Individuals behind your early morning flight

Last week we introduced you to Sylvia Ledesma, Hardee’s Biscuit Challenge Champion. Each morning Sylvia gets up extra early to bake Wilmington some of the best tasting biscuits around.

Today we would like you to meet more of Wilmington’s early risers. Getting up early for these individuals is just a normal day on the job as they make sure you are able to get to your destination on time.

If you fly the friendly skies, you have probably taken an early morning flight. If you think you are dragging when you get to the airport, imagine driving to the airport every morning before 5:00 a.m. The list of people who do is lengthy.

“From the parking lot to the skycaps, the baggage handlers, the car rental people, the info people, TSA and of course the people you see as the ticket counter agents,” said US Airways shift manager, John Kocourek.

At daybreak, it is a whole new world at Wilmington International Airport.

Sharonda Fink, a US Airways ticket agent said, “I like the early morning shifts because it’s like come in and get it over with quick.”

Sheronda works a rotating shift. Some days she is here by 5:00 a.m., other days she works evenings. But the morning crowd, including those customers who have not yet had that first cup of coffee, keep things interesting.

“It’s like watching TV, especially with the new baggage charges and stuff. More excitement in the morning than in the evening because people are like sleepwalking,” said Fink.

Besides the occasional dose of patience, airport staff also needs to be aware and alert no matter the time.

“They’re sharp and on the ball early in the morning and that’s hard to do and I really admire them for that. There’s a world of things going on out here very, very early and they enjoy their work,” mentioned John Kocourek.

We are going bring you a new story each week of people in our community who wake up earlier than most; whether it is by choice, or because it is how they pay the bills.