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(Check "Member Updates" above to find out what individual Silver Eagles have been up to.)Click the links below to view the Silver Eagles Monthly Newsletters:
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February 3, 2011
I know that this is coming very early in the month, but there is a lot of news: new members, a new Inside Man, and general elation about the activities of our group. But first, the 2010 NTSB Annual Awards Ceremony will be on the afternoon of Tuesday, April 19. Please attend!Ted Lopatkiewicz will be retiring and joining us! He has been our Inside Man since I retired in Jan 2009. Bob Benzon has volunteered to take over – at least until he (Bob) retires.
This from Bob Barlett: “Ted’s retirement party is on Monday, February 28th at 2 pm in the NTSB Board Room and Conference Center – hope to see all of you there! And please pass the information along to any/all former NTSB employees, a.k.a. Silver Eagles, that he has known many during his 25+ years at the Board!!
Sharon Bryson is heading up the plans, so a more formal invite will be forthcoming, but I wanted to get it on your calendars NOW! His last real day at the office is Thursday, March 3rd, but the San Bruno pipeline public hearing is March 1-3, so we will be a little busy on his last day."
New Members:
Bruce Magladry – “I retired on Friday to begin a different and much more relaxed life with my wife, Judy, but I cannot go without expressing my appreciation and respect for all of you. The NTSB family is a unique collection of bright, energetic, dedicated people of integrity who’s mission touches one’s soul. I consider it an honor to have been able to contribute. Thank you, it’s been a hell of a ride. Bruce”
Member News:
Alex Lanoway’s passing brought this from Hank Hughes: “I was saddened to hear about Al. He was a true gentleman. I had to pleasure of working with him during the time he came out of retirement as an annuitant. He was a first class all around aviation engineering guy but more importantly he was a man of the old school.” and “I didn't mention it but the last case Al investigated with the Board was the DC-9 Delta uncontained engine failure in Pensacola, Fl. Tom Conroy was the IIC.”
Dick Rodriguez, Jack Drake, Jim Wildey, Sonia Lott, Greg Phillips, Frank Zakar, Mike Marx and Mike O'Rourke shared their memories with all of us. (Click here to read all of the memories and tributes.) Thanks, that was fantastic! This group is for all of us to use and share. I’m just the founder and I’ll do my best to keep it rolling, but it is up to you to use it as you please. Please feel free to contact the group with relevant information and hold onto the mailing list. One never knows the future and I’d hate to have this die with me.
Message from Eunice Bellinger: “Thanks to all who attended my retirement celebration; it was a wonderful occasion and a beautiful send off to end my government career at NTSB. Thank you for your well wishes, gifts, cards, emails, and telephone calls.”
This is another success story for our group. The Silver Eagle turnout was amazing at Eunice’s farewell! I will admit a little frustration that I don’t get a lot of news from our members. I know that someone out there has to be having fun and willing to share! However, our sharing about Al and our attendance at Eunice’s party really made me proud!
Jim Henderson
January 16, 2011
A number of Silvers Eagles and other notables showed up to wish Eunice Bellinger a fond farewell at her retirement party on January 13. See the Photo Gallery for pictures from the event.
Member News
Sandy (wife of Jay Kivowitz) sends, via George Cochran, this update on Jay's condition:
"Hello everyone. Today is a good day. Around noon Jay started waking up on his own. It's a very slow process but he seems to be on course. With that good news they were able to take away his breathing tube and stomach tube so he is much more comfortable as well. Today was a big turning point and I am so happy. He asked the time and wanted to know when. I couldn't quite get that but I said in the afternoon. He said it again and I said you want to know the day of the week and he said yes. He seemed puzzled when he learned it was Thursday. So, looks like Jay is thinking and waking which is a good thing. Now we have to hope the kidney will kick in soon. As they said it is on his timing. So, thanks for the prayers and keep them coming."
January 7, 2011
Bruce McGladry, Director of the Office of Highway Safety, has announced his retirement, with a retirement party scheduled for 2:00 p.m. January 27, 2011, in the Chairman's Suite.
Eunice Bellinger is retiring after 42 years' Federal service. Her retirement party was held on January 13, 2011.
December 27, 2010
Carl Dinwiddie of the Chicago office retired on November 27, 2010.
According to his wife, Sandy, Jay Kivowitz came through [his recent surgery?] fine.
Does anyone have have e-mail addresses for Steve McCreary and Larry Yohe? If so, please let us know.
There will be an International Family Assistance Conference March 28-29, 2011, if anyone is interested.
Edith Brown sends along this amusing photo: (When you know it's time to retire!)
November 15, 2010
Charlotte Cox (below) of the Office of Marine Safety, retired on her birthday, November 19, 2010.
Jim Henderson was on the History Channel’s Modern Marvels Engineering Disasters #22 on November 19, 2010, to discuss the Dallas acetylene explosions.
Jim also asks, "I wonder if we can find a way to start a [Facebook] page for NTSB??? My high school and colleges have pages. I will start researching this, BUT if anyone already knows how to do it, then lets get started. BTW, you are all welcome to friend me. Search Facebook on my email address: jhenderson815@verizon.net
October 13, 2010
Joe Kris has been promoted at TSA and is now the Deputy Director of Global Compliance in the Office of Global Strategies.
August 23, 2010
Board News:
David L. Mayer, Managing Director
“Everyone, I am very pleased to announce the selection of two noteworthy individuals to key senior management positions within our investigative offices: Stephen J. Klejst as the Director for the Office of Railroad, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Investigations, and James H. Ritter as the Deputy Director for the Office of Research and Engineering. Please join Chairman Hersman and me in congratulating both Steve and Jim on their new positions. Steve joined the Safety Board in 2008 as a railroad accident investigator where he served as the Investigator-In-Charge of both major and regional investigations. Before coming to the NTSB, Steve served over 30 years with New Jersey Transit Rail Operations and Conrail in both freight and passenger operations. As the New Jersey Transit Deputy General Manager, he was responsible for accident investigation, passenger safety, employee health and safety, regulatory compliance, and all technical and operations training. Before his promotion to Deputy General Manager, he served as the Director of Training, Manager of Labor Relations, Manager of Technical Training and Road Foreman of Engines. Steve began his railroad career with Conrail in 1978 as a conductor and a certified locomotive engineer. He received his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Science degree in management from the Stevens Institute of Technology. Jim joined the Safety Board in 1988 as a performance group chairman for major aviation accidents. Since that time he has worked on accident investigations in all modes of transportation. His investigative work was recognized in 1995 when he became the first recipient of the NTSB’s annual Dr. John K. Lauber award for technical excellence. From 1995 to 2002 Mr. Ritter was Chief of the Vehicle Performance Division for the Office of Research and Engineering, where he and his team provided critical support, including vehicle simulations and performance investigations, onboard data recorder readouts, radar data studies, and accident animations. Most recently, Jim served as the Deputy Director for the Office of Railroad, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials. During the last 7 months, Jim has been serving as the Acting Director, leading RPH though one of its most challenging transit accident investigations. Jim is a graduate of Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace engineering. He has been a private pilot since 1977, but he began specialized flight training on his own time several years ago and now holds a commercial pilot license with instrument rating for single and multi-engine airplanes. Steve and Jim will assume their new roles on August 1, 2010.”
June 10, 2010
Former NTSB chief dies in Clinton, Ark., hometown The Associated Press 7:29 p.m. Sunday, May 16, 2010 CLINTON, Ark. — Jim Burnett, the chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board for six years, has died at the age of 62, a funeral home official said. Burnett was named to the NTSB in 1981 by then-President Ronald Reagan. He served on the board until 1991 and fulfilled the role of chairman from 1982 to 1988. Bobby Ray Bradford, manager of Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Clinton, said Burnett died Saturday at Ozark Health Nursing Center of complications from diabetes. Burnett was active in Republican Party affairs and had been GOP national committeeman from Arkansas since 2004. Born in Little Rock on Sept. 20, 1947, he moved to Clinton with his family and graduated from high school there. Burnett attended the University of Arkansas, where he obtained a law degree in 1973. He also was an alumnus of the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Burnett had a reputation as a strong, independent safety advocate during and after his service on the NTSB. He was active in a campaign to raise the minimum drinking age to 21 across the nation. In 1986, then-first lady Nancy Reagan presented Burnett with the National Commission Against Drunk Driving Award, recognizing his leadership in that campaign. "Jim was a national leader on transportation safety issues," the Republican Party of Arkansas said in an announcement of Burnett's death on its website. After a train carrying hazardous materials derailed in Louisiana in 1982, Burnett led efforts to adopt federal rules dealing with intoxication of railroad workers, which eventually led to drug and alcohol testing for transportation workers. In 1994, the IREI Air Safety Foundation of Japan dedicated a monument in Burnett's honor near the site of a 1985 Japan Airlines crash in Japan, according to information his family members provided to the funeral home. The memorial recognized Burnett's leadership in aviation safety and accident prevention. NASA and the United States Space Foundation inducted Burnett into the Space Technology Hall of Fame in 1996 for his work in promoting a fire-resistant aircraft seat.
Hector Casanova and his wife Olivia just got back to Arlington, TX., On 3 May after taking another transatlantic cruise from Galveston, TX ,to Barcelona, Spain. Hector challenges all Silver Eagles who have NOT cruised anywhere to consider taking one. "Cruising is very affordable, totally stress free, and a lot of fun. Some cruises, can be had for less that you spend if you stay home. Consider our last 14-night cruise. We paid $649 for a cabin with a balcony, which turns out to $46.35 per day per person. There is no way you can stay in a luxury hotel, eat every meal at a 5-star restaurant, go to a Las Vegas quality show and participate in countless activities for that price. Even better, the same cruise could have been purchased for $429. Per person if you chose an inside cabin! Cruises cover everything except alcoholic beverages and on-board specialty purchases (Spa, massages, etc,) Let me know if any of you wants to be notified of good deals or knows of one." Salud, Hector.
May 7, 2010
Ed Dobranetski, rail investigator, retired April 30, without much fanfare. Ed’s farewell message: "It’s that time. The train is coming into the station and my trip is about over. It was a great trip getting to see a lot of the country, stopping at many locations, getting to know the people, and providing them some help along the way. The passengers on this train are quite special and most will be continuing on to other stations; some new will be getting on while others will be getting off later, as I am now. They certainly have been great company and friends on the ride. I’ve not met all the passengers, but those that I have met have really impressed with their attitude, knowledge, and desire to make the trip a great trip. We’ve shared many good times, stories, and even got work done along the way to help transportation and the public. After 20 years in the rail industry and 24 years at the Safety Board, my ride is ending and another journey is about to begin. I will miss the passengers on my train, I’ve learned a lot from them. I wish you all a safe trip, and when your train reaches your station that you too will have had a great of trip as I have. Enjoy the ride on the Safety Board Special—it is and it’s the best there is."
Bob Chipkevich, former Chief of Rail, Pipeline and HazMat retired a couple of months ago. He just sold his house in Burke, VA, in two days and is heading for the Nashville, TN, area. He might need some help house hunting for places above the 100 year flood level – or was that 500 year?
Hank Hughes' farewell message: "Well tomorrow is my last day 4/29 with the Safety Board. It seems hard to believe it’s been a little over 25 years ago I came to work here. Little did I know the Safety Board would become home and that I would regard many of the employees as part of my family. I have had the opportunity to witness and be a part of some very interesting times, mostly good. I wish all of you only the best always."
