CLUB HEADQUARTERS/ PARENT CHAPTERBethpage, New York

President, Bob Ripp, (516-575-3777)

CHAPTERS / MEETING LOCATIONS:

California - Golden West / Pt. MuguPresident, Fred Syrett (805-647-4934)

California - San Diego / San DiegoPresident, Pete Belay, (858-484-7307)

Florida - First Coast / St. AugustinePresident, Fred Bauer (904-819-9817)

Florida - Manasota West / BradentonPresident, Ted Martines (941-926-8891)

Florida - Mid-West / Spring Hill President, John Cornacchia (813-995-2902)

Florida - Southwest / Locations VaryPresident, Carolyn Moors (239-283-8294)

Florida - Spacecoast / MelbournePresident, Bob Prais (321-242-5782)

Florida - Suncoast / Pinellas Park

President, Benjamin Hurley (727-527-7281)

Florida - Treasure Coast / Port St. LuciePresident, Dan Knowles (772-288-2758)

Georgia - Peach Pit / Milledgeville

President, Janet Sills (706-485-0839)

Maryland - Glen Arm / BelairPresident, Rick Swinder (410-977-7829)

New England - New England North / Dorset, VT President, Bill Egner (802-446-2062)

New York - Bethpage Chapter & Club HQPresident, Bob Ripp, (516-575-3777)

New York - Eastern Long Island / RiverheadPresident, 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 CarolinaCoastal Carolinas / Myrtle BeachPresident, Robert Joyce (910-575-2309)

Virginia - Central Virginia / MonticelloPresident, Fred Meiners (434-589-2882)

February 2017 Volume 50, Issue 2 Circulation: xxxx

Hey, Retiree Club Members!

It’s Scholarship Application Time

Your kids, grand-kids, or great-grand-kids are getting their last college applications in the mail, or awaiting acceptance letters. That means it’s time for them to put together their applications for the Grumman Retiree Club Scholarship competition. Applications are available on line [http://www.grummanretireeclub.org/scholarship/], at your Chapter meetings, or via snail-mail [see Page 2 for details].

Just in case your scholars been too busy to remember to submit a Club Scholarship Application, now is the time for you to make sure they have our application form, and for you to remind them to do it!

To paraphrase Olympian Daley Thompson, “If they’re not in it, they can’t win it.”

Deadline for applications to be received in Bethpage: May 10, 2017

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Scholarship Program Contributors

To: All donors to our Scholarship Program:

Thank You so much for your generous donations to this great Club program. All of our donors should be proud to know that your contributions will help deserving and acccomplished students attend college.

Many Thanks.

Our Thanks to these Recent Contributors:Scholarship Applications for 2017

Amato, Helen Avati, JoanneBarone, Elsie Bellew, R.Bergwerk, Joseph Boisits, CaroleBraun, Bernard Dawkins, BertramDenk, Paul Dluginski, Ronald

Frauenberger, Howard Garlasco, FrancesGuthmann, Peter Haytaian, JohnJuengst, Stephen Kielbasa, AndreaKlaum, Thomas Kurz, BernardLeib, Jean Litterini, Cesare

Mackey, Samuel Mackey, WilfredManiscalco, Leonard Marrocco, AnthonyMartin, Robert Neuscheler, SusanNovak, Joseph Obertis, MarioParente, Margaret Perotti, Joan

Powers, Thomas Saxe, JohnSchaffer, Arnold Schoenfeld, EdwardSchineller, Joseph Soley, NicholasSomma, Nicholas Stalb, AlanStanziale, Anthony Strong, John

Tedesco, James Troje, AdolfWatson, Richard Witte, JohnWittmann, Warren Woessner, Richard

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Scholarship Applications for 2017

Applications for our 2017 Scholarship Awards Program may be obtained at Chapter meetings, at our web site (www.grummanretireeclub.org), or by sending a request for application, together with a stamped, self-addressed envelope, to the mail address below. Again, thank you. Your continuing, generous support ensured our 19th successful year of Scholarship Awards. It is the members’ responsibility to provide the application and encourage our grand kids to participate! Remember: the only awareness our grand kids have of our Scholarship program is through you, the members. *********************************************************

QUARTERLY 50/50 RAFFLEMembers of All Chapters May Participate!

Enter often. Multiple winners possible. Max prize: $500 for any one person, in any

one drawing. Winners announced in the Newsletter.

Send a filled-in raffle ticket (below) and a check (payable to Grumman Retiree Club Scholarship Fund), to: Retiree Club Scholarship program, PO Box 0748, Bethpage, NY, 11714-0748.

Each raffle entry is $5.

Please indicate how many raffles you are purchasing.

This Raffle benefits the Scholarship Fund only.

Scholarship Program 50/50 Raffle Ticket

_______________________________________Name_______________________________________Address

Town _______________State ____ Zip _______

Phone (optional) _____________________

Number of Raffles Purchased _____

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Bethpage / Parent Chapter

January 18, 2017

Our first meeting of the New Year was held at the Cresthollow Country Club. At 1:30PM, President Bob Ripp called the meeting to order. Sergeant-at-Arms Nick Bazzicalupo led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Bob presented outgoing President Betty Bohlander with a gift in recognition of her years as President of the Club. He thanked Betty for her leadership and dedication to the Club.

L to R: Betty Bohlander, Bob Ripp

Vice President Pat Sullivan introduced guest speaker Pat McGovern. Pat McG represents the USS Hornet Memorial Association, which provides bronze plaques at no cost to various military bases, ships, and museums for their display. The Plaque is to honor American Naval vessels named Hornet and all crewmembers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen, who served on those ships from 1775 until 1970.

GRUMMAN RETIREE CLUB NEWSLETTER

(USPS # 023-096) Volume 50, Issue 2, February 2017, 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

Scholarship Program Contributions

Your contributions are the engine that enables our Scholarship Award Program to be an on-going Retiree Club Program for all members.

Remember: Your Scholarship Program donations are tax deductible.

Every little bit counts . . . It all adds up. Please keep your (tax deductible) donations coming . . . Send your checks (payable to Retiree Scholarship Fund) to: Scholarship Fund, PO Box 0748,

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Bethpage Chapter 2017 Calendar

Luncheons/MeetingsMembership luncheon-meetings are held on the 4th Wednesday of the month, unless otherwise

noted.

All luncheons/meetings will be held at the Crest Hollow CC.

Luncheon Reservation forms are in this Newsletter, on Page XX.

February 22 - luncheon / meeting March 22 - luncheon / meeting

April 19 - luncheon / meeting May 24 - luncheon / meeting June 28 – Scholarship Luncheon

July and August – no meetings

September 6 - PicnicSeptember 27 - luncheon / meeting

Monday, October 23 – Cradle of Aviation Retiree Club 50th Anniversary Celebration

Tuesday, November 14 - luncheon / meeting

December 13 – Holiday Luncheon

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All Hornet ships have an amazing war and peacetime record. During World War ll, in the 1942 “Doolittle Raid” on Japan, Army Air Force B-25 aircraft took off from her flight deck. In 1969, the Hornet was the prime recovery ship for the returning astronauts from the moon, on Apollo 11 and 12 missions. The last USS Hornet, CVS-12, is a National Historic Site, located in Alameda, CA.

Pat described the world tour he took on the USS Hornet while he served in the US Navy from 1952-1956

Through the generosity of people and organizations on Long Island, Plaques have been donated to the Cradle of Aviation and the Airpower Museum.

Pat presented to the Club a citation in recognition of the Retiree Club’s donation to the Plaque program.

L to R: Bob Ripp, Pat McGovern, Pat Sullivan

Business – President Bob Ripp- Bob reflected on some “Personal Nostalgia” of “firsts” that happened during his employment at Grumman, ending with the fact that his is the first Father/Son Presidency of the Retiree Club. Bob’s father, Augie Ripp, was President of the Club from 1987-1988.-Bob asked for any changes or additions to the December meeting minutes as they appeared in the January newsletter. There being none, the minutes were accepted as read. -Bob welcomed two new members in attendance: Cathy Ferro and Stella Chietro-Bob reported on the status of the Club: 2849 members, 317 non-paid in 2016, reducing membership to 2532.

Three Chapters (Houston, Garden State, and Florida Midwest) have disbanded due to declining membership and/or lack of members who are willing to assume leadership positions.

Treasurer Reports Frank Rizzo presented the Club Treasurer’s report, which was accepted as read. The 2016 year-end report will be presented at the next meeting.Scholarship Fund Treasurer Linda Perotta presented the Fund report, which was accepted as read.

Luncheons - Marion Abbott reminded members to save the date October 23, 2017 for the Gala Celebration luncheon of the Club’s 50th anniversary, to be held at the Cradle of Aviation Museum.

Travel – Nick BazzicalupoJune 21 - An exclusive trip for Grumman Retirees, family and friends: Essex Connecticut Steam Train & Boat Rode. Incl Lunch at the famous Griswold Inn; Steam engine train ride to the boat dock; Narrated ride on a paddle wheel boat, on the Connecticut River; Steam engine ride back to the station.If enough members are interested in the trip, we will have our own bus. Nick will ask for interest at our February meeting. Detailed itinerary will be provided. $104 pp.

Anniversaries - Herb & Norma Johnston (60 years on June 10, 2016); Robert & Sonja Anderson (63 years on Dec 12, 2016); and Tony & Charlotte Scaturro (61 years on Jan 19).

Birthdays - Herb Johnston (80 on Dec.3, 2016), Norma Johnston (80 on Nov 20, 2016), Johnny Phillips (79 on Jan. 17), Kay Juner (95 on Jan 20), George Lynch (89 on Jan 18), Lorraine Fogarty (71 on Jan 6), Pete Fales (Jan 8), Pat Heeger (Jan 9), Joe Carlino, (91 on Jan 28), and George Gelfars (97, guest of Jerry D’Agostino)

Get Well wishes went out to Pauline Sandman.

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FLORIDA / First Coast

Thirty-six members and two guest speakers attended our luncheon on January 17. We enjoyed the buffet after President Fred Bauer led us in the Pledge and welcomed us back from the holidays.

Fred introduced our guest speakers: Mose Countryman, an employee of the St. Augustine facility, and Dave Nolan a local historian. Both are very active in supporting The Accord Freedom Trail. Accord is dedicated to preserving buildings and other sites that were connected to people and events of the civil rights movement in St. Augustine, over a fifty-year period. Many of these buildings need to be saved from destruction so future generations can learn of the civil rights heroes and heroines and learn about their great struggles and sacrifices. Northrop Grumman now supports these efforts financially and progress is being made. For more information on this worthwhile endeavor go to accordfreedomtrail.org

Fred took the floor thanking Mose and Dave for their inspiring words. We can’t let history fade away from our future generations.

Birthdays for January: Gorge Collins, Al Umbach, Ed Deane, Bob Mehl, Sharon Lainhart, Bernie Bernier, Audry Moore, Ann & Emil Gagliardi, Rich Porter, Dolores & Harry Munson, Andrea (Cookie) Dengler, Gene Earley.

Anniversary Celebrants: Cathy & Michael Garvey.

Sadly, Rich Konig died January 2, and Charlie Peterson passed away on January 10. May they Rest in Peace.

Prize WinnersDoor Prize (free lunch): Sally Couluris and John WimerCommunity Relations 50/50: Claudia Weihs (donated half to Scholarship Fund), Pat Mason, Kurt Fogarty, and Howie Frauenberg (donated to Scholarship Fund)Scholarship 50/50: Frank Rizzo.

Before the meeting was adjourned, Betty Bohlander had opened her gift and thanked the members for the beautiful silver solar watch she received.

Next meeting: February 22, at the Cresthollow Country Club.

By: Pat Sullivan, Substitute Sec’y.

****************************************************CALIFORNIA / Golden West

The January meeting was held at the Eagles Lodge in Oxnard, CA. Nine membersattended.

Lunch was served, followed by a business meeting.

Berny Hammer, who worked in the Grumman machine shop at Point Mugu, came by to tell us how retirement was going. Good seeing him again.

Don Coler and Paul Cooper split the 50/50 drawing.

Next Meeting: February 14.

By: Fred Syrett, President

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CALIFORNIA / San Diego

No report of January activity.

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Treasurer’s Report: Thirty-nine paid members so far this year. Please bring your dues to the February Meeting or mail to Bob Rathje, 11046 Castlemain Cir. East, Jacksonville, Fl. 32256 Dues are still $15. Make check to Bob or the Retiree Club.

Our Thanks to Gari Trigger for looking into transportation options for the April 1& 2 Melbourne Air Show. There will be further discussion about the air show next month. Anyone with ideas for guest speakers, please bring them up.

By: Steve Cacace, Sec’y. [sremkkc@comcast.net]

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FLORIDA / Manasota West

January 11, 2017

President Ted Martines presided over our monthly meeting with 12 attendees. After reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to our Flag we moved on to the business end of our meeting with the re-election of our 2016 officers for 2017:

Ted Martines - PresidentBob Nyberg - Vice President

John Zinna - Secretary/Treasurer

John provided the Treasurer’s report. Our financial institution, C1 Bank, is now Bank of the Ozarks. We have eight members who have paid their dues for 2017. John encourages members who have not yet paid their dues to send their check for $15 (payable to: Grumman Retiree Club) to John at 6101 34th Street West, Apt 30F, Bradenton, FL 34210. John has also been in contact with the Bethpage Chapter, inquiring about the process of charitable donations; we are waiting a post-finance committee meeting contact from Bethpage.

VP Bob Nyberg entertained us with his monthly humor, both by recalling jokes and some he copied from the internet. Just the thing to keep it light and lively while waiting on lunch in our waterfront room at Pier 22 restaurant in Bradenton. Our senior member, Jim Murray, also shared some original thoughts on his time at Grumman Bethpage. Bob Winter and Peter Goldblatt added to the enjoyment and entertainment.

During lunch, we had a book discussion of Arthur Herman’s “Freedoms Forge” about how American Business helped produce victory in WWII. This lead to discussions about America’s “Dollar a Year Men,” a term indicating how many wealthy industrialists accepted only $1.00 per year assisting in the war effort. Donald Trump is a “dollar-a-year Man” as he is only accepting $1.00 per year compensation for being President. US Law forbids the government from accepting unpaid volunteer services, but our club doesn’t have any such prohibitions!

President Ted and VP Bob shared the 50/50; Sec’y/Treasurer John won the magazine. We couldn’t have done it without the assist of Con Gilsenan.

Our February 8th meeting will be over before this edition is published, but we look forward to seeing all at our meetings on March 8th and April 12th at Pier 22 restaurant for lunch, laughs and conversation.

By: John Zinna, Sec’y/Treasurer[941-705-2690; ezjohn1028@gmail.com]6101 34th St. West #30F, Bradenton, FL 34210

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FLORIDA/ Mid-West

The FLORIDA / MidWest Chapter voted to end their Club relationship at their December meeting..********************************************************

FLORIDA / SouthWest

January 10, 2017

George Daly opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silent Prayer. We had 21 members present.

Membership dues were collected.

Tony Moors shared with everyone a 3D miniature model of the Lunar Module that he purchased and you can assemble yourself.

Tom Cummiskey had a conversation with his postal delivery person about the truck she was driving was made by Grumman and she said the trucks are still in service.

George Daly showed a book, “One of a Kind,” by Bill Gunstan. The book is all about Grumman, from 1930.

Paul Baldwin showed pictures of F-14 number 98 being transported. Paul, who worked in Grumman’s Transportation Department for 43 years, described the difficulties involved in moving the airplane’s fuselage from Grumman Bethpage to a storage facility at Charles Melvin Brice Support Center, in Granite City, IL. The permits required by all states through which the fuselage traveled and the requirements for police escorts were extensive. Each state has its own regulations and, upon entering any given state, the Grumman Transportation personnel were required to check in with the DOT and/or the State Police. The differences from state to state were almost comical and made for an interesting discussion. The F-14 involved was a Fatigue Test Article. The tractor-trailer used for this project was 22-feet wide and 73-feet long. It was called a “Super Load”.

There were three raffles. Bob Clare donated Grumman ties, which were raffled off.

Birthdays and Anniversaries were announced for December and January.

Next Meeting: March 14, at the Golden Corral in Punta Gorda.

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FLORIDA / Space Coast

January 18, 2017

Socializing and holiday tale-telling seemed to be the order of the day as more of our members finished their yuletide visits up north and returned to the sunny 82-degree weather at the Suntree Country Club. President Bob Prais led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Ed Romano followed with his usual thoughtful benediction.

Following the buffet lunch, President Bob announced that our scheduled speaker, Joe Steekler, founder of Brevard Alzheimers Foundation and a driving force in organizing Helping Senior of Brevard in 2011, could not make this meeting due to medical problems. Joe has promised to be available for a meeting later this Spring.

Bob then utilized the time to report on our efforts this past month to create a “backlog fund” for our Scholarship Program to insure we would be able to deliver on our four-year commitment to our annual winners. With contributions still coming in, Bob reported that he has always been humbled by the generous response of our membership whenever we sought support for our charitable activities. While our treasurer will report with details, it appears that once again we have avoided the dreaded “fund raiser” and have the desired reserve to cover unforeseen contingencies as we administer this worthy program.

President Bob called attention to the absence our Vice President, Joe Lau who is unable to continue to head up our program activity due to critical health problems at home.

8

We are in dire need of a person (or persons) to take over this important task: obtaining meaningful programs that both entertain and enlighten our luncheon attendees is obviously a key factor in maintaining a healthy club. We cannot expect our president to add this task to his already full list of responsibilities. We have lots of people to provide ideas for potential programs plus lists of previous speakers who might want to bring their messages up to date, but we need someone to select from likely candidates, make the necessary contacts, schedule the appearances, and make the introduction at the designated meeting. Here’s a chance to play a meaningful part in the development of your Club - see any club officer today!

Bob then opened the meeting for a discussion of membership growth. With the dramatic growth in Northrop Grumman’s population in both airport and off site facilities, we had envisioned the potential for significant growth in our Chapter in the near future. However, members who have talked with re-located personnel find they have little interest in being part of a retiree organization - a problem that seems to be plaguing many of our community service organizations. The discussion was fruitful and will be continued at future meetings.

Treasurer: Bill Waldron endorsed Bob Prais’ tribute to our membership for their response to our request for support for the Scholarship Fund, indicating that contributions were still coming in at this meeting. He detailed the status of both Scholarship and General Funds as of our last meeting and noted that anyone requiring a letter confirming their contribution to our charitable programs for tax purposes should contact him and he will be glad to supply it.

Sunshine: Chet Emery (321-254-2562) - Get Well cards were sent to Maureen Ayers and Sal Cioffi for a speedy recovery.

Valiant Air Command - Grumman Gremlins: George Graefe reported on the activity related to continued restoration of the F-100 Super Sabre (wings and landing gear) as well as the “butchered” F11F-1 Tiger.

Final detail paint is underway on the RAF Canberra bomber; it will be ready for the annual VAC Air Show on March 10-12th when the USAF Thunderbirds will be featured. Meanwhile, additional information is surfacing about the secretive past of this particular aircraft and its part in clandestine surveillance missions over Russian ICBM test facilities at Kapustin Yar. As part of Project Robin, our aircraft was retrofitted with high performance engines which could take the aircraft to the then unheard of height of 72,000 feet - well out of MIG range!

50/50 Drawing: There were eight 50/50 winners with Gil Friedenreich winning the grand prize basket…… Congratulations to all!

By: Bill Steenson, Sec’y.

Next Meeting: February 15, 2017

Meeting Dates for 2017: 3/15, 4/19, 5/17, 6/21; No meetings July & August; 9/20, 10/18, 11/15 and 12/13

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FLORIDA / Suncoast

The Chapter not meet in January 2017, due to members being away.

At our February meeting, a vote will be held in regard to dissolving the chapter, due to declining membership and attendance.

Also at that meeting we will be celebrating our Holiday party and Valentines Day. Bring a grab bag gift, up to $10.

Next Meeting: Wednesday February 15, 2017, at Noon, at the Hibachi Buffet in Pinellas Park, FL.

By: Patricia E. Newark, Sec’y.[727-360-7339; lionpattysecretary@yahoo.com]

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FLORIDA / Treasure Coast

The January 19 meeting was held at Allegro Senior Living, in Stuart.

President Dan Knowles led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Chaplain Larry Regier gave the invocation.

Bob Watkins introduced Michael Tommeraas and Lauren Lawson, from the Fiertag Financial Group. Mike Tommeraas spoke about Social Security changes. He said that there is no reduction in benefits at this time. Eligibility for Social Security is working for least 10 years. To be more precise, you need 40 credits. Baby boomers will collect Social Security later than the older generation. If you were born after 1960, you will receive the benefit at age 67. He also advised investing in stocks to be assured of a backup to Social Security. If you need more information, to go to their website [ww.socialsecurity.gov]. He was very informative and we learned more about Social Security. January Anniversaries: Ken & Maddy Tolze 53 years

Birthdays: Joan Rathesberger, Carol Wall, Charlie Castonore, and Tom Cuce,

Visitors: Nick & Marie Manestalco

Deceased Members: Tom DoyleBob HeggiBill Grego

In the future, it will be appreciated if members living in the Treasure Coast area send their membership dues to: Charlene Castagnero611 SW Pine Tree LanePalm City, FL 34990[772-485-7629] By: Janet Cuce [jjcuce@comcast.net]

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GEORGIA / Peach Pit

Our January 17, 2017 meeting at El Tequila Mexican Restaurant, in Milledgeville, GA, started at 12:30PM. There were 13 present when Past President Janet Sills called the meeting to order and asked this year’s elected Officers to come forward to take their “Oath of Office”, which she administered.

Accordingly, for the next two years Chapter leadership is:

President Paul BernichonVice President Vince Ciampa

Treasurer Joe SansottaSecretary Lew Iuliucci

Sergeant-at-Arms Ted ZarkowskyChaplain Mary Archer.

President Paul pointed out that our Chapter celebrates the 29th Anniversary of the requisite 25 retirees, and/or pension eligible Grummanite attendees, who held their first meeting in January 1988 to petition the Club to charter the Georgia/Peach Pit Chapter. Our Chapter was officially sanctioned in March 1988.

Paul then thanked Janet and all past Officers for jobs well done and for keeping this Chapter both viable and vibrant these past 29 years. Paul recognized that Grumman management of Plant 66, here in Milledgeville, ended December 31, 1994, and management by Northrop Grumman ended June 30, 2000, leaving this Grumman- Northrop Grumman Retiree Club Chapter as the sole contributor both financially and through volunteerism, for the last 16.5 years, to the local community. And, with attendance at monthly meetings averaging 30% of total Chapter membership and over 50% of members living within a 25-mile radius of the monthly meeting place, involvement remains robust.

President Paul asked Sergeant-at-Arms Designee and past President Janet Sills to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Then, Chaplain Mary Archer gave the Blessing, which was followed by the meal and fellowship.

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Old Business:The November 15, 2016 Meeting Minutes and the December 20, 2016 Social Meeting Administrative Notes were addressed to make a typo change. Then, a motion was made by Joe Sansotta and seconded by Florella Crouch to waive reading of those minutes, as amended. And, there being no further changes either by proxy or by those present, the motion passed.

New Business:President Paul welcomed those present and extended Happy New Year and Happy Dr. Martin Luther King Day wishes to all. 1. Treasurer Joe Sansotta gave his Report on finances and bank balance being carried over to our year 2017 Donation Plan. 2. January Happy Birthday wishes were extended to: Barbara Bernichon [21st], Paul Bernichon [28th], Vince Ciampa [11th], Jim Hicks [7th], Mike Johnson [12th], Maddie Main [19th], Barbara M. Stevens [26th], Martha Vinson [18], and Linda Zarkowsky [26th]. 3. There were no January Anniversaries to report.4. Club member and former Georgia/Peach Pit Chapter member Lee Brandt’s son Donald passed away on January 4, in Merritt Island, Florida. Donald is in our prayers and our condolences are extended to the Brant Family.

Ernie Godbee won the 75/25 Fund Raiser raffle and donated his winnings back to the Community Service Fund. Thank you, Ernie.

Community Service:a.] Volunteerism continues as members and spouses aid various causes including Pints of Blood/Platelets.

Program: There was no Guest speaker as attendees enjoyed each other’s conversations. A motion to end the Business meeting was made by Mike McCabe and seconded by Ernie Godbee. The motion carried and adjournment was at 1:35PM.

Next Meeting: Feb 20, at El Tequila Mexican Grill, (168 Garrett Way, Milledgeville, Georgia 31061) starting at 12:30PM By: Lew M. Iuliucci, Sec’y. [iuliucci@windstream.net or 478-452-1357]

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Maryland / Glen Arm

The Glen Arm Retiree Club Chapter did not meet in January.

The next Quarterly meeting is scheduled for March 21st at 6:30 PM, at the Golden Corral in the White Marsh / Fullerton area. Address: 7908 Rossville Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21236.

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New England North

No report of Chapter activity.

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NEW YORKEastern Long Island Chapter

Happy New Year!

Our Chapter did not meet in January.

Birthdays: Paul Sachse (1/31), Robert Schaefer (2/1), George Okvist (2/3), Marvin Thorne (2/3), Walter French (2/12).

Congratulations to all our celebrants!

There were NO Anniversaries reported.

If we missed any Birthdays or Anniversaries, contact Bob Albert [631-585-7987], after 10AM, Please!)

Mytko Report:Bill reported the passing of Arthur (Art) Bolomey on 1/12/17. Art was a Navy Veteran from the Korean War and an ardent Dodger Fan (Mets, too). He will be missed. A card was sent to his family.

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To report any deaths, illnesses, etc, contact Bill Mytko (1-864-225-4927 or ermytko@yahoo.com).

Pauline Sandmann (our trusted Treasurer) and Sergeant-at-Arms Richie Myers are both recuperating at home. We hope to see them back for our February Meeting!

2017 Dues ($15): Please send ASAP to Bert Moller, 33 Ramsey Road Commack, NY 11725 [631-864-4377]. Make checks ($15) payable to ELI Grumman Retiree Club (NOT to Bert!). Use the Membership Application/Renewal Form from the Newsletter. Note any address changes and list Birthday and Anniversary dates if you would like them noted in the Newsletter

Next Meeting: Feb 15 at the Coram Diner (Route 112 & Route 25, Coram NY). Lunch ($15) at Noon; meeting to follow.

Future Meetings: Mar 15, April 19, May 18, and June 15.

No Meetings in July & August.

All Are Welcome to Our Meetings.

Happy Valentines Day!

By Bob Albert, VP/Secy [631-585-7987]

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NORTH CAROLINAEastern Carolina Chapter

The Chapter did not meet in January.

Next meeting will be in February.

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PENNSYLVANIA Northeastern Pennsylvania Chapter

The Chapter was not scheduled to meet in January.

Next meeting will be in April 2017, place to be announced.

Contact: Edward J. Sparkowski, Sec’y/Chaplain[570-698-7182; firefly417@verizon.net]

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SOUTH CAROLINA Coastal Carolinas Chapter

January 4, 2017

Our monthly meeting was held at the Olive Garden, in Myrtle Beach, SC. There were thirteen members in attendance. And we welcomed a new member: Frank Daum.

We also had two guests: Pat McMahon, Vice President of Northrop Grumman, and her husband Bob Mansbart. It was so good to see them and hope they visit us again when possible. We wish a Happy Birthday to Gary O’Loughton. There were no Anniversaries to celebrate. Secretary Kathy Fleischer read the December 2016 meeting minutes. The minutes were accepted as read and approved. Treasurer Don Webber read the Treasurer’s report, which was accepted as read and approved. Sunshine Committee Person Carol Joyce reported that she spoke to Judy Scott: Eldon was feeling better and they would try to make the January meeting. Unfortunately, they did not make it. Hopefully, they’ll be with us at another meeting.

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Carol spoke to Lee Mascara’s sister and reported that Bernard is doing well. 50/50 drawing winners: Kathy Fleischer and Richard Seidler. The May meeting has been confirmed. Our Picnic will be at Noon at Ron & Lorraine Girardin’s. Thank you, again, for hosting this. Next Meetings: Feb 1, at Noon, at the Sunny Side Up Diner, Calabash, NC..March 1, at Noon, at Damon’s Restaurant, 2985 South Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach, SC. [843-626-8000]. All Grumman, Northrop Grumman, and Northrop retirees are welcome to join us. Guests are also welcome.

By: Kathy Fleischer, Sec’y. [843-215-0525; kjpulcrano@yahoo.com]

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VIRGINIA / Central Virginia

January 11, 2017

Happy, Healthy & Blessed New Year everyone! The day dawned cloudy but was sunny and mild by lunchtime. There were eight of us who met at Shadwells Restaurant, in Charlottesville. (FYI: Shadwell was the birthplace of Thomas Jefferson.)

After prayer, we ate our delicious meals. Attendees: Maryanne Muller, Dot Marsh, Frank Edwards, Frank & Beverly Purstell, Rich Benske, and Fred & Marjorie Meiners.

After lunch, we shared memories of our escapades during the holidays and we discussed our plans for the next few months.

Rich is preparing his home for sale so he can move to AK. He is suffering from back pain; too much lifting? We pray that the pain is a thing of the past!

Four of us were venturing down to the Sunny South - - - Florida. In fact, Fred & I just returned in time to send this newsletter. It was over 80 degrees there. Business: Frank reports that we are solvent. He has received some member dues for 2017 Dues Are Due! $15. Please make checks payable to “Grumman- Northrop Grumman Retiree Club- Central VA Chapter” or to “Frank Purstell”. Send to: Frank Purstell, 317 Meadow Beauty Ct, Waynesboro, VA 22980 Next Meeting: February 8 - 12:30PM, at Michies Tavern 683 Thomas Jefferson Pky, Charlottesville, VA Future Meetings: All to be held on Wednesday:March 8, 2017 – 1:30PM (Note Time Change), at Boychiks Deli, Lakepointe Center (Innsbrook), 4024B Cox Road, Glen Allen, VA April 12, 2017 - 12:30PM: Crab Louies Seafood Tavern, 1352 Sycamore Square, Midlothian, VA May 10, 2017 - 12:30PM: Edelweiss Restaurant, 19 Edelweiss Lane, Staunton, VA (near Greenville)

June: TBD By: Marjorie Meiners, Recording Sec’y.

. **********************************************************

13

In Memoriam

We extend heartfelt sympathy to the families and friends of those who have passed away.

Biggers, John Setauket, NY 01/05/2017

Braham, Richard C. Orlando, FL 10/21/2016

Clarkson, Ian R. Beaufort, NC 01/16/2017

DeGennaro, Albert Hicksville, NY 2/17/2016 Doran, Joseph Bellport, NY 12/07/2016

Heggie, Robert Jensen Beach, FL 12/27/2017

Howell, Anne Palm Coast, FL 11/03/2016

Johannsen, Allen L. Jupiter, FL 12/23/2016

Koegel, Walter S. Babylon. NY 01/14/2017

Lertora, Robert Bellmore, NY 01/12/2017

Masucci, Domenick Lakeland, FL 01/05/2107

Patterson, Charles Mineola, NY 11/12/2016

Pellicani, Frederick Holtsville, NY 12/15/2016

Shoot, Anthony Levittown, NY 01/01/2017

Stumpf, Charles R. Old Bethpage, NY 12/23/2016

Szegfu, James Lindenhurst, NY 2/02/2016

Zapf, Frederick Stonybrook, NY 01/14/2017

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 [grumrc@gmail.com], with “Death Notice” as the subject.

14

Grumman History Chapter 41

1989 - A Roller Coaster Year

The F-14s started off the year with a big bang when two F-14 Tomcats shot down two Libyan MIG-23 fighter jets over international waters off the Libyan coast on January 4. The F-14s downed the Libyan planes with Sparrow and Sidewinder missiles after the Libyans clearly signaled their hostile intent by their aerial maneuvers. The Tomcats, from Fighter Squadron VF-32, based on the carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67), were on routine air patrol when the encounter occurred. This was the second confrontation between F-14s and Libyan jets. The first encounter had occurred eight years earlier, in August 1981, when two Tomcats shot down two Libyan warplanes that had attacked them above the Gulf of Sidra, about 60 miles from the Libyan coast, over international waters. The scorecard: Tomcats 4, Libya 0.

Heading into the New Year, a feeling of pessimism was filling the air. Despite the strong recommendations of the U.S. Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD) did not include the A-6 Intruder in the 1990 budget. And, although there were funds for the development of the Advanced Capability EA-6B Prowler in the 1990 budget, there were no EA-6B aircraft in the budget, either. Two of the four Grumman aircraft that were manufactured for the U.S. Navy were in jeopardy of having their production terminated. At a pin meeting held on January 13, John O’Brien indicated the fights to provide funding for the two aircraft in the 1990 budget were not over.

On January 17, Grumman Corporation announced the consolidation of three operating divisions to improve efficiency and reduce administrative costs. The Grumman Aerostructures Division and the St. Augustine Division became operating units of the Aircraft Systems Division. This cost cutting move reduced the number of operating divisions from 11 to 9.

George H. W. Bush was sworn in as the 41st President of the United States on January 20. He won the election in November of 1988, with his running mate Dan Quayle, against the Democratic ticket of Michael Dukakis and Lloyd Bentsen. On March 10, President Bush nominated U.S. Representative Dick Cheney, of Wyoming, for Secretary of Defense after John Towers nomination for the position failed to win Senate confirmation. Dick Cheney was sworn in as Defense Secretary on March 21. He would figure prominently with the F-14 during Grumman’s roller coaster year.

On February 17, Grumman Chairman John O’Brien met with financial analysts in New York City and spoke about the company’s future. O’Brien indicated that the company had set three priority new business objectives to achieve over the next two years: (1) convert the Joint STARS development project into a multi-billion dollar production contract; (2) sell the Tomcat-21 and extend Grumman’s fighter aircraft business another 15 years or more into the future; and (3) win the Boost Surveillance & Tracking System (BSTS) contract and open a new multi-billion dollar business. He told the analysts that Grumman was in a good position to achieve all three. In telling the analysts how the company was going to improve its balance sheet, O’Brien indicated that the airfield in Bethpage would be closed in two years and that a partnership would be formed with an established developer to construct commercial office buildings

15

on the real estate. He stated that Grumman was the only company in the industry that still operated its own airfield, and that we operated two, the other airfield being Calverton.

At the annual shareholders meeting on April 20, John O’Brien disclosed to the shareholders that the fiscal year 1990 DoD budget, which had not yet been submitted, was reported to eliminate funding for three Grumman airplanes, not just the A-6 and EA-6B, as had been talked about. It now included the elimination of funding for the F-14 as well. O’Brien indicated that - if the preliminary budget were enacted into law in its current form - the company business would have to be fundamentally changed, especially on Long Island. Simply put, he would have to restructure Grumman into a different kind of a company. However, O’Brien stressed to the shareholders that that scenario would not likely happen. He was confident the F-14D would be included in the fiscal 1990 budget and expected Tomcat-21 would be the alternative to the Naval Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF). However, on April 25, several days after the annual shareholders meeting, Defense Secretary Dick Cheney announced that the Pentagon had eliminated funding for the F-14D Tomcat from the fiscal 1990 budget. Mr. Cheney expected to save$2.4 billion over the next five years in his military budget. This not only impacted the F-14D, but the future of Tomcat-21 as well. “Cancellation of the F-14D would also kill the Tomcat-21”, said Pete Oram, Grumman Aircraft Systems Division President. The F-14 battle was just starting to brew: Grumman versus Dick Cheney.

While the budget battle was going on, the design concept for Tomcat-21 was progressing. The new design was an advanced version of the F-14D. It would beef up the Tomcat air-to-air performance and capitalize on its inherent air-to-ground features as a strike fighter. Paul Bavitz, Program Vice President – Advanced F-14, said the Tomcat-21 would be more economical than a new aircraft and could be available in half the time.

The second X-29 forward swept wing technology demonstrator made its first flight on May 23 from NASA’s Ames-Dryden Flight Research Facility at Edwards Air Force Base in California. X-29 No. 2 was to be flown in phase 2 of the X-29 flight test program, to investigate the aircraft’s high angle-of-attack (AOA) characteristics and the military utility of its canard and forward-swept wing configuration. X-29 No. 1 completed its work flying a total of 242 flights. It was Grumman’s first X-plane and it made history by being the first forward swept aircraft to fly supersonically. The only significant difference between the two aircraft was an emergency spin chute deployment system mounted on X-29 No. 2. Deployment of the spin chute would allow the pilot to regain control of the plane if it went into a spin during high AOA maneuver.

A massive effort to save the F-14D Tomcat began immediately after Defense Secretary Dick Cheney announced the elimination of funding for the F-14D from the fiscal 1990 budget. Long Island’s five Congressional Representatives pulled together rapidly to map out a strategy to save the F-14D. Representatives Thomas Downey, George Hockbreuckner, Norman Lent, Robert Mrazek, and Raymond McGrath knew there were a lot of jobs at stake that could shake the economy of Nassau and Suffolk Counties immeasurably. Business leaders were saying that 15,000 jobs were at risk. Not only were they concerned about the loss of jobs on Long Island, their greater concern was that the elimination of the F-14D was, foremost, a national security issue. The Long Island delegation needed to convince Congress that the F-14 was essential. They focused their lobbying efforts, along with those of New

16

York’s Senators Alfonse D’Amato and Patrick Moynihan, on Representative Les Aspen and Senator Sam Nunn, chairmen of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, respectively. Grumman also had its lobbyists working hard on House members in states where the company had plants or facilities, reminding those Representatives how important the F-14 was to their constituents as well. The company enlisted the help of employees, retirees, and suppliers in a letter writing campaign to the members of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Grumman was pursuing every avenue and pulling out all the stops to restore funding for the F-14D. The 40,000th Long Life Vehicle (LLV) rolled off the assembly line at Grumman’s Allied facility in Montgomery, Pennsylvania, on September 12. Grumman was achieving its rate of 95 U.S. Postal Service trucks a day. Bob Denien, president of Allied’s LLV division, said they had roughly 60,000 more to build under the original contract. He was hopeful the Postal Service would exercise its options for another 59,000. The first LLV had rolled off the assembly line back in April of 1987.

On November 15, the Senate approved the 1990 defense authorization bill by a vote of 91 to 8. The bill called for the purchase of 18 new F-14Ds. The President signed the bill into law on November 29. A sense of relief prevailed over Grumman. The battle had been won to restore F-14D funding into the 1990 defense budget. But it came at a price: The defense authorization bill contained language for new F-14D production closeout. The F-14 production line would close after the last plane was delivered in 1992. It seemed that Grumman won round one of the fight, but that Secretary Cheney would win the bout.

Although the company won a major battle with the F-14s in the 1990 defense budget, the battle for new A-6E Intruders and EA-6B Prowlers in the budget was a loss. Their fates were sealed when funding for new production A-6s and EA-6Bs was not included in the defense authorization bill. At the end of the year, the company had about 2,000 people working on the A-6 program and about 1,600 people working on the EA-6B program. The 40,000th Long Life Vehicle (LLV) rolled off the assembly line at Grumman’s Allied facility in Montgomery, Pennsylvania on September 12. Grumman was achieving its rate of 95 U.S. Postal Service trucks a day. Bob Denien, president of Allied’s LLV division said they had roughly 60,000 more to build under the original contract. He was hopeful the Postal Service would exercise its options for another 59,000. The first LLV had rolled off the assembly line back in April of 1987.

On November 15, the Senate approved the 1990 defense authorization bill by a vote of 91 to 8. The bill called for the purchase of 18 new F-14Ds. The President signed the bill into law on November 29. A sense of relief prevailed over Grumman. The battle had been won to restore F-14D funding into the 1990 defense budget. But it came at a price: The defense authorization bill contained language for new F-14D production closeout. The F-14 production line would close after the last plane was delivered in 1992. It seemed that Grumman won round one of the fight, but that Secretary Cheney would win the bout.

Although the company won a major battle with the F-14s in the 1990 defense budget, the battle for new A-6E Intruders and EA-6B Prowlers in the budget was a loss. Their fates were sealed when funding for new production A-6s and EA-6Bs was not included in the defense authorization bill. At the end of the year, the company had about 2,000 people working on the A-6 program and about 1,600 people working on the EA-6B program.

17

The 40,000th Long Life Vehicle (LLV) rolled off the assembly line at Grumman’s Allied facility in Montgomery, Pennsylvania on September 12. Grumman was achieving its rate of 95 U.S. Postal Service trucks a day. Bob Denien, president of Allied’s LLV division said they had roughly 60,000 more to build under the original contract. He was hopeful the Postal Service would exercise its options for another 59,000. The first LLV had rolled off the assembly line back in April of 1987.

On November 15, the Senate approved the 1990 defense authorization bill by a vote of 91 to 8. The bill called for the purchase of 18 new F-14Ds. The President signed the bill into law on November 29. A sense of relief prevailed over Grumman. The battle had been won to restore F-14D funding into the 1990 defense budget. But it came at a price: The defense authorization bill contained language for new F-14D production closeout. The F-14 production line would close after the last plane was delivered in 1992. It seemed that Grumman won round one of the fight, but that Secretary Cheney would win the bout.

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GRUMMAN - NORTHROP GRUMMAN RETIREE CLUBMEMBERSHIP APPLICATION/RENEWAL

2017

BETHPAGE CHAPTER DUES ARE $15.00 OTHER CHAPTERSMail your $15 check (payable to Grumman Retiree Club) Contact Your Chapter for Dues Amountand this form to: Attn: Retiree Club Mail your check(s) and this form925 S. Oyster Bay Road M/S Retiree/BP 15 to your local chapterBethpage, NY 11714-3582

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(A) Check No. ___________________ Date ______________ Amount $______________ (B) Cash __________

7. Please Check: New Member____ Renewal ___ Surviving Spouse ____

8. DONATIONS: REQUIRE SEPARATE CHECKS

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NewsletterEditor: Neil KlaskinNostalgia Coordinator: Charles Mooney

Grumman Retiree Club, Inc.Phone: (516) 575-3777Fax: (516) 575-8715Website: www.grummanretireeclub.orgE-mail: grumrc@gmail.com

OfficersBob Ripp - President Pat Sullivan - Vice PresidentLou Kubat - SecretaryFrank Rizzo - TreasurerNick Bazzicalupo - Sgt-at-Arms