in the ass process.
Here's another thought, and since the timing is fitting: If you applied for the VATUSA1 Director position; You're either a fool, or, are a re-run director, which makes you a BIGGER fool. If you're looking to really make a difference, and lead a group of people, you're barking up the wrong tree. If you're a self-serving, ass kissing, good ol boy, you're going to fit right in, but leave with most of those relationships broken or fractured, and frustrated all over again. This email will show you that you're going to be under-cut at every decision. If you're a re-run director, and in with the fellows up top, you're going to last a short amount of time because you're not friends with EVERYBODY on the BoG, and you're going to be stifled at every turn, as well. Those who you are friends with, are going to be left shrugging their shoulders saying, "we tried...and such" but still on the BoG and you're still trying to kiss their asses.
So, without further ado....
Bo,
I am sending this to you simply to clear my name. Despite what some may think, I wanted nothing more than to better the training process within the VATUSA division during my nine month tenure as the VATUSA Training Services Administrator. A feat which I think it is safe to say that I was able to do, at least in some regards.
-Mike
Forwarded conversation
Subject: Resignation
------------------------
From: Michael D. Hodge Jr
Date: Mon, Feb 8, 2010 at 9:47 PM
To: b.wollenberg
Bryan,
I would like to let you formally know that as of the time of this e-mail, I have resigned as VATUSA Training Services Administrator. I have no problem orienting the new guy when he is selected if need be.
Thanks,
Michael D. Hodge Jr
----------
From: Bryan Wollenberg
Date: Tue, Feb 9, 2010 at 12:33 AM
To: vatusa3
Michael,
Allow me thank you for your service and for the amazing work you did as USA3!! I can assure you that you have been the hardest-working guy in the position in a very long time, you worked with your guys from the ARTCCs, and the results of that work are obvious. I have gotten nothing but praise from all sorts of people (including ZLA, who can be a tough crowd to please), and not a single complaint.
So thanks a bunch Mike! I really do appreciate your efforts.
Bryan
----- Original Message ----- From: "Michael D. Hodge Jr"
To: b.wollenberg
Sent: Monday, February 08, 2010 6:47 PM
Subject: Resignation
----------
From: Michael D. Hodge Jr
Date: Tue, Feb 9, 2010 at 12:42 AM
To: Bryan Wollenberg
Bryan,
Thanks for kind words Bryan, for they do mean a lot. However, I'm afraid that you simply don't get it. I want you to think of the reasons why we stepped down, and then look at any possible ways of fixing it. If you need any help with that, i'm here to be of assistance.
-Mike
----------
From: Bryan Wollenberg
Date: Tue, Feb 9, 2010 at 12:51 AM
To:
Hi Mike,
I definitely do get it. Unfortunately, some of the things going on are well beyond my paygrade, and there is nothing I can do to fix them. I know why you and Andrew stepped down, and I can't say I disagree with the reasoning at all. It is what it is. I find myself regularly frustrated by some of the things that go on. But just as you guys are told things by me, I am told by the BOG how things are to be done. There isn't much to be done about that.
To: "Bryan Wollenberg"
Sent: Monday, February 08, 2010 9:42 PM
Subject: Re: Resignation
----------
From: Michael D. Hodge Jr
Date: Tue, Feb 9, 2010 at 1:05 AM
To: Bryan Wollenberg
Bryan,
All I ask, and i'll leave you with this, is two things. First, please remember that perception is everything. It's all about how your perceived by the people above and below you. One should not only try to ensure their perception is positive above their pay grade, but also below. Do you think Andrew knew that his head was on the chopping block when he sent that letter to you about refusing certain aspects of the GRP? Yes of course he knew, but he also knew that by him doing so, he was sticking up for the rights and beliefs of those below him. That single move did a lot more to improve his relations with the ATM's of the division then anything else he did. Not because he put is foot down to the BOG/EC, but because they perceived him as sticking up for what they felt collectively was right (regardless of how "right" that really was).
Secondly, we are all given our positions because someone above us felt like we could do it, and do it well. I always had the philosophy of, "allow me the room and space to do my job, and let me make my mistakes". Alex, Andrew, Rob, and any other "supervisor" over me knew that and respected that. In return I gave them 1000% of my life to doing the job to the extent it needed to be done. If there was ever a point in which I felt like they weren't allowing me the space I needed (within reason) then the choice is simple: bow out gracefully. I'm not saying that is what happened tonight, but more and more it appears as though the EC/BOG are on a "power grab" and that this higher than though mentality exists. It appears more and more as though people aren't being able to do their jobs the way they feel they should be done and instead are micromanaged. Although it isn't affecting me yet, I don't even want to allow it the opportunity. As stated in the first point, it's all about perception. So you, as we all must, ask ourselves, "How am 'I' perceived?"
-Mike
Here's another thought, and since the timing is fitting: If you applied for the VATUSA1 Director position; You're either a fool, or, are a re-run director, which makes you a BIGGER fool. If you're looking to really make a difference, and lead a group of people, you're barking up the wrong tree. If you're a self-serving, ass kissing, good ol boy, you're going to fit right in, but leave with most of those relationships broken or fractured, and frustrated all over again. This email will show you that you're going to be under-cut at every decision. If you're a re-run director, and in with the fellows up top, you're going to last a short amount of time because you're not friends with EVERYBODY on the BoG, and you're going to be stifled at every turn, as well. Those who you are friends with, are going to be left shrugging their shoulders saying, "we tried...and such" but still on the BoG and you're still trying to kiss their asses.
So, without further ado....
Bo,
I am sending this to you simply to clear my name. Despite what some may think, I wanted nothing more than to better the training process within the VATUSA division during my nine month tenure as the VATUSA Training Services Administrator. A feat which I think it is safe to say that I was able to do, at least in some regards.
-Mike
Forwarded conversation
Subject: Resignation
------------------------
From: Michael D. Hodge Jr
Date: Mon, Feb 8, 2010 at 9:47 PM
To: b.wollenberg
Bryan,
I would like to let you formally know that as of the time of this e-mail, I have resigned as VATUSA Training Services Administrator. I have no problem orienting the new guy when he is selected if need be.
Thanks,
Michael D. Hodge Jr
----------
From: Bryan Wollenberg
Date: Tue, Feb 9, 2010 at 12:33 AM
To: vatusa3
Michael,
Allow me thank you for your service and for the amazing work you did as USA3!! I can assure you that you have been the hardest-working guy in the position in a very long time, you worked with your guys from the ARTCCs, and the results of that work are obvious. I have gotten nothing but praise from all sorts of people (including ZLA, who can be a tough crowd to please), and not a single complaint.
So thanks a bunch Mike! I really do appreciate your efforts.
Bryan
----- Original Message ----- From: "Michael D. Hodge Jr"
To: b.wollenberg
Sent: Monday, February 08, 2010 6:47 PM
Subject: Resignation
----------
From: Michael D. Hodge Jr
Date: Tue, Feb 9, 2010 at 12:42 AM
To: Bryan Wollenberg
Bryan,
Thanks for kind words Bryan, for they do mean a lot. However, I'm afraid that you simply don't get it. I want you to think of the reasons why we stepped down, and then look at any possible ways of fixing it. If you need any help with that, i'm here to be of assistance.
-Mike
----------
From: Bryan Wollenberg
Date: Tue, Feb 9, 2010 at 12:51 AM
To:
Hi Mike,
I definitely do get it. Unfortunately, some of the things going on are well beyond my paygrade, and there is nothing I can do to fix them. I know why you and Andrew stepped down, and I can't say I disagree with the reasoning at all. It is what it is. I find myself regularly frustrated by some of the things that go on. But just as you guys are told things by me, I am told by the BOG how things are to be done. There isn't much to be done about that.
To: "Bryan Wollenberg"
Sent: Monday, February 08, 2010 9:42 PM
Subject: Re: Resignation
----------
From: Michael D. Hodge Jr
Date: Tue, Feb 9, 2010 at 1:05 AM
To: Bryan Wollenberg
Bryan,
All I ask, and i'll leave you with this, is two things. First, please remember that perception is everything. It's all about how your perceived by the people above and below you. One should not only try to ensure their perception is positive above their pay grade, but also below. Do you think Andrew knew that his head was on the chopping block when he sent that letter to you about refusing certain aspects of the GRP? Yes of course he knew, but he also knew that by him doing so, he was sticking up for the rights and beliefs of those below him. That single move did a lot more to improve his relations with the ATM's of the division then anything else he did. Not because he put is foot down to the BOG/EC, but because they perceived him as sticking up for what they felt collectively was right (regardless of how "right" that really was).
Secondly, we are all given our positions because someone above us felt like we could do it, and do it well. I always had the philosophy of, "allow me the room and space to do my job, and let me make my mistakes". Alex, Andrew, Rob, and any other "supervisor" over me knew that and respected that. In return I gave them 1000% of my life to doing the job to the extent it needed to be done. If there was ever a point in which I felt like they weren't allowing me the space I needed (within reason) then the choice is simple: bow out gracefully. I'm not saying that is what happened tonight, but more and more it appears as though the EC/BOG are on a "power grab" and that this higher than though mentality exists. It appears more and more as though people aren't being able to do their jobs the way they feel they should be done and instead are micromanaged. Although it isn't affecting me yet, I don't even want to allow it the opportunity. As stated in the first point, it's all about perception. So you, as we all must, ask ourselves, "How am 'I' perceived?"
-Mike
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