Sky Harbor Navigators Mark Five Years of Helping Travelers

When Susan Lunbery's husband died, the retiree decided she needed to find something to keep her busy.

That's when she heard about Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport's Navigator Program, a cadre of volunteers who help people get around the ever-growing hub.

"I always liked the airport and you really help people," said Lunbery, a Phoenix resident who has spent more than 500 hours volunteering at Sky Harbor in the past 2 1/2 years. "People are so grateful."

The Navigator Program was started in November 2000 with about 30 volunteers. The program, which recently celebrated its fifth anniversary, now has about 550 volunteers and 260,251 volunteer hours logged. The purple shirts and jackets they wear have become their trademark.

The Navigators include people of all ages, but are mostly retired men and women, including retired pilots.

David and Patricia Tejada, a retired couple from Surprise, volunteer together for four hours on Sundays.

"There is one word to describe this group of people -- enthusiastic," David said.

He said they make a day out of it, having lunch and running errands before going to the airport, where they work in the international areas because David speaks Spanish.

Patricia added that it makes traveling at the airport easier. "We know what to take where," she said.

Patricia, a retired educator, said she enjoys talking and interacting with people.

"The Tejadas are an absolute delight," said Kit Weiss, passenger services manager. "They always have smiles on their faces and love helping folks all over the world, all these people do."

Last week, awards were given out for volunteer hours:

* 17 people received 500-hour awards.

* Nine received 1,000-hour awards.

* Three received 1,500-hour awards and one received a 2,000-hour award.

Many other volunteers have received similar awards at previous events. In fact, three Navigators are battling it out for the most hours. All have logged more than 3,000.

"If one gets sick, the others come in to get their hours," Weiss said.

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Becoming a Navigator

Anyone interested in becoming a Navigator should call the Navigator Program Office at (602) 273-3354 or fill out an application online at

www.phxskyharbor.com under the Navigator section of travel assistance. The application consists of general personal information and availability.

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A version of this story also appeared in the Phoenix Community sections.

CAPTION: David and Patricia Tejada assist Jason Brody and his father, A.R. Brody, recently at Sky Harbor International Airport. The Tejadas volunteer as Navigators once a week at the airport. The Navigators recently celebrated their fifth anniversary.