Tonight we have the honor of presenting the South Texas PAMA Lifetime Achievement Award to someone who has truly shaped our industry and our community, John Stewart, Southwest Airframe and Tank.

John’s name has become synonymous with leadership and generosity within aviation maintenance. Over the years, he hasn’t just built a respected company,  he’s built relationships, lifted up countless technicians and operators, and shown us all what it means to invest in people as much as aircraft.

What makes John so deserving of this award goes beyond the business success. It’s his heart. John has been one of South Texas PAMA’s greatest supporters from day one. His generosity has fueled scholarships, events, and opportunities that have directly impacted the next generation of aircraft maintenance technicians. Time after time, when we’ve had a vision for what this organization could do, John has been there to make it possible.

On a personal note, I want to say that John isn’t just a sponsor or a supporter, he’s a friend. He’s someone who has believed in this chapter and believed in me. And I know I’m not alone in saying that his impact has reached far beyond Houston and far beyond Texas, it’s felt throughout the entire aviation community.

John, your legacy isn’t just in your amazing company or the aircraft you have touched. It’s in the people you’ve invested in, the students who now have a chance in aviation maintenance, and the industry you’ve strengthened with your leadership and your generosity.

On behalf of South Texas PAMA, and on behalf of everyone here tonight who have been impacted from your generosity, it is my honor to present you with the South Texas PAMA Lifetime Achievement Award.

John, thank you for your leadership, your generosity, your friendship, and your unwavering support. You are truly one of a kind.

Chad M. Tew
Vice President of Maintenance
Wing Aviation Charter Services, LLC.