May 2015 Circulation: 2608 2015 All Chapter Scholarship Awards Program CLUB HEADQUARTERS/ PARENT CHAPTER Bethpage, New York President, Betty Bohlander, (516-575-3777) Our ten Two Thousand Dollar Scholarship Award Winners will be honored at the awards luncheon at the Crest Hollow Country Club on June 24. All applicants will be advised of the results by May 30. CHAPTERS / MEETING LOCATIONS: California - Golden West / Pt. Mugu President, Fred Syrett (805-647-4934) California - San Diego / San Diego President, Pete Belay, (858-484-7307) Join us at the awards luncheon (reservation form is on page 23 of this Newsletter) to honor our Scholars, to celebrate their academic accomplishments, and to wish them well in the college and life careers. [Note: Luncheon reservation deadline is June 17.] Florida - First Coast / St. Augustine President, Fred Bauer (904-819-9817) Florida - Manasota West / Bradenton President, Ted Martines (941-926-8891) ****************************************************************************** Florida - Mid-West / Spring Hill President, John Cornacchia (813-995-2902) Florida - Southwest / Locations Vary President, Carolyn Moors (239-283-8294) Volume 48, Issue 5 From the Cradle of Aviation Apollo 13 Anniversary Celebration Florida - Spacecoast / Melbourne President, Bob Prais (321-242-5782) Florida - Suncoast / Pinellas Park President, Benjamin Hurley (727-527-7281) Florida - Treasure Coast / Port St. Lucie President, Dan Knowles (772-288-2758) Georgia - Peach Pit / Milledgeville President, Janet Sills (706-485-0839) Maryland - Glen Arm / Belair President, Rick Swinder (410-977-7829) New England - New England North / Dorset, VT President, Bill Egner (802-446-2062) New Jersey - Garden State / Lakehurst President, Bill Staples (732-350-9454) New York - Bethpage Chapter & Club HQ President, Betty Bohlander, (516-575-3777) New York - Eastern Long Island / Riverhead President, Bert Moller (631-864-4377) North Carolina - Eastern Carolina / Locations Vary President, Peter McNamee (252-288-4569) Pennsylvania - Northeast PA / So. Sterling President, Charles Dowd (570-491-2125) South Carolina Coastal Carolinas / Myrtle Beach President, Ronald Girardin (843-903-7116) Texas - Houston / Houston President, Angelo LaCognata, (281-326-1665) Virginia - Central Virginia / Monticello President, Fred Meiners (434-589-2882) From left to right: Gene Kranz, Jim Lovell, Andy Parton, Fred Haise (For a brief description of the event, see Bethpage Chapter report, page 4.) ****************************************************************************** New Club Address . . . Correction The new Retiree Club address listed on the front page of our April Newsletter was almost completely correct. The first line incorrectly said: “Attn: Grumman - Northrop Grumman Retiree Club.” The correct first line should simply be “Attn: Retiree Club.” ****************************************************************************** Northrop - Grumman EA-6B Celebration In honor of the retirement of the EA-6B from the Navy, Northrop Grumman will host an EA-6B ceremony on June 2nd, in Plant 15. The intent is to have the Wing Commander and Squadron CO speak about the EA-6B’s last carrier deployment. Northrop Grumman has extended an invitation to those Grumman people who were part of the Prowler program to meet those who have been involved to this point. If you would like to attend, please call the Retiree Office (516-575-3777) so that badges can be arranged. When you call, please leave your name and phone number. Scholarship Program Contributors The Scholarship Fund Directors and the Retiree Club thank the following for their donations: Abbott, Marion Blackton, Charles Brown, Richard Collins, Bart Cosumano, Joanna Delanty, Jeanmarie Ehmig, Victor Figler, Fred Frank, Charles Frauenberger, Howard Garlasco, Frances Joie, Clement Koster, Bernadette Lamberson Robert Leoniak, John Licari, Joseph Licari, Phyllis Maginnis, Rosemary Mustapich, Richard Myers, Robert Noonan, Katherine GRUMMAN RETIREE CLUB NEWSLETTER (USPS # 023-096) Volume 48, Issue 5, May 2015, is published monthly except August and September by Grumman Retiree Club, Inc., Northrop Grumman Corp, M/S Retiree/BP15, 925 South Oyster Bay Road, Bethpage, NY 11714. Periodical postage rates paid at Bethpage, NY. Subscriptions rates of $13 are paid through membership dues. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Grumman Retiree Club, Inc. c/o Command Direct / 310 Oser Ave / Hauppauge, NY 11788-3608 2 Scholarship Program Contributors (continued) 2015 Scholarship Program 50/50 RAFFLE Members of All Chapters May Participate! Padawer, Gerald Pasyanos, Mary Ptucha, William Reilly, Anne Savasta, Robert Schulein, Wallace Schwab, James Steel, Helen Tomilinson, George Weidig, Albert Wirth, Al ********************************************* Enter often. Multiple winners possible. Max prize: $500 for any one person, in any one drawing. Winners announced in the Newsletter, after each quarterly drawing. Send a filled-in raffle ticket (below) and a check (payable to Grumman Retiree Club Scholarship Fund), to PO Box 0748, Bethpage, NY, 117140748. Each raffle entry is $5. (Please indicate how many raffles you are purchasing.) Everyone has a chance to win. This Raffle benefits the Scholarship Fund only. Thank you for continuing the Grumman tradition of supporting education. Your contributions are the Engine that enables our Scholarship Award Program to be a continuing benefit for all Retiree Club Members. ********************************************* Bethpage Chapter Calendar Luncheons/Meetings Membership luncheon-meetings are generally held on the 4th Wednesday of the month. May 27: Crest Hollow Guest Speaker: Jake Bussolini. He will talk about his book, “The Last Chapter,” that gives insight into the behind-the-scenes intrigue before, during, and after the Northrop – Grumman merger. There will be an opportunity to buy the book at the meeting. June 24: Crest Hollow - Scholarship Luncheon Reservation form is Page 23 of this Newsletter September 9: Annual Picnic at Marjorie Post Park September 23: Crest Hollow Guest Speaker: Doug Shaffer, Director and IPT Lead Electronic Attack/Maritime Systems Integration, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. ********************************************************** Senior Blood Drive Please Keep Your (Tax Deductible) Donations Coming . . . Send your checks (payable to Retiree Scholarship Fund) to: Scholarship Fund, PO Box 0748, Bethpage, NY, 11714-0748 Scholarship Program SCHOLARSHIP 50/50 RAFFLE TICKET _______________________________________ Name ______________________________________ Address Northrop Grumman has graciously invited our Club to participate in future NGC blood drives, which will be held in Plant 15, in Bethpage. For details about participating in the NGC blood drives, and for nonNGC blood donation locations around Long island, call the Club office, 516-575-3777. Blood Drive Dates: June 18, August 13, October 3, December 3. Please call the office if you wish to donate on any of those days. Town _______________State ____ Zip _______ Phone (optional) _____________________ Number of Raffles Purchased _____ 3 Bethpage / Parent Chapter April 22, 2015 Spring has sprung and the Grumman Retirees came out for their April meeting at the Crest Hollow CC. The meeting started with the Pledge of Allegiance. A moment of silence was observed for our departed friends and for the wellbeing of the men and women in the service of our country, who fight and die for our freedom. President Betty Bohlander reminded the audience that, during the last few weeks, Club volunteers and officers packed up all the desks, papers, and equipment from our old office, in the basement of Plant 25, for the move to our new office, in Plant 15. The move occurred on April 2, and the office is up to full speed but with some unpacking yet to be done. Geographically, the office is on an outside wall, which offers us two windows and makes for a wonderful working environment compared to the underground bunker that we had before. Everyone from Northrop Grumman has been welcoming, extremely helpful, and inclusive and has made the move a big plus for the office and staff. Last month, you’ll remember, our guest speaker was John Eagan, who is a Research Historian for the Grumman History Center. He spoke about his project to index Newsletter nostalgia stories from over the years. The audience enjoyed his presentation and the few stories he told. We heard that some of the attendees were relating their stories to John that afternoon. Therefore, Betty asked if there is interest in having one nostalgia story told at each meeting. Notwithstanding the audience’s response, Betty said that Neil Klaskin, our Newsletter editor, sent three stories to be read but only one of three will be read today as a start to this program. [Editor’s Note: see page 5 for three nostallgia stories.] Business – Betty Bohlander announced the following: • On April 16, the Cradle of Aviation hosted the 4 celebration of the 45th anniversary of Apollo 13’s tragic flight to the moon and back. The celebration was a huge success, with almost 700 people in attendance, many of whom were Grummies who worked on the program. They were asked to stand for a round of applause and appreciation for their achievements. Dick Dunne moderated a panel discussion with two of the three original Apollo astronauts, Fred Haise and Jim Lovell, who were joined by Gene Kranz, Apollo 13 Flight Director at Houston’s Mission Control Center. You might remember the movie “Apollo 13,” released in 1995, which cast Tom Hanks as Jim Lovell, Bill Paxton as Fred Haise, Kevin Bacon as now deceased Jack Swigert, and Ed Harris as Gene Kranz. L to R: Pat Sullivan, Fred Haise, Betty Bohlander, Lou Kubat, Marion Abbott, Gene Kranz In the discussion, Fred and Jim spoke in detail about their chilling experience and couldn’t give enough credit to the LM vehicle design which, although it wasn’t designed to provide translunar life support for three astronauts, did just that and was fully responsible for their safe return. Gene gave a detailed picture of what was happening on the ground at Grumman and in Houston during those perilous days before successful reentry. It was a wonderful reminiscence of Grumman’s glory days for those of us who lived through the event, but it also was a great story heard by many in the audience for the first time since they had not yet been born on April 11, 1970, when the mission was launched. Ray Mason, who is at all our meetings generously taking pictures, videotaped the panel discussion and - although he had hoped to have it available at our April meeting - is still actively editing the final video to 40 minutes or less and will present it at some future meeting. • Mention was made of an upcoming event, also at the Cradle of Aviation, on May 7, at 7PM. It is part of the Legends of Air & Space lecture series held at the Cradle. The event features a book, “Topgun Days,” which explains what it was like to be a Naval Flight Officer in the F-14 Tomcat. The author is Topgun instructor Dave “Bio” Baranek. • The Club has been given an artist’s conception of the area between Plants 14 and 15, which will be the new location of the Guard Shack and the Static Display Area for both our F-14 (now at Plant 25) and the EA-6B presently at the Airpower Museum. The area should be both impressive and visitor-friendly, with its own Visitor Parking Area. Following the announcements, Betty announced “Storytime,” and read a short Nostalgia story sent to the Club by Paul Couluris, who recently passed away. In 1963, Paul was assigned to design the Lunar Module cockpit, which was unlike any cockpit he had ever been involved with. Grumman’s LM efforts were written about and published in the March 1964 National Geographic Magazine. The article described the mission and a lot of the design details of the Apollo LM, and was accompanied by a large number of candid, on-site, photos. One picture happened to be of Paul in a space suit standing in front of a Lunar Module mockup. This single photo was selected out of the National Geographic Magazine article by an Athens, Greece, newspaper that added the title, “Greek American astronaut Paul Couluris prepares for mission to the moon.” Soon after the newspaper article appeared, Paul’s mother received a letter from her brother who lived in Greece. It said, “My dear sister, I saw in the newspaper that Paul is training to go to the moon. Better he should get married instead.” The audience loved the story and roared with laughter. Betty added, “Sounds like an Italian family.” Club Treasurer Frank Rizzo related the second story. In 1966, Frank was fortunate enough to be on the LM program and had the following story told to him. The original LM contract was signed in 1962 for approximately $436 million. In 1966, NASA redefined the program, which required a renegotiated price. The Grumman team, headed by George Titterton, went to Houston for the negotiations and spent three months unsuccessfully negotiating. They worked through Thanksgiving and - as Christmas grew close - George, in frustration said, “We have been here three months with no progress and everyone is tired and wants to go home for Christmas. So here is the new Grumman price proposal. It is now December of the year 1965 (12/65), so our proposed new price is $1.265 billion dollars.” Presto, that price became the agreed to program price which was, in Frank’s words, the 2nd largest contract that Grumman ever had. The audience was surprised to hear Frank note that he believed that the largest contract and most profitable contract was for the Postal van with the USPS. Frank was greeted with a huge round of applause and thanks. Past President John Vosilla gave us this story: In 1980, when John first came to Grumman, he worked on Plane News. Stories written about the company or the executives of the company were reviewed by the executives for final approval. When John was there about six months, he was tasked with writing a story about George Skurla. After the story’s completion and submittal for review, John was told that George couldn’t go over the document during the week but requested John to come to his office on that Saturday where they could review the write up. George’s request was John’s command and so, on Saturday morning, John, full of anxiety and knees shaking, met with George. Surprisingly, George only spent about two minutes editing and making changes to the write-up, but then sat back, put his feet up on his desk and for the next hour and a half, told John his life story. John was awed and so moved that a corporate president would take time to tell his life story to a young man for no reason other than both of them were “Grumman Family”. John was so touched that he knew that the company and its workforce were special to each other and to the country. John’s story also met with an appreciative ovation. Committee Reports First VP Bob Ripp commented that he is also pleasantly surprised with our new office. He went on to note that, when the Northrop Grumman facility consolidation is finished, the total number of NGC 5 employees in Bethpage will be about 450. Bob also noted that - because of the move - the Office has a new address, but the new address stated on the first page of the April Newsletter is incorrect. The first line incorrectly says “Attn: Grumman- Northrop Grumman Retiree Club.” The correct first line should simply be “Attn: Retiree Club.” Bob then requested the following reports: Community Relations - Second VP Pat Sullivan said that our Club donates directly to charitable organizations but, in addition, gives monies to all the Club chapters for their administrative costs or for them to donate to charitable organizations in their local areas. One chapter has instituted its own scholarship program while another supports the Honor Flight program in which WWII and Korean War veterans are flown to Washington, D.C. to visit their War Memorials, while other chapters support local organizations. Pat happily added that all the membership must be well since we have not received any notifications of illness necessitating the Club sending Get Well cards. She reminded everyone to notify the office if you know of an ill member. Treasurer Reports – Frank Rizzo presented the Treasurer’s report for the Grumman – Northrop Grumman Retiree Club. It was accepted as read. Harry Daum presented the Scholarship Fund Treasurer’s report. It was accepted as read. Harry also reminded the audience that everyone eligible for the scholarship should be working on the applications now. Cutoff for Application acceptance is May 12, and the Awards Luncheon is June 24. He thanked everyone for their generous contributions to the Scholarship Fund and noted that ten scholarships will be awarded. Scholarship Luncheon: Past President Marion Abbott noted that the luncheon provides a cocktail hour, a three-course dinner (choice of Roast Beef, Shrimp Oreganato, or Chicken Milanese), dancing 6 to a great DJ, and an opportunity to meet ten of our finest high school graduates and their families. The cost is $35pp. Put June 24, 2015, on your calendar and come to the luncheon. Luncheon Reservation Form is the next-to-last-page of the April and May Newsletters. If you are requesting a full table for a group, send in one form with all names along with one check, if possible. Marion announced that, at today’s meeting, there was a table with a number of pictures that were found during the Club’s office move. Marion asked the attendees to look at the photos and identify the people, if possible. Marion also announced that, at the end of the meeting, we would have tee shirts and sweat shirts on the table for members to take if they wish. During the move to the new office, an abundance of these shirts were found. Travel - Nick Bazzicalupo: Prime Time is no longer sponsoring discounts for Grumman Retirees, so the present thought is for the Club to make its own arrangements that can significantly reduce the prices up to $50 from Prime Time’s or Rendezvous’ prices. One of Nick’s favorites was a trip to Staten Island with a full dinner, open bar, show with a comedian, and dancing. Prime Time would charge $100 and the Club could arrange it all for $50. We would need the trips in September or October at the earliest. Naturally, Nick finished his talk with two funny stories that got tons of laughter. Atta boy, Nick. Give Nick or the office any travel suggestions you might have. Blood Drive: June 18, 8:30AM to 2PM, in Plant 15. Please call the office (516-575-3777) if you plan to donate so that necessary arrangements can be made for your entry into the plant. All donors, past and present, should contact the Club office and provide their telephone numbers. This will be documented to enable Harry Pro to call all donors and advise them of upcoming drives. Birthdays: Rose Finamore (85 on 4/27), and Harry Pro (88 on 4/19). Happy Birthday! Anniversary: Justin & Linda Perrotta (47 yrs. on 4/27). Congratulations on your milestone. Out of Town Visitor: Pauline Sandman from Eastern LI chapter. Welcome again, Pauline. We welcomed New Club Members: Barbara Andrews Lazares, Curt Fogarty, and Antonio Perez. Prize Winners Door Prizes: Betty Bohlander and Conrad Petersohn Community Relations 50/50: Carole Schatzel (2 prizes), Harvey Knopf, and Pauline Sandman. Scholarship 50/50: John Vosilla ******* Next Meeting: May 27, at the Crest Hollow CC. The meeting was adjourned with the singing of “God Bless America”. By: Lou Kubat, Sec’y. **************************************************** CALIFORNIA / Golden West Our April 14th meeting was held at the Eagles Lodge, in Oxnard Ca. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Sergeant–at-Arms John Urgo and prayer led by President Fred Syrett. Fifteen members were present. We had lunch followed by a short business meeting. Tom Maloney gave the Treasurer’s report. Ralph & Elaine Rossbach celebrated their 50th anniversary this month. Craig Kaston put on a nostalgic program featuring Steve Canyon, a World War II cartoon pilot. The program was very enjoyable and had us all roaring with laughter. 50/50 winners were Bill Judd (twice) and Bob Nastali. **************************************************** CALIFORNIA / San Diego No report of April activity. Contact: Bill Roeckl, Sec’y. [email protected] **************************************************** FLORIDA/ First Coast Thirty-eight members attended our April luncheon today. President Fred Bauer opened by leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by Chaplain Janet’s invocation. We enjoyed our usual buffet feast and plenty of chitchat. Fred called us to order to announce recent correspondence with folks down in Stuart (FL.) Although no longer a Grumman operation, the site will be celebrating it’s 65th year of existence with a 7 reunion dinner and plant tour ($14 pp). Triumph is now operating there. Anyone interested in the May 5, 2015 activities can call Fred for details. Welcome to new member Mark Fontana. Hope we see you every month. Alan McCaffery recently had some medical problems and is recovering his strength. We have heard that Pat Demarzo has a serious medical condition, and Marge Bauer is dealing with severe pain. We wish them complete and speedy recoveries. Our prayers and thoughts are with them. Harry Munson reminds us that the Facebook site “staugustineretirees” is available to anyone who wishes to share information related to us and our friends and neighbors. Bob Rathje asks anyone interested in purchasing E-2 Flight Test Tee Shirts to get in touch with Tom Dugan (904-687-3060). You can see a photo on the Facebook site above. Treasurer Bob also reports we have 92 paid members and he has received $300 reimbursement from headquarters for the donation we made recently. Birthdays in April: Rhoda Lonnie, Joan Digilio, Anne Leone, Peter King, Barre Jenkins, Madelyn Langendorf, Alex Gaillard, William Worth, Arlene De Stefano, Janice Porter, and Bob Fitzgerald. Anniversaries: Madeline & Paul Coronato, Susan & Patrick Shoemaker, Ginny & Ed Deane, Catherine & Werner Langhauser, Jinny & Robert Rathje, and Patricia & William Worth. Next Meeting: May 19 is our Spring Picnic, which will be held at Treaty Park, in St Augustine. Early arrivals start at 10:30AM; there will be Hot Dogs on the grill. At Noon, the hamburgers will be grilled. Sodas, water, plates, plastic-ware, and fixin’s will be supplied by the Club also. Please bring a dish to share with the crowd. Salads, sides, desserts, chips, anything to enjoy. 8 Reminder: Our June Meeting date has changed to June 9. We had seven 50/50 winners this month. Of interest: JED magazine has an article about the A-6 Prowler, Check it out. By: Steve Cacace, Sec’y. [email protected] ***************************************************** FLORIDA / Manasota West President Ted Martines welcomed our eight members and one guest to our April meeting, and called the meeting to order at 12:05PM, at Pier22 Restaurant. This is our last meeting of the Winter season. Our next meeting will be on October 14, 2015. Current planning is to retain our reservation in the Marina View Dining Room at Pier22, but you will be updated prior to October as to time and location. John Zinna reported that Jim Murray has closed out the Chapter’s accounts at the Bethpage Federal Credit Union, and deposited the funds into the Chapter’s C1 Bank savings account. Our guest was Kathryn Murray, daughter of member Jim Murray. Jim suffered with some health related issues the prior month and daughter Kathryn was on hand to help in his recovery. Kathryn also shared some interesting experiences she had while a Summer intern at Grumman, in Bethpage. Con Gilsenan has the chapter copy of Jake’s book on loan, so if anyone wants a good read over the Summer contact Con, or give John Zinna a call or email and we’ll get a copy to you. We missed having VP Bob Nyberg and long time member Peter Goldblatt and their spouses as Bob and Pete have been ill. Best wishes from all and we hope you two are doing better. We’re also missing our long time waiter, John, who no longer is employed at Pier22. The restaurant management told us that John singled us out and wished us well. There was no Trivia quiz this month as VP Bob Nyberg, the winner of the March quiz was responsible for April’s quiz. But fear not: Bob is now on the hook for the October quiz. Our 50/50 winners for April were Jim Winding and Jim Murray. We hope everyone has a healthy and enjoyable summer with friends and family. To our snow birds we wish safe travels to your Summer residences and hope our vacationers all find their way back with good health and stories to share. If you are a Grumman or Northrop Grumman retiree or a current employee in our area, please join us at Pier 22 Restaurant in Bradenton, FL. For future planning, our meetings are held at Noon, on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, in the Marina View Dinning Room, at Pier 22 Restaurant, Bradenton, FL, from October through April. Next Meeting: October 14 By: John Zinna, Sec’y/Treasurer (941-705-2690) [email protected] ****************************************************** FLORIDA/ Mid-West No report of April activity. Meeting Schedule: May 21, 2015. We will be off for June, July and Aug 2015, Sept 17, Oct 15 (our picnic), Nov 19, and Dec 17 (our Christmas party) By: Kathy Cornacchia ***************************************************** FLORIDA / SouthWest No report of April activity. ******************************************************* FLORIDA / Space Coast President Bob Prais called our April 15th meeting to order promptly at Noon and led our 68 attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. A somber Ed Romano followed his invocation with a request for a moment of silence to honor the passing of two of our members, Margie Haines and Ron Stinton. Following the usual bountiful Suntree Country Club buffet, Vice President John Lau introduced our first speaker, Mr. Mike Thompson, the new Director of the Brevard Veterans Transitional Facility (VTF). Mike is well qualified for this important job, having served 20 years in the Army and, by his own admission, close to becoming a resident of the facility himself. The VTF program is nominally of six months duration, providing housing, food, and clothing for homeless veterans. Besides assisting in finding employment, VTF works with the VA in drug and alcohol dependency counseling. VTF’s Melbourne facility is unique in that is the only organization that lets the veterans bring their spouses and children as residents in the facility - - all free of charge. Discipline is maintained with an enforced 9PM curfew, no guests, and zero drug tolerance. Active since 1992, the VTF has a record of 2000 success stories. They accept all types of donations, including food, clothing and furniture. What they can’t use themselves in helping veterans set up in their own homes, they pass on to other local charities. Our chapter’s participation in this program was due to the efforts of our recently deceased member, Ron Stinton. Because of his influence, we have provided 9 a full Thanksgiving dinner to the residents, along with gift credit cards for the children for Christmas shopping. It is likely that this custom will be continued in future years in Ron’s name, memorializing a very special, charitable member. Scholarship: Jim Glover announced the 2015 winners of our Chapter scholarship and the George Skurla scholarship. After an intensive review of the “short” list of 22 applicants, the committee unanimously selected the following: Our second speaker, former Grumman Senior Vice President Jake Bussolini, briefed us on his experience as leader of a team charged with analyzing corporate strengths and weaknesses, and proposing strategies for survival and growth in the 1992-1994 time period. In this position, he was exposed to the political interplay as Grumman attempted to land new contracts. His team members were key participants in studying and proposing a variety of favorable acquisitions and mergers, an exercise that was concluded with the unsolicited take over of the Grumman Corporation by Northrop. George Skurla Scholarship: Caroline Anderson - Heritage High School Chapter Scholarship: Megan McDede - Merritt Island High School Jake touched on the tenuous financial condition existing in the corporation at that time and how it complicated attempts at acquisitions, conditions that many of our members found startling and in contrast to their beliefs over the years. Jake memorialized this period in his book, “The Last Chapter,” which was made available at the close of the meeting Historian/Gremlins: George Graefe called our attention to an annual “Fly-in” at the Titusville airport, on May 9 that brings a diverse selection of aircraft well worth seeing. At 11AM there will be a dedication ceremony for the hangar utilized by our Gremlins for refurbishing aircraft for display: the new sign will acknowledge one of our club founders, Harold Larkin, as also being a founder of the organization to create the impressive combat aircraft museum in Titusville. Treasurer: Bill Waldron reported receipts and expenditures for February and March, noting a $100 anonymous donation in memory of Ron Stinton. All accounts are in satisfactory shape. We welcomed two new members, Connie Blyseth and Dan Dillery. 10 Both of these ladies have top grades, significant records of school activity, and have contributed to their community through outside organizations. Both will be attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University this Fall. We hope they will be attending our May meeting to receive their plaques. Our Scholarship Program provides subsequent awards for these students for the next three years as long as the students are in qualifying programs. Communications: The usually reticent Don Powell reported that, because we need fewer meeting reminder calls made each month, he is able to retire one of our most dedicated callers, Anne Cioffi. While saluting her service, Don could not help but note that this retirement date coincided with Ann’s 39th birthday anniversary! Happy Birthday and thanks for all you do for the club, Anne. With no other business, we take this occasion to remind all our members that the June meeting will be the last chance to socialize prior to our Summer break: Our next meeting (after our June meeting) will be September 16th. Our apologies to Pat & Mary Ranieri for missing their anniversary in February. Particularly because it was their 60th!!! Congratulations . . . ! April Employee Birthdays: Donald Powell, John Kirwan, Frank Daidone, Joseph Wolf, Bill Waldron, Carol Sidorski, Russ Weinert April Spouse Birthdays: Beverly Heuer, Virginia Saladino, Donna Weinert, Elaine Daly, Blanche Soucheck, and Anne Cioffi April Anniversaries: Rob & Maria VanName, Richard & Virginia Dillinger, John & Mary Kirwan, Ron & Jackie Winter, Gene & Joan Burgess, Joseph & Grace Guttadauro, Jim & Diane Glover, John & Blanche Soucheck, and Jerald & Lynn Ernst 50/50 Drawing: There were five 50/50 winners. The grand prize of - a $25 gift card to Carrabba’s Italian Restaurant and a bottle of Pinot Grigio - was won by Denise Herring. Congratulations to all! By: Bill Steenson, Sec’y. ****************************************************** FLORIDA / Suncoast Our April 15, 2015 meeting was opened at 12 noon, at the Hibachi Buffet, in Pinellas Park, FL, by Pres. Ben Hurley with ten members in attendance. Sergeant-at-Arms John Kucin led the Pledge of Allegiance. Patricia Newark gave the Invocation and said a special prayer for our Armed Services men and women in harm’s way. There were four 50/50 winners: John Newark, Ben Hurley, Sam Orella, and Patricia Newark. Birthdays: John Kucin, April 11; John Newark, June 1; Ben Hurley, July 22; Jack Sullivan Aug. 16; and Martha Mead, June 2. (Martha, visiting from Bristol, VA, was the guest of John Kucin.) Happy Birthday and many more. Anniversary: Ben & Anna Hurley, June 9. Happy Anniversary. Sickness & Distress: Sofia Gioulavakis. We hope you’ll be well soon. This is our last meeting before Summer break. We hope to see you on October 21, at the Hibachi Buffet on Park Blvd. & 49th St. N; on the N.W. corner, in the Park Plaza Shopping Center, Pinellas Park, Fl.. Next Meetings: 10/15/15, 11/18/15, and 12/16/15. By: Patricia Newark, Sec’y. (727-360-7339) [email protected] ******************************************************* FLORIDA / Treasure Coast Our April 16th meeting was held at Manero’s Restaurant in Palm City, FL, with 34 members and guests attending. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by President Danny Knowles. The invocation, led by Chaplain Lawrence Regier, was preceded with the announcements of the death of current club member John McDonnell and the death of John Heintzelman, who had been a member in the past. We extend our sympathies to both families. Ken Tolve collected payment for the 65th-year Stuart Site Celebration and Reunion to be held on May 5th. An excellent turn out is expected. Following lunch, Secretary Nancy Schaefer spoke briefly: ** Starting with the May meeting there will be a raffle of freshly baked goodies each month. (One of the Schaefers will bring the item in May; any volunteers for future meeting can let them know and will be gratefully appreciated.) ** Hopefully we will have this year’s scholarship winner at our May or June meeting. (There will be a meeting both months.) ** News of an upcoming picnic should be a little more specific at our next meeting, ** We are trying once again to partner with the Lyric Theatre, in Stuart, to participate in a fundraiser. ** We are excited to have our $1000 scholarship available once again this year, and it looks like 2016 will be the same! 11 Our speaker of the day, (aided by Pete Meier on the projector), was John Dixson. John works for Sikorsky Helicopter, and has been with them for many years. His talk began with a little background about the Army’s helicopter previous to the Blackhawk (which Sikorsky manufactures). more people to attend at the Site Celebration, where I will be giving out invitations! During the Viet Nam War era, the helicopter used in combat was the Bell UH-1 Iroquois (informally the “Huey”). Statistics showed a huge number of losses of that aircraft during that war, and the staggering amount of loss that was not combat related. The government wanted a more durable helicopter, and Sikorsky was in the competition to produce it. Their prime rival for the contact was Boeing. John went on to explain the original design (with photos/drawings) and all of the anomalies that produced a less-than airworthy Sikorsky machine in 1974. He explained the changes made in a very short time to eventually create the world-famous Blackhawk we know today. Next Meeting: May 21, at Manero’s Restaurant. His speech was peppered with personal stories reminiscent of the good-old days of Grumman and reminded us all of days gone by. He also related that he was very impressed with some of the policies that Grumman had adopted in the Human Resource area and, specifically, our President’s role in those forward-thinking ideas that improved the lives of everyone who worked for our company. We thank John for coming and talking to us. Birthdays included Claude Rathgeber, Ceil L’Hommedieux, Joe Gillman and Lou Blum. (Joe and Lou share the same date.) We had two guests: Jeanell Melan and Diedra Rappa. Diedra also joined the club. She is the first recipient of our new visitor policy, allowing any former employees of Grumman, or Northrop Grumman, who have never attended, or have not attended in over a year, who are not already members, to enjoy lunch on us! We hope to find 12 There were four winners of the 50-50 (given out with the help of Fran Overcash) and the meeting adjourned. By: Nancy Schaefer, Sec’y. For more information on any thing, please call 772-528-8169 or email to [email protected] ****************************************************** GEORGIA / Peach Pit Our April 21 meeting at Crockett’s Cafeteria on Hwy 441 in Milledgeville, GA. started at 12:30PM. There were 11 present when President Janet Sills called the meeting to order and asked Secretary Lew Iuliucci to lead attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. Chaplain Designee Mary Archer gave the Blessing, which was followed by the meal and fellowship. Old Business: A motion to accept the March 17, 2015 Minutes was made by Lee Hicks and seconded by Earl Seagle. There were no changes by those present or received by proxy, so the motion passed. New Business: 1. President Janet mentioned that Retiree Club Chapter members, family, and guests are invited to Triumph Group’s Milledgeville Plant Open House on May 2. 2. This year is the 40th Anniversary of a factory we knew as “Grumman Plant 66.” 3. On April 14, a bus full of twenty-six Triumph Group employees and two Grumman- Northrop Grumman Retiree Club members (Vince Ciampa and Earl Seagle) traveled to the City of Atlanta’s International Convention Center where Georgia Governor Nathen Deal named Triumph’s Milledgeville Site, “Large Manufacturer of the Year”. This award was bestowed to the Company during a special Ceremony at the annual Manufacturer’s Appreciation Week Governor’s Awards Luncheon. As an aside: in a prior year, another former Grumman Site, this one in Savannah, GA (Gulfstream) received this “First Place Award” for Companies with over 500 employees. President Janet picked her raffle ticket and won the 75/25 Fund raiser raffle. She donated the winnings to the Community Service Fund. Thank you, Madam President. Secretary Lew Iuliucci extended April Happy Birthday wishes to: Roberta Ciampa [25th], Russ Ewers [15th], Gwen Foster [10th], Bill Gruwell [10th], Diane Gurr [7th], T. Vince McNeese [6th], Juliane Nussberger [4th], Leroy Nash [20th], Bill Stevens [30th], and A. Steve Willis [2nd]. Program: Today’s Program was a group discussion on topics including the upcoming Plant Open House, that Site Award, other recent press releases to include the early years in the life of Putnam County Sheriff Sills, who in a prior year, was named “Georgia’s Sheriff of the Year”, and member non-meeting extracurricular activities being organized by Earl Seagle. Wedding Anniversary congratulations were extended to: Gene & Pat Donovan [23rd]; Gwen & Larry Foster [11th]; Jim & Delores Hicks [21st]; Tom & Maddie Main [23rd]; Fred & Anne Peterson [25th]; Jim & Martha Vinson [1st] and Ted & Linda Zarkowsky [21st]. Treasurer Joe Sansotta reported a positive bank balance. And, in preparation for this year’s benevolence, members will receive this year’s proposed Donation Plan, which replicates last year’s Plan, for a vote. [Note: member vote is returnable by Monday, May 18, 2015]. In Memoriam Long term member Art Minardi passed away on February 19, 2015, in Pine Mountain, GA. Louise Ledbetter Lawrence, from Eatonton, GA, passed away on March 20, 2015. She was the mother-in-law of President Janet Sills, Both Art and Louise are in our prayers and our condolences are extended to their families. Past President Earl Seagle, at a prior meeting, discussed having Chapter members participate in activates to include golf events and day trips to various sites. To date several members have expressed interest, so plans are in work. Community Service: Volunteerism continues as members and spouses aid various causes, including Pints of Blood/ Platelets. A motion to end the meeting was made by Paul Bernichon and seconded by Joe Sansotta. The motion carried and adjournment was 1:30PM. Next Meeting: May 19, at Crockett’s Cafeteria, on Hwy 441 in Milledgeville, GA, starting at 12:30PM. Program is: TBD. By: Lew M. Iuliucci. Sec’y. (478-452-1357) [email protected] ******************************************************* Maryland / Glen Arm Our meeting was held on April 21, at 1PM. We had only a few members show up. Topics covered were: the Treasury Report, the Chapter’s Roster, our Charity Donation, and our Meeting schedule. Those present felt a Summer break would be good. We will confirm the actual schedule at an upcoming meeting; most likely at the June Evening meeting when have a larger number of members present. 13 Club Treasurer Joe Svach reminded members that he’d be stepping down. He agreed to continue in the position until June when we will have our next evening meeting. No one has volunteered for the position as of yet. If you would like to be considered as a nominee for the Treasurer position, please let Rick Swinder know. If you have and questions or suggestions, please contact: President: Rick Swinder (410-977-7829, [email protected]) Sergeant-at-Arms: Rolfe Feser (410-661-2580, [email protected]) ** President Staples then announced that Ann Hilker has volunteered to be our new Treasurer. ** Also, everybody agreed to continue meeting at the same place. Reminder: John Kennedy, one of our long time members who moved to Florida several years ago, called to let us know he will be in Maryland in May, and hopes to stop in at the May meeting. ******************************************************* The meeting was adjourned at 2:10PM. April / May Birthdays: Jerry Lambert- April 16th John Nussle - May 4th Jim Swearingen - May 26th Cas Swinder - May 29th Happy Birthday to you all! Unless Notified Otherwise: Club meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month. Daytime meetings are held at 1PM and Evening meetings are held at 6:30PM. Meeting Schedule: Tuesday May 19, 1PM Tuesday June 16, 6:30PM All meetings are held at the Golden Corral, in Aberdeen, MD. Topics for our Next Meeting : > Charity selection for chapter donation > Treasurer’s Report > Summer meeting Schedule By: Joe Svach Remember, our Chapter is still recruiting members, If any current members have contact info for fellow Glen Arm Grummanites that aren’t members, please pass on our club contact info. New England North By: Carolyn Kerr, Sec’y, (732-244-4483) Chapter is on Winter break. ******************************************************* ******************************************************* NEW YORK Eastern Long Island Chapter New Jersey Garden State Chapter Our April 21 meeting was held at the Crestwood Family Restaurant with eight members present. President Bill Staples called the meeting to order at 1PM. Bill said the March meeting was cancelled because our Treasurer, Al Larsen, had died and President Staples was in Florida. The minutes of the December 16, 2014 meeting were read and accepted. Birthdays – Jan: George Frankel (3rd); Ruth Geiszler (14th). Feb; George Kramer (23rd); Dorothy Zator (26th). March: John Janis, on the 12th. April: Karl Noor, on the 8th. Anniversaries – John & Dorothy Zator celebrated No. 65ton the 29th. Old Business - None New Business ** President Staples gave the Treasurer’s report and discussed our financial status. The report was accepted. 14 Next Meeting: May 19, at 1PM, at the Crestwood Family Restaurant. VP Bob Albert opened our April 15th Meeting, at the Coram Diner, with 18 Members in attendance. Minutes read and accepted and our group voted to return to the Coram Diner for our next meeting. Mytko Report: ** Sergeant-at-Arms Richie Myers reported the passing of Arthur Riley, on 3/24/15. A card was sent to his family. ** Past Prez Leo Jasinski informed us of John McDonald’s passing, on 3/6/15. ** “Dutch“ Roztinger reported the passing of Ronald D’Amico, on 4/11/15. Our thoughts and prayers are with all our ailing members and our condolences go to the families of Members who have passed. To report illnesses, deaths, etc, contact Bill Mytko (1-864-225-4927 or [email protected]) April Birthdays Celebrated: Donald Buniski (4/3), Bill Dwyer (4/13), Happy 85th to “Sunshine Committee Man“ Bill Mytko (4/13), Gerald DiPierro (4/22), and Michael Neysen (4/3) Bill & Joyce Hamilton celebrated their 63rd Anniversary on March 1! Please let me know if I missed any Birthdays, anniversaries, etc. After lunch, meeting was adjourned. Meetings May 20, at the Coram Diner [Route 112 & Jericho Tpke (Rte25)]. Lunch ($15) at Noon; meeting to follow. Thursday, June 18, at Riverwoods (Pauline Sandmann’s Clubhouse): Route 104 (Riverleigh Avenue) Riverhead. Lost? Call 631727-7279 for directions! No Meetings in July or August. Wednesday 9/16; Wednesday 10/21; Wednesday 11/18; December: TBD Happy Mothers Day! Welcome Back, Snowbirds! By: Bob Albert, VP (631-585-7987) ******************************************************* NORTH CAROLINA Eastern Carolina Chapter April 14, 2015 On a warm and sunny North Carolina day, 27 members met at the River Bend Country Club in River Bend, NC. The Country Club has a beautiful and large room for meetings and the food they provide is always plentiful and delicious. Joe Mele & Flossie Johnson were Program Directors; unfortunately Flossie was under the weather and could not attend. Joe led the Pledge of Allegiance; Rudy Ramcke read the invocation in the absence of Ken Gruebel. Bob & Grace Lamberson volunteered to be Program Directors for the May meeting, which will be held at the River Bend Country Club on Wednesday, May 13. Jake Bussolini, who was scheduled to speak 15 about his book, “The Last Chapter” at the April meeting, will be at our May meeting. 4/12 - Patricia Jinks; 4/14 - Evie Gruebel; 4/19 - Inge Parker; 4/20 - Ada Peoples. The June meeting, which will be chaired by Rudi & Marlene Wiehl, will be held on Tuesday, June 9 . . . possibly at the “Clamdigger Inn”, in Pine Knoll Shores, NC. Anniversaries: 4/8 - Karl & Pat Herrnkind; 4/9 Frank & Audrey Bollero; 4/10 - Artie & Fran Miller; 4/19 - Paul & Chris Albers; 4/24 - Ray & Mary Rice. Bob Lamberson gave the Treasurer’s report. We are still in good shape and we have 60 paid members. Bob also suggested that, due to lack of volunteers, six of our nine meetings be held at the River Bend Country Club. The luncheons will have a varied menu and a set price. The other three meetings would be in Pine Knoll Shores and Jacksonville or other venues to make it easier for members who come from the Wilmington area. We decided to give this a try. Joe Mele took the floor and suggested that we have a discussion on current events at our meetings. He is very concerned about the state of our country and would like input from members. He also reminisced about his part in WW2, the planes built by Grumman, and his Navy Career. President Pete told members Bill Willemsen is in the hospital, and Terry & Doris Walker have moved to Florida. He also announced the birthdays and anniversaries for the month. Pete then turned the floor over to Tom Schroder and his portfolio of jokes. Tom told members that among the 27 present, there were five members who graduated from Brooklyn Polytechnic High School. Quite a coincidence, different years! He then had us laughing which is always a great way to end a meeting. Bob Lamberson called the 50/50 winners: Jim Karika, Grace Lamberson, Allan Brown, and Bernie Kuntz. Pete wished everyone a safe home and adjoined the meeting. Birthdays: 4/5 - Jim & Dottie Karika; 4/9 - Ginger Reynolds; 4/10 - Ron Betts; 4/11 - Bob Lamberson; 16 By: Dottie Karika [email protected] ******************************************************* PENNSYLVANIA Northeastern Pennsylvania Chapter Meeting day, April 16th, was nice, sunny, and warm here in Northeast Pennsylvania. Five Couples (the St. Dennisses, the Rademachers, the Saggeses, the Zupps, and the Sparkowskis) were in attendance. WHO CAUGHT THE FLY? We also had an uninvited guest for a while. It was a pesky fly and it was a real pain. So, who bagged the fly? Eileen Saggese used her ninja skills and swatted him when he had his back turned. Scratch one fly. No one had a sickness report. All our previously reported sick people are currently doing well. Treasurer Fred gave the Secretary the latest roster of our members after the dues were paid. I will be updating my roster, so for some of you this may be your last Newsletter. Oh, Well! Secretary Sparkowski reported that he has been in e-mail contact with Jake Bussolini, author of “The Last Chapter”. Mr. Bussolini has expressed an interest to be at one of our meetings. Sparky informed him of our meeting situations, but he stated it did not matter, he still wants to come. Sparky will e-mail Mr. B. and set it up. That brings us to our next meeting. The members present agreed to move our May meeting to Thursday, May 28, at Kays Restaurant, in Lake Ariel. Mr. Bussolini will be in New York on May 27. So Sparky will set up his visit to us for the following day. Anyone who is planning to attend our May meeting must contact Secretary Sparkowski by phone and/or e-mail to let him know you are coming. Deadline for this notification is (hard and fast) Thursday, May 21. This is so that - if we get a large number of attendees - Kays can be ready, or, if Kay’s can not accommodate our group, I will have time to find another location that will hold a large number of members. SOUTH CAROLINA Coastal Carolinas Chapter Our April 1 meeting was held at Ryan’s, North Myrtle Beach, with eighteen members in attendance. After lunch, President Ronald Girardin called the meeting to order, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Sergeantat-Arms Eldon Scott led a moment of silence for our absent members, our country, and military. Anniversary wishes went to Nancy & Don Webber, who celebrate 39 years of marriage on April 3rd. Note: Late Revision!! Jake B. is coming to our meeting in May. However, he has to be at the Cradle of Aviation by 6:30 PM on that day. Therefore, our meeting time will be moved up a half hour, to 11:30AM. This way he can break bread with us, pass on his words of wisdom, and depart for Long Island by 2 PM. Nancy Webber gave the Secretary’s report, which was accepted, seconded and approved. April Birthdays: Betty Heppler, Kathie Herling, Carol Lee, Peggy Petersen, Barbara St. Dennis, and Margaret Wroblewski. Please continue to keep Kay & Ted Hedin, Lee & Bernard Mascara, Janice & Ed Hanlon, and Sally Banker in your prayers. April Anniversaries: Joseph & Jane Belding, Ed & Cheryl Hirsh, and Richard & Sally Petrusa. Congratulations to the 50/50 drawing winners: Artie Rapenport (1st prize) and Dick Seidler (2nd prize). 50/50: Alberta Rademacher . . . Again!! Artie Rapenport gave a brief talk about his career at Grumman and the many job titles he held, from Machine Operator, to Manufacturing Engineer, to Industrial Engineer. Otherwise, we had a good time just talking over old times and recent events in our lives. Next Meeting: May 28, at 11:30AM, at Kays Restaurant, Route 191, in Lake Ariel, PA. Our Guest Speaker will be Jake Bussolini, former Senior VP of Strategy & Technology. So, if you haven’t made a meeting in a while, why not come to Lake Ariel to greet and welcome Jake. Hope to see you in May By: Edward J. Sparkowski Secretary/Chaplain (570-698-7182) [email protected] ******************************************************* Don Webber gave the Treasurer’s report, which was accepted as read, seconded, and approved. For anyone interested in attending our meetings: we meet on the first Wednesday of each month, with the exceptions of June, July, and August, and resume again in September. A list of meeting places is available from Nancy Webber (843-347-2113). Next Meeting: May 6, at Noon. Our Annual Picnic at Lorraine & Ron Girardin’s home, 2035 Woodburn Drive, Myrtle Beach. Everyone is asked to bring a favorite picnic dish or dessert. All Grumman, Northrop Grumman, and Northrop retirees and guests in the area are always most welcome. By: Nancy Webber, Secretary (843-347-2113) [email protected] ******************************************************* 17 In Memoriam TEXAS / Houston No report of April activity. ****************************************************** VIRGINIA / Central Virginia Keeping with our tradition of accommodating all of our Virginia membership, our April meeting was held at Francesco’s Ristorante Italiano, in Williamsburg, VA. The food was outstanding, especially the Fried Calamari. We all agreed that it was the best we have ever tasted. We had ten members in attendance, coming from as far as 150 miles West or 50 miles East of Williamsburg. In attendance were members we hadn’t seen in a while: Chris Julie, Harold Case, Anna Dannenhoffer, and special guest Sam Fletcher, who lives in Williamsburg. Sam was a Grumman Scholar, spending his whole carrier at Grumman. Other members in attendance were Rich Benske, with friend Jackie; Maryanne Muller; Ed Samson; and Bev & Frank Purstell. We had a very short business meeting. Since our last meeting, we made a donation to the Purple Heart Foundation (MPHSF), in memory of the passing of fellow member Edward Riley [203 Antietam Drive, Locust Grove, VA, 22508], on January 30, 2015. His wife, Jean, has taken his membership. All of our members’ 2015 dues have been paid. Frank Purstell gave a financial report: All is well. Meetings: Next Luncheon: May 13, at 12:30PM. We will be returning to: Crab Louie’s (seafood) Restaurant 1352 Sycamore Square Midlothian Turnpike 804-275-2722 18 Directions from Charlottesville: Take 64 East to 288 South to Route 60 East. Go East on Route 60 to Sycamore Square Shopping Center. Crab Louie’s is a yellow house on the left, in the Shopping Center. Final meeting of the season: June 10, at 12:30PM, at “Tavern on the Green” Restaurant Spring Creek Golf Club, 438 Timber Ridge Terrace, Gordonsville, VA. 540-832-0744 We extend heartfelt sympathy to the families and friends of those who have passed away. Blaschuk, FlorenceMelville, NY02/06/2015 Capobianco, EugeneBethpage, NY03/06/2015 Diamant, CharlesCommack, NY02/17/2015 Draghi, Charles “Chuck” West Hempstead, NY 04/24/2015 ************************************************* Emmons, Gordon R. Spirit Lake, ID 11/29/2012 ************************************************* Haines, MargeW. Melbourne, FL03/29/2015 Newsletter Corrections: Hein, CarlWhiting, NJ06/03/2014 From David Grumman: March 2015 Newsletter: top of page 4: The two references to “carbon dioxide” should have been “carbon monoxide.” Carbon monoxide is the deadly gas; carbon dioxide, in normal concentrations, is benign. Helgesen, RobertMt. Pleasant, NC11/08/2014 ******* From the authors of our History articles: The History article in the April 2015 Newsletter had two errors: Page 20: The defense budget was in billions of dollars not millions. Page 21: “. . . Grumman Energy Systems launched the $995 “Sunstream” solar pump heating system . . .” should have been: Kennedy, James P.Columbus, NJ04/07/2015 Klobukowski, AnthonyOakdale, CT04/07/2015 Marinaro, FrankEast Northport, NY03/26/2015 Minardi, ArthurPine Mountain, GA02/19/2015 Romeo, RobertBay Shore, NY04/14/2015 Schmidt, Henry R.Blue Point, NY02/17/2015 Smith, FranklynWest Babylon, NY03/27/2015 Stinton, RonIndialantic, FL03/18/2015 “ . . . Energy Systems launched the $995 “Sunstream” solar hot water system kit, designed a unique solar-heat pump heating system. . . “ ***************************************************** When reporting a death, provide the person’s Name, Date of death, and the City & State of residence prior to death. Notices of member deaths should be e-mailed to the Club ([email protected]), with “Death Notice” as the subject. 19 Grumman History Chapter 30 Shocks In Iran and the Gulfstream III (1977-1978) shocked that this great product would no longer carry the Grumman name. Management had its reasons: there were the tens of millions of dollars needed to bring the G-III through the certification process; there were the three “green” Gulfstream IIs sitting on the tarmac, costing money Grumman did not have as domestic demand took a nose dive due to high fuel costs; and, there was the pesky lawsuit brought on by minority stockholders, as they felt shortchanged regarding a certain dividend payout. Grumman’s optimism was palpable. Progress and achievements were being made on all fronts. Tomcats, Prowlers, Intruders, Hawkeyes, Mohawks, Albatross updates, and a modified Gulfstream trainer (161 aircraft in all) were on the books for delivery in 1977. NASA had selected Grumman to study a beam-building machine as a means of building large structural elements in space. The Raven (the EF-111 Tactical Jamming System being developed for the USAF) rolled out of the Calverton Facility in May. But the coup-de-gras was most likely the passage of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 and the resultant permanent injunction agreed to by Grumman with the US Government regarding the use of foreign sales representatives and other third parties to make questionable payments (e.g., bribes) to foreign government officials. Grumman Aerospace President George Skurla reiterated this optimism at the stockholder’s meeting in May, noting that Israel purchased four E-2Cs and Japan continued to be interested. Unfortunately, the F-18 light weight fighter program continued to rob the funds from the F-14’s engine replacement program. Faced with these financial, marketing, and legal obstacles, the offer made by Allen Paulson for approximately $52 million ($32 million in cash and $20.5 million of American Jet preferred stock) appeared both attractive and a way to get rid of all these “headaches”. Further, Grumman would get paid to complete the Gulfstream III certification as well as receive a royalty on the first 200 Gulfstream IIIs. It was just two years since its creation, but the Grumman Employee Investment Plan (EIP) was growing rapidly and now had 13,000 members holding 1.8 million, or 20%, of the outstanding shares. This made the EIP the largest single shareholder of Grumman stock, a critically important fact in just a few years. [Maybe this was the correct business decision after all. All the author of this article knows is that, to this day, whenever he hears the name “Gulfstream”, he thinks proudly, “That’s a Grumman plane.”] Adding to the success of 1977 were (a) the great report card Rockwell International gave Grumman for the shuttle wings; (b) the Orbiting Astronomical Observatory achieving its fifth anniversary of successful space operations; (c) the $18 million contract from prime contractor EBASCO for our work on the Tokomak fusion reactor; and (d) achieving profitability in Stuart, Florida, manufacturing engine nacelles. On July 24, there was a big commemoration at Calverton as the last Iranian F-14, the eightieth, was rolled out and delivered to the Imperial Iranian Air Force (IIAF). (Note: its delivery was to be delayed to allow it to be modified with an aerial refueling system compatible with Iranian tankers). There were mutually congratulatory speeches and the sense that the Grumman-Iran connection would lead to a lot more business. Grumman proudly posted another record year, with sales and profit over $1.5 billion and $32 million, respectively. The diversification strategy into energy and environmentally kind products continued unabated as, on January 3, 1978, Grumman Allied acquired the Flxible Bus Company for approximately $54 million, in a cash transaction. This next generation urban bus was revolutionary. Its simpler design and aluminum structure made it stronger and safer, and both easier and less costly to maintain and operate. The domestic market for this kind of bus was in the many thousands. But unrest was brewing in Iran. Since an Iranian newspaper accused Ayatollah Khomeini of homosexuality in early January, demonstrations throughout Iran began to take place. They became larger and violent. Concessions made by the Shah did little to quell the increasing civil unrest. Soon after the commemoration at Calverton, in mid-August, demonstrators were killed in Isfahan, the site where 895 Grummanites were housed. Another 38 Grummanites were located near Shiraz (the secondary base for F-14s) and 28 more near Teharan. When adding the other F-14 system contractors such as Pratt & Whitney and Hughes, approximately 2000 United States personnel were increasingly in danger. Sadly, William T, Schwendler, one of Grumman’s six founders, passed away in January of ‘78. He had set the design standards behind those great airplanes in Grumman’s early history, leading to Grumman’s name being equated to Sterling Silver, while earning for Grumman the title “the Iron Works,” from combat pilots. The never ending F-14 budget battles became precarious as the Fiscal Year 1980 proposed budget threatened major cuts. In response, George Skurla issued a “call-to-action”. Responsive employees, retirees, and Long Island at large wrote to Congress seeking to reverse cuts that could reduce the current production rate of 60 aircraft per year to as low as 24. There was some offsetting good news. Japan would buy six Hawkeyes; the US Navy wanted to test the F-14 TARPS (Tactical Air Reconnaissance Pod System), a reconnaissance version of the Tomcat; Israel wanted two hydrofoil gunboats; and the Raven production order was looking good. Then, on page three of the July 28 Grumman Plane News, there was the announcement that Grumman would sell Grumman American Aviation to American Jet, which would rename the business “Gulfstream American.” How was this possible? Just three months earlier, Grumman had announced the go-ahead of the Gulfstream III. This re-engined beauty had already completed wind tunnel testing and first flight was scheduled for the fall of 1979. It would have intercontinental range and feature supercritical wings with winglets. This Gulfstream would retain the marquee title as the Rolls Royce of the executive jets. Grummanites to the person loved the Gulfstream and stood proud about its reputation. It fit Grumman’s heritage in the same way that a hand fits into a glove. All were 20 Retired Admiral Leonard “Swoose” Snead, Richard Barton’s replacement as Director of Grumman’s F-14 Program in Iran, was watching this rapidly deteriorating situation as the Shah’s declaration of martial law in early September also failed. It was becoming evident that the American belief that the Shah could handle this insurrection was not valid. By December, thousands of protesters took to the streets violating the curfew. Ayatollah Khomeini responded to the Shahs attempt at reconciliation by calling for his overthrow. Swoose Snead acted and implemented an escape plan, getting Grummanites out of the Isfahan office before it was set on fire and destroyed, while arranging for an escape flight. Rescue planes brought Grummanites from Shiraz and Teheran as millions of Iranians, 10% of the entire country marched in protest against the Shah that December 10th. On that very evening, a packed DC-10 escape plane from Iran landed in Calverton with 40 employees, 300 dependents, and associated contractor personnel (376 in all) plus 15 pets. George Skurla was there, that cold, blustery evening, individually greeting these embattled employees while thanking all who helped them escape. Swoose Snead and 57 others remained behind. By: Ken Speiser and Larry Feliu Copyright ÀÛ˜Ü 2015 by Kenneth Speiser and Larry Feliu, All rights reserved 21 GRUMMAN RETIREE CLUB - SCHOLASHIP LUNCHEON RESERVATION FORM Menu Choices: Roast Beef, Shrimp Oreganato or Chicken Milanese I wish to reserve seats at the June 24, 2015 Luncheon (Noon – 4PM) for these dues-paying Grumman Retiree Club members, their spouses and/or guests: GN_6-10_GN_10-07 10/5/10 4:09 PM Page 1 IMAX ® The Bristal Assisted Living offers all Grumman Retirees $1,000 off your first month’s rent should you or an immediate family member move into any of our luxurious communities including Reflections, for memory impaired adults*. For deTAiLs cALL (631) 580.2004 NOW PLAYING NEW! Legends of Flight. This unique cinematic experience shows how the 787 might affect the next 100 years of aeronautical design. Check One Check One Full Name (please print) Phone No. Beef Fish Pasta Retiree Guest 1. _____________________________ _____________ ____ ___ ____ _____ _____ 2. _____________________________ _____________ ____ ___ ____ _____ _____ 3. _____________________________ _____________ ____ ___ ____ _____ _____ 4. _____________________________ _____________ ____ ___ ____ _____ _____ 5. _____________________________ _____________ ____ ___ ____ _____ _____ 6. _____________________________ _____________ ____ ___ ____ _____ _____ 7. _____________________________ _____________ ____ ___ ____ _____ _____ 8. _____________________________ _____________ ____ ___ ____ _____ _____ 9. _____________________________ _____________ ____ ___ ____ _____ _____ 10. ___________________________ _____________ ____ ___ ____ _____ _____ 11. ___________________________ ______________ ____ ___ ____ _____ _____ 12. ____________________________ ______________ ____ ___ ____ _____ _____ Armonk | East Meadow East Northport | Lynbrook Massapequa | North Hills North Woodmere | Sayville the bristal.com Westbury | White Plains Woodcliff Lake, NJ * based upon availability of discounted apartments OPEn 9:30-5:00 PM Tuesday through Sunday Call 516-572-4111 www.CradleOfAviation.org Leroy R. and Rose W. Grumman IMAX Dome Theater Charles Lindbergh Blvd., Garden City, NY - ALL TABLES SEAT TWELVE. A MINIMUM OF TEN IS REQUIRED TO RESERVE A TABLE. - SEVEN DAYS NOTICE IS REQUIRED IN ORDER TO RECEIVE A FULL REFUND. - PLEASE SEND ONE CHECK TO COVER LUNCH FOR YOU AND YOUR GUESTS. CREST HOLLOW MAY 27TH LUNCHEON RESERVATION FORM Member Name (print) __________________________________________ Guest Names (print) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ No. of Members attending _____ No. of Guests attending _____ No. of Chicken _____ No. of Fish _____ Luncheon coupons should be mailed to Grumman Retiree Club, Inc. PO Box 476 Bethpage, NY 11714 $10 per member - $20 per guest PLEASE RESPOND BY MAY 20 The Grumman Retiree Club does not specifically endorse or represent advertisers. Attached please find $_______representing $35.00 per person for _________ people. Table Captain:_____________________________________ Address: ________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Ticket Purchase Deadline: June 17, 2015 E-Mail address:__________________________________________________________________________________________ Remarks:________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Please make all checks payable to: GRUMMAN RETIREE CLUB. Please send this form and checks to: Marion Abbott, PO Box 476, Bethpage, NY 11714. No tickets will be issued. To verify that your check has been received, please call Marion or Pat, at 516-575-3777. Attn: Retiree Club Northrop Grumman Corporation 925 South Oyster Bay Road Bethpage, NY 11714 NORTHROP GRUMMAN Benefits Center 1-800 - 894 - 4194 Investment Plan 1-800 - 894 - 4194 Monday - Friday 9 AM TO 6 PM ET Benefits On Line: www.benefits.northgrum.com OneExchange: 1-855 - 832 - 0976 Monday - Friday 8 AM TO 9 PM ET https://medicare.oneexchange.com/ngc Newsletter Editor: Neil Klaskin Nostalgia Coordinator: Charles Mooney Grumman Retiree Club, Inc. Phone: (516) 575-3777 Fax: (516) 575-8715 Website: www.grummanretireeclub.org E-mail:[email protected] Officers Betty Bohlander Bob Ripp Pat Sullivan Lou Kubat Frank Rizzo (vacant) - President - 1st Vice President - 2nd Vice President - Secretary - Treasurer - Sgt.-at-Arms Periodical Postage Paid
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