Sent: Monday, December 21, 2015 4:27 PM
To: Bobinsky, Steven J.
Subject: Steve, my Dad started a non-sked in 1945
Hello, Steve.
I discovered Aviation Pioneers Association online today. I was doing
more research on Edward Martz, who eventually became a navigator for
Riddle Airlines. But first he crewed for my Dad, Saunie Gravely, and
his non-sked carrier – Veterans Air Express and Veterans Air Line They
were based at Newark, positioning at times from Teterboro. They won a
UNRRA contract and flew DC-4’s with war-relief goods to Prague, Warsaw
and Athens, being the first civilian carrier to fly behind the Iron
Curtain. They also few cargo and passengers in the U.S.
In April this year, with one article from 1946 AIR TRANSPORT, I began
informally doing research on the airline. I had no idea! It has taken
on a life of it’s own. I have no idea where I’m headed or what, if
anything, I’ll do with the information I’m gathering. I’m too immersed
in first finding more members of Veterans Air. To date, I have found 10
families of my Dad’s crews. And I have travelled to meet with three of
the crew – Jack Stettner, 93 living with family in Florida, Thomas
Cowart, 94 living independently in South Carolina and Edward Martz,
mentioned above, 90 living with his wife of 64 years in New Jersey.
I would love to be in touch with you. I’m hoping you receive my
message. And that you will take time to visit my website:
www.veteransair.org.
Best regards,
Gaye Lyn
g.
Veterans Air Line &Veterans Air Express
Saunie Gravely, Founder, President, 1945
Gaye Lyn Gravely, Researcher, 2015
Web: www.VeteransAir.org
SAUNIE
Saunie Gravely, my Dad
DC-3 named after me the week I was born.
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From: Bobinsky, Steven J.
Sent: Monday, December 21, 2015 4:59 PM
To: Gaye Lyn
Subject: RE: Steve, my Dad started a non-sked in 1945
Ms. Gravely,
Great to hear from you and I am glad you reached out to connect with
our Aviation Pioneers Association Nonsked project at Embry-Riddle
Aeronautical University. This has been a long-term, mostly student run
history project who is attempting to document this little known period
in aviation and the entrepreneurs who were involved, which would
certainly include your father.
While I know it would be impossible to provide all the details of this
project within this email, I suspect you have seen the Nonsked History
Project’s website. www.aviationhistoryproject.com/ We hope to
roll out an updated version of the website in the next few months.
This student run project began more than 5 years ago. I have attached
an announcement of a small archive of photos and materials associate
with the Aviation Pioneers Association (APA) which is where the project
began.
I would enjoy chatting with you on the phone and would enjoy meeting
you in person, perhaps, one day. With your (505) area code, I suspect
you might live in New Mexico. I am familiar with the area, having lived
in Las Vegas and Los Lunas for nearly 20 years, my wife was born and
raised in Albuquerque. I live and work in Prescott, Arizona, about 6
hours drive from Albq. Which I travel through there somewhat often.
Please let me know when a good time to chat on the phone. I will be in
my office for the next two days, however Embry-Riddle will be closing
during the Christmas break, after Wednesday, Dec. 23. If timing does
not work in the next two day, I will return to my office week of January
4.
Looking forward to connecting further.
Safe Travels,
Steve
Steve Bobinsky
Executive Director of Development
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Prescott, Arizona
Description: Description: email-ERAU_all_TM
<givingto.erau.edu/>
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—— Forwarded Message ——
From “Gaye Lyn”
To “Bobinsky, Steven J.”
Date 12/21/2015 6:41:49 PM
Subject Re: Steve, my Dad started a non-sked in 1945
Steve, I am delighted to hear from you. Thanks so much for the lengthy
message.
I’d like to take some time tomorrow to more than browse your website.
So Wednesday morning would be better than tomorrow to chat. I work from
home and will be available at your convenience. I look forward to
learning your role in the Nonsked History Project and just getting
acquainted. Thank you for the attachment. I had read it on the
website. I had, of course, also clicked on the “V” in your Airlines by
Alphabet. But, alas, no Veterans Air Express.
Your memory serves you well, Steve. 505 is indeed New Mexico. Small
world, yes? We live in Santa Fe. At some point, as you’re coming
through, I will gladly meet you in ABQ – or happy to give you an excuse
to visit Santa Fe. I grew up in Phoenix. Dad worked for the Bab
Company on Long Island as an aviation tech rep. The company transferred
us from New Jersey to Phoenix in about 1952.
Look forward to speaking with you.
My best,
g.
Gaye
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