Presidents Message for May, 2010 Been to a meeting lately? If you have, you'll agree with me when I say that the Society for Aviation History presents some of the best educational programs in the community. Of course, I'm a bit biased… Our educational programs bring a variety of topics presented by experts in their field, or the history makers themselves. For a recap of our recent educational programs, visit our website (www.sfahistory.org) and click on the "Meetings and Educational Programs" link or go straight to the "Past Speakers" page. Here you'll find a list of program presenters by year. It has truly been a privilege to hear each of these presentations and to meet such a truly amazing group of people. And joining that esteemed list of program presenters was Cdr. Peggy Stephan, who flew ski-equipped LC-130s to the Antarctic - in addition to other great flying adventures including four years of flying C-2 Greyhounds from carrier decks. Our next speaker will be Chris Mahoney, Ph.D., who's research is rewriting aviation history. Mahoney is bringing to light information about the Ryan-built "Spirit of St. Louis." The story everyone learned was that the Ryan Airlines built the "Spirit" and nearly every photo I've seen has T. Claude Ryan in the photos. However, T. Claude had sold half of Ryan Airliners to Chris Mahoney's grandfather, Benjamin Franklin Mahoney, in 1925, and the balance of the company in November 1926. Mahoney kept the Ryan Airlines name, and T. Claude Ryan stayed on as a consultant, the position he held when Charles A. Lindbergh wired Ryan Airlines to inquire as to whether or not the company could build an aircraft capable of flying from New York to Paris. Mahoney's June educational program will be followed by our summer break in July, August, and September. Watch your mailbox for this year's spectacular, expanded summer edition of "Touch & Go." And if you've got stories or photos to contribute, please contact editor Rick Pisio. When we return from the summer break, we'll have Andy Melomet back for another aviation film review. Andy's presentations always get rave reviews and he says he's working on a pre-World War II film that will be enjoyed by all. Remember to introduce a friend to the Society for Aviation History by bringing them to a meeting, and that memberships make great gifts! Also, through the generosity of Rick Turner, look for the society's advertisement in upcoming issues of "Air Classics" magazine! See you in June. - Nick Veronico
Past President Messages are linked below:
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