Tim Brown, Commanding Officer
First and foremost, there are two issues that need to be addressed: we need volunteers and we need more financial support from the members to help fund the Sailors of the Quarter Program, the printing and mailing of the OpPlan, and the upkeep and maintenance of our website. We do not charge dues and the only payment that we ask you to make is towards your membership in the Association of Naval Aviation for your annual dues. Many of you are Life Members so you don’t have that continuing outflow. If you wish to help us keep Gramps financially viable, either give your donation to Dolores at the door when you come to lunch or mail your check in any amount to Hal McDonnel at 860 Morningside Drive Unit C-407 Fullerton, CA 93835-3565. Make your checks payable to ANA Grampaw Pettibone Squadron, Inc. or just “GPS”. I will address the volunteerism challenge next month but now on to business.
It has been a busy few weeks since our last meeting. The time between our luncheons seems to be shorter and shorter with less time to get things organized for the next one. Thanks to a great volunteer staff, it all comes together and we have another great lunch and briefing. And also thanks to the staff at the Garden Grove Elk’s Lodge for their great work and excellent food.
I am still adjusting to the loss of long-time member, Del “DO” Morris. He was always such a known in a changing world. Personally I will miss him. That being said, Bob Olds sent a booklet to me a week or so ago that brought home the fact that Gramps is not a one-man or one-woman organization. Did you know that Gramps is celebrating nearly 40 years as a squadron in ANA? That’s right, Gramps was formed in 1970, five years before ANA was formed. At first the group, led by CAPT Ed Leonard, USN (Ret), was just a group of active duty, retired and reserve officers who met and swapped flying stories. Not much different than today’s GPS luncheons. Then, in 1975, ANA was formed. In November 1976 the members voted and Gramps joined as a member of the newly formed Association of Naval Aviation. So next year we will celebrate our 40th year of membership in ANA.
By the way, I have asked our web master to “upload” a copy of that booklet that Bob Olds sent to me. It is good reading and gives you a short history of Gramps. On the last page there is a list of Commanding Officers that includes some guys who are still around at our luncheons such as Dave Newbro (1993-94) and Bob Olds (1995). I saw Roy Janiec (1989) at Tailhook this year and he looks fine. I communicate with Jack Dalbey (1982) every so often but he retired to the Big Island of Hawaii and is pretty busy! I enjoy talking to Win Jewson (1990) when he shows up for the December Staff Dinner, now to be lunch, at the end of the year. Denny Bowen (1991-92) is still active in the background. He stays current with our activities and contributes to the “Great Guys” fund regularly. Quite a group and quite a history wrapped up in their memories.
Enough said for this month. Please think about joining the staff and helping to keep this organization going. Send Great Guys donations directly to Hal McDonnel at 860 Morningside Drive Unit C-407 Fullerton, CA 93835-3565.
