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)
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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.)
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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.”
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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]
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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
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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. _____________________________
_____________
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4. _____________________________
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5. _____________________________
_____________
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6. _____________________________
_____________
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7. _____________________________
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8. _____________________________
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9. _____________________________
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10. ___________________________
_____________
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11. ___________________________
______________ ____ ___ ____
_____
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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