Our 51st Anniversary Reunion was held in Savannah, Georgia at the Hyatt Regency Downtown Savannah Hotel from May 19th to May 23rd. It was the first East Coast reunion for FTLPA since 1991 when we met in Washington D.C. Known as the Hostess City of the South, Savannah is the oldest city in Georgia with cobblestone streets, beautiful parks, and antebellum architecture amidst Revolutionary and Civil War sites. The hotel was located right on the Savannah River and was chosen for its access to all the sites, shops, and restaurants offered in the famed Historic District of the city.
The reunion was a huge success, attended by over 290 members and guests. A wonderful contingent of former Seaboard and FedEx pilots complimented many in the group who attended for the very first time. By many accounts, it was heard to be said that this was one of the best reunions ever. A list of those who attended can be viewed by clicking HERE
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Hospitality Room
Our main hospitality meeting room was open to all Tigers through the day, many who enjoyed the Tiger Bar (wine, beer, and soft drinks) in the afternoon and evening hours. It provided a spectacular view of the river from the second floor where large container ships were seen arriving or departing from under the Talmadge Memorial Bridge to the Savannah seaport, the 3rd busiest in the U.S.
Golf Tournament
Fifteen "hackers" amongst the group woke up early Tuesday morning for a fun round of play across the river at the Club at Savannah Harbor golf course. Alan Cheak was the golf coordinator this year and created a fun scramble for all who played.
Group 1
Roger Adams
Chuck Alonso
Mike Broome (Closest to the pin)
Group 2
Mike & Sue Healy
Bob and Nancy Cecchi
Group 3 (Winning Group)
Bill Libby
Jay Gauvin (Longest Drive)
Robert Watt
Doug Felton
Group 4
Alan Cheak
Cindy Gillette
Dave & Keri Tinker
City Trolley Tour
On Tuesday morning close to 180 enjoyed a 1 1/2 hour tour aboard five Old Town Trolleys for a narrated tour of the historic district with its stately mansions, beautiful squares and riverfront sites.
Sunset Cruise
Tuesday night more than 250 of us embarked from the dock behind the hotel for a beautiful sunset cruise up and down the Savannah River aboard the Georgia Queen. 70 elected to have dinner while underway, which was described as a magnificent buffet.
Mighty Eighth Museum
On Wednesday Morning 215 elected to take buses to the Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force where they were met by excellent docents and enjoyed a lunch buffet after their museum visit. In a spontaneous gesture orchestrated by Madame Secretary Leigh-lu Prasse, a bucket was passed around to collect a donation for the museum. An amazing $1,000 was donated by our generous Tigers and presented to the museum.
Thanks to FAA connections and efforts by member Tom Witts, an extremely lucky 60 people who signed up quickly were allowed to take buses to the Gulfstream Production Plant on the other side of the airport. Unfortunately picture taking was completely forbidden, except for a final room which held mockups. At left is Leigh-lu Prasse presenting a thank you gift to the Gulfstream representative who made the tour so memorable.
Open Afternoon and Night
Wednesday night was deliberately left open of reunion activities to allow all who attended the chance to get out and experience the sites and tastes of Savannah. Some took their cars to enjoy the beach at Tybee Island. Others ventured up north to Hilton Head and Charleston.
Business Meeting
Earl Gillette's first meeting as the new FTLPA President was very well attended - in fact the back "air wall" had to be removed to allow the overflow of attendees having to stand in the back of the room. The agenda included an explantation of next year's reunion and cruise by Allen Cheak and Leigh-lu Prasse, a motivational explanation of the annual 50/50 contest as a fundraiser, a glimpse at plans for a new book on the FTL Boeing 707 by Guy Van Herbruggen, and an excellent presentation by Lydia Rossi on the heritage of the AVG Flying Tigers and the origins of our shared names. Lastly, four former FedEx pilots were nominated and subsequently voted into FTLPA as Honorary Members.
Captain Larry Laverne, FDX, nominated by Dennis McCarthy
Captain Mike Bender, FDX, nominated by Arlin Fratzke
Captain Woodie Clark, FDX, nominated by Bear Kramer
Captain Bob Hoy, FDX, nominated by Dave Jones
Banquet Dinner and Dance
The Banquet Dinner and Dance was truly a night to remember. Our entertainment for the night was Deas Guyz, a local "low country" band that normally plays at Hilton Head - probably the best band that we've ever booked since the Skinner Band days.