Dominic Padilla of Albuquerque, New Mexico was awarded the BFA's National Crew Person Award for 2015 for his 16 years as an active crew member.
Dominic was nominated by Wells Fargo Pilots Patrick Lamb, Beth Wright-Smith, Don Boyer and Ron Sanchez. They stated that Dominic is the consummate crew person, dedicated, safety-oriented and energized. He currently serves as a crew chief and crew member in an unpaid status for the Wells Fargo balloon team and also helps other professional pilots in the Albuquerque area. He participates as a crew member or crew chief for up to 75 flights and tether events per year. He began crewing when United New Mexico Bank started its hot air balloon program in 1966, transitioning to crewing for the Norwest Bank balloon team and ultimately to the Wells Fargo team.
The nomination team noted Dominic's sense of humor and positive demeanor as his greatest assets. He is always on time, ready to help, ready with a humorous comment, and instantly engages newcomers to the sport of hot air ballooning. In all the years of crewing, no one can recall an incident when Dominic was not in a positive mood. He has recruited many others to help crew for balloons, including his entire family who all serve as crew chiefs or assistants during the year. He can always be counted on to come up with “one more crew member†when running short of help. Ironically, other balloon teams are always wanting to recruit Dominic for their crew because they see his value.
Congratulations Dominic!