Driven to Serve: Taking flight at the North Alabama Airfest

TTL’s Driven to Serve philosophy took off in a big way in September at the North Alabama Airfest.

While TTL supported the event as a Banner Sponsor, Jeni Jordan, PE, went above and beyond – helping plan and run what many called “the best weekend in Alabama.”

Based in our Decatur office, Jeni’s involvement started two years ago when she assisted with the first Airfest in 2023 and TTL set up a booth to hand out free TTL-branded bottles of cold water. Through this experience, she saw how the excitement of seeing military jets, stunt planes, and exotic cars up close could both draw visitors to North Alabama and expose future generations to the marvels of aviation.

Through her role on the Board of Directors for the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce and her connection with the airport director, she accepted an invitation to join the 2025 planning committee.

“It’s not unusual for me to get involved with things like that,” Jeni said. “To see the things these pilots do with these planes is amazing.”

She was charged with volunteer recruitment and coordination. Ultimately, her efforts led to 80 people signing up to volunteer for the event, a strong increase over the volunteer turnout from the first North Alabama Airfest in 2023.

From staffing helicopter rides to supporting performers and visitors, her team kept the weekend running smoothly.

“There were many long days, but it was a lot of fun,” Jeni said.

The results were incredible. Held at Pryor Field Regional Airport in Tanner, AL, attendance for the 2025 show nearly doubled, jumping from approximately 6,500 in 2023 to more than 12,000 this year.

Her 10-year-old son, Byson, even pitched in, helping pass out water and empty trash cans. And Brian Wysock, PE, who works in North Alabama in the Huntsville office, was recruited to sell beverages in one of the two drink stations at the event.

But Jeni’s efforts haven’t stopped now that the 2025 show is over. Organizers have since asked her to join the permanent planning committee for future events, which will be held annually during the second weekend in September.

She also built valuable new connections with NASA, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, and other partners, reminding us all that service often leads to opportunity.

For Jeni, though, the Airfest was about more than the excitement of aerial acrobatics.

It was about giving back to her community, inspiring young people to explore aviation, and bringing energy and excitement to North Alabama.

“When you get involved with things like this, you’re expanding your network of people you can potentially do business with or make a positive community impact with,” she said. “Every relationship and every connection you make is an opportunity.”