GY's News

This site contains my "News of the Day" e-mails. Check the archives for previous issues of my "News".

Name: Gary Yudell
Location: Northampton Township, Pennsylvania, United States

I am a retired American Airlines pilot. I fulfilled my dream of becoming a pilot back in 1969 having completed Air Force Pilot Training (Class 69-05) at Craig AFB in Selma AL. I remained on active duty for almost 6 years and served in Viet Nam and Thailand. I flew for 11+ years with the PA National Guard and then spent 3 years as a reservist (category A IMA) at the Pentagon working for the JCS. While doing this military stuff, I was also hired by American Airlines in March of 1973 and spent the last 4 years of a 32 year career flying the B-777 to London, Paris and Tokyo. I have been actively involved with The Grey Eagles, a group of older and retired AA pilots since I was 50. This blog site contains periodic informational e-mails that I send to about 450 people that are current and former AA employees and widows of those employees.

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

"News of the Day ..... 6/6/2006"

Greetings to all,
Busy week for me (what’s new) and I am trying to get caught up. I have collected a few items to pass on to you with some good information included. A couple of comments at the end so read on!
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I’ll start with some good news first involving a great place for a romantic get-away if you are so inclined. As you know Melanie and I don’t stray far from home right now for health reasons but we do try to get away from the house now and then for a couple of days. Our latest foray took us to a B&B about 30 minutes from here in beautiful Bucks County. It is called “The Inn at Bowman’s Hill” (
http://www.theinnatbowmanshill.com/) and it is an extraordinary property. It has been written up in the Philadelphia Inquirer (newspaper) and most recently has now been written up in three well known city magazines: Philadelphia magazine, Westchester Magazine and the Washingtonian Magazine. The Westchester magazine has the best article and you can access and download it (PDF format) at http://www.westchestermagazine.com/ . The grounds are magnificent, the service from the hosts (Mike and Lynne Amery) is fabulous, breakfast was delicious AND it has been voted as one of the 10 most romantic inns in the nation by American Historic Inn’s. It is a 5 minute drive from New Hope and about 15 minutes from Peddlers Village in Lahaska, PA. Great restaurants and shopping so fun for all. We loved it and already have reservations to go back. This is a great getaway for 2, 3, 4 days or more. Check their web site for availability and rates (no, he is not a retired pilot so no airline discount!!) and let us know if you are coming. We have some recommendations for restaurants and sightseeing if you are not from the area.
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By now you have all seen the information I sent about Rene Cerasoli. I thought it would be a good idea to pass on Norms address in case you want to send a card:
Capt. Norm Cerasoli
109 S. Gladstone Ave.
Margate, NJ 08402
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A little information about Ed Staump. Ed went into the hospital about 8 days ago to repair/replace a heart valve that had been previously done about 8 years ago. During or immediately after the procedure, he suffered a stroke which appears to have had some effect on his speech and his left arm. Of course there may be some after effects from the anesthesia which may wear off over time. Ed’s daughter is a nurse and has been with him since he entered the hospital. Chuck Thomas has been the point of contact with her and he has spoken to Ed recently. Chuck feels Ed isn’t doing very well right now and has a little memory recall problem too. Anyway, he is still in the hospital although is due to come home soon. He can be reached at: 212-263-1849 which is a direct line to his room. Be patient with name recognition etc. Get well cards can be sent to his home at:
Ed Staump
23 Rainbow Hill Road
Flemington, NJ 08822
609-466-1553
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Hi Guys:
After several tests it has been determined that Frank needs a new Aortic Heart Valve. He has to undergo surgery in Manhattan, Monday, June 5th, 2006. Let's keep this legendary man and dear friend in our thoughts and prayers to get him through this operation.
Thanks.
Fondly,
Irma
P.S. Helen (his wife) will keep me posted.
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F/E Don Gahan ---
Hello Friends,
Here's what I've learned about Don's passing. I just spoke to Don's son in San Clemente. He is:
Donald Gahan Jr.
34 Camino Lienzo
San Clemente, CA 92673 . .
Tele: 949-369-6509
800-729-3877
Don Sr. died from prolonged COPD disease. In the last year or so he was on constant O2.
He was 80 years old at time of death May 6, 2006. Don was very proud of our military services.
He served in the Army Air Corps as Crew Chief on B-24's.
Golden Wings will send a memorial donation in Don's name to the VFW. Don Jr. said his dad would like that very much.
Don Sr. is buried at Calverton Military Cemetery in Long Island, New York. A memorial service was held on May 15, 2006 at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church on Long Island.
Thanks to Jim Groves of the Grey Eagles I was able to locate Don's son and get this info.
Thanks again Jim.
Hank J
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I am sad to announce the death of F/E Donald F. Gahan on May 6, 2006. He was single when he died.
Sadly,
Jim Groves
Secretary
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Subj:Dick Jacobson's Memorial Service
Date:6/1/2006 1:00:02 PM Eastern Standard Time
From:GECribbs
Greetings Grey Eagles Gentlemen and Ladies,
We will be returning home tomorrow (Friday, June 2) from a three weeks vacation. I just received the following information from Steve Jacobson. I hope to see a good turn out to honor a wonderful fellow pilot and Grey Eagle.
Please launch your call list.
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Dear Glenn,
My mother, Margaret Jacobson, has chosen Saturday, June 10 at 2:00 PM for Dad's memorial service. It will be in the Fellowship Hall at:
Pilgrim Haven Retirement Community
373 Pine Lane
Los Altos, CA 94022.
A limited amount of guest parking is available at the west end of the grounds by making an immediate left turn just inside the "Main Entrance." If the guest parking is full, street parking is available on one side of Pine Lane.
In lieu of flowers, Dad requested that his friends consider making a contribution to:
The Grey Eagles Foundation Fund
14600 Trinity Blvd, Suite 500,
Fort Worth, TX 76155
Please pass this information to the Grey Eagles
Thanks,
Steve Jacobson
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DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO PILGRIM HAVEN

From Bayshore Freeway (US-101), Exit on SAN ANTONIA ROAD going toward Los Altos.
Continue to follow SAN ANTONIO ROAD for 2.8 miles.
Turn RIGHT on PINE LANE and drive 0.4 miles.
Continue past the East Entrance and enter the Main Entrance of:
Pilgrim Haven Retirement Community
373 Pine Ln,
Los Altos, CA 94022
Time: 8 minutes, Distance: 3.2 miles
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From Interstate 280
Take the PAGE MILL RD exit toward ARASTRADERO RD (0.3 miles).
Take the ramp toward ARASTRADERO ROAD EAST/ PALO ALTO (0.1 miles).
Stay STRAIGHT to go onto ARASTRADERO RD. (2.0 miles).
Turn RIGHT onto FOOTHILL EXPY (1.4 miles).
Turn LEFT onto W EDITH AVE. (<0.1 miles ="=">Hey, you know me by now and I DO NOT usually send things on but this little video clip bears watching. I really got a chill think about the future implications ……….
***************************************
Subj:FW: Greatest Play in Major League Baseball
Date:5/24/2006 8:08:26 AM Eastern Standard Time
A patriotic act -- 30 years ago.....
Even non-baseball fans will appreciate this one.
Turn up volume.............

mms://a1503.v108692.c10869.g.vm.akamaistream.net/7/1503/10869/v0001/mlb.download.akamai.com/10869/library/open/features/monday_flag_350.wmv?media_type=wms&av_type=video&event_pk=486348&product=gen_video

God Bless America!!!
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Gary,
Tom Pasquale's wife ,Carole, enclosed the following message in an e-mail this evening. I was wondering if we don't have as many NY pilots who might like to do the same.
Jim

We will be guests of honor at the next Grey Eagles dinner on Friday, June l6th, where they will honor Tom on his retirement. Feel honored that they are doing this for him but I hope that he can find closure in the retirement ranks. He so misses work and the guys.
As long as we keep the faith everything will turn out OK.
xoCarole
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From: "Jirschele, John"
To: "Herb Dabelow"
Cc: "Vanderlei, Laurie"
Sent: Thursday, June 01, 2006 2:35 PM
Subject: Price-Vogler golf

Herb,
We got a late start on the golf event this year, because we're in the midst of a switch (back) to our office handling it. As a result, we have received very few RSVPs so far, and we must confirm 70 by Monday to avoid canceling or losing our deposit. If we cancel, we would reschedule to a fall date, which may not be a bad idea anyway.
Would you mind sending out a reminder to your group that we need RSVPs – ASAP so we can make an intelligent decision on Monday, Jun 5?

To recap, the event is scheduled for June 26 at Randall Oaks, start time 11:00. RSVP via phone msg at 773-686-8423 or email to
ORD.Pilot.Office@aa.com (flyer attached).

Thx
John Jirschele
Chicago Flight
AmericanAirlines



















Herb has also found out from Laurie Vanderei that a donation can be mailed to the following address:
American Airlines, Inc.
Flight Administration
P. O. Box 66065 - MD B100
Chicago, IL 60666
You may send a check made out to ORD CLASSIC FUND.
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Subject: Jess's Airport
Capt Jess Shryak Stagger wing Beach ………
A Fly In was held at Capt Jess Shryak's airport, 25 miles North of Downtown Ft. Worth Tx. today,
May 20,2006. Lots of Antique Aircraft Flew In. Also Many Antique Cars showed up.
It was a thing of the past.
Fantastic:
The Texas Antique Aircraft Association went to Jess's Nursing home loaded him in a car and transported him and his wheel chair to his airport. Jess really enjoyed the 3 hours he was on his property. Let's all say a prayer for Capt Jess. He can't laugh anymore.
Reporting on the day.
Randy Foster Flight Engineer AAL.

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In response to a couple of questions, including my own, here is the story on the OTHG (Over-The-Hill-Gang):
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Gary, Generally speaking it's all the cockpit Gang for AA then & Now. All are invited. Come on out and do some hangar flying. It's very informal. The only requirement is you are a good embellisher!!
Try to make it at our next meeting on July 26, 2006. It will be held at BO Bo's in Grapevine, TX.
Randy Foster -
American707@comcast.net
http://www.randyfoster.blogspot.com/












In the Picture...As if you didn't know Are:
Don Mc Clelland----Foster Parsell----Jim Harty----Herb Webber----George Kahak---Jim Fisher---Sam White
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HERB'S NEWS -- 2 JUNE 2006
Here's an update on F/A Lesley Shaw from her sister.
Dear All,
Lesley is now at home. The adjustment is going to be challenging. She is to see two of the doctors on Tuesday afternoon with appointments with the others Wednesday and the following week. The "plan" for her treatment depends on the various tests she has had at the hospital.
I know she would love to hear from her friends but do not be offended if she concludes her conversation with you early. Her ability to talk is somewhat hampered by the brace as well as her stamina.
Regarding "visitors", I will let her determine this. Until the schedule for home therapists and she has acclimated to her limitations. This first week or so may be too much for her. I ask that you call first and she can let you know.
The cards which have been sent have brought smiles and tears. There is no way I can tell you how much they have meant to Lesley.

Thank you.
Please continue to keep her in your prayers.
Bless you all.
Jennifer
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From Russ Johns -------
After returning from long Memorial Day weekend, found this msg. in my e-mail & wanted to pass it on.
Subject:
F/A Sue Johnson
Good Morning. Russ, I was informed by Carol Sharp that Sue Johnson's husband passed away.
I don't have any details yet.
Here is Sue's address.
10 Juniper Ridge Rd.
Exeter, NH. 03833
Sue was Boston based and came over to IOR.
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I don’t know about you, but that is more than enough. I will finish this with a quote I went looking for. Forgive me but it has been a bad couple of days for many of us:
“One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life: that word is love.”- Sophocles
Best regards, Gary