Hello everyone,

My name is Jack Criss, and I’m an FAA Air Traffic Controller currently stationed at Andrews Air Force Base. I’ve proudly served in this career for 16 years, guiding flights safely through our nation’s airspace, a job I love and believe deeply in. I’m also a single father to an amazing teenage daughter, Jaci, who is not only a dedicated student but also one of the top-ranked basketball players in the nation for her age.

As many of you know, the federal government shut down on October 1, 2025, and since then, over 13,000 air traffic controllers, including myself, have been working without pay. Because our jobs are considered “essential,” we continue to report for duty to keep the skies, and the country, moving safely, even as our paychecks have stopped.

This shutdown has now stretched into its third week with no clear end in sight, and the financial strain is becoming very real. I’ve started DoorDashing after work just to try and cover basic expenses, but with tuition, bills, and daily living costs, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to stay afloat.

I’m humbly asking for your help to bridge the gap during this shutdown; to help cover my daughter’s school tuition, associated fees, and essential living expenses until our pay is restored. Every contribution, no matter how small, will go directly toward keeping her education uninterrupted and maintaining stability for our little family through this uncertain time.

Some of you may have seen me recently on NewsNation with Chris Cuomo, where I spoke about the real human impact of this shutdown. While I never imagined being in a position to ask for help, I believe in community and I know how much good can come when people look out for one another.

Thank you so much for your time, your generosity, and your support. Whether you’re able to donate or simply share this link, please know that it means the world to us.

With gratitude,

Jack Criss