A spectacular batch of 1946 Veterans Air Line images and press clippings ignited lively conversation. I was in Florida to meet Craig Broughton and his wife Carol. And to learn more about Craig’s dad, Richard Broughton, who was one of my Dad’s DC-4 pilots for the UNRRA. Dick flew four of our post-war relief deliveries to Warsaw, Prague and Athens in 1946. Don’t miss this story.
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Our Dads would have loved the role they played in friendships that have developed between their “kids.” Just three weeks ago today, Ellen Stettner and I met for a second time and had dinner. Like sisters, we talked and talked. So lovely. Her dad, Veterans Air pilot Jack Stettner, helped my Dad found the airline.
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He said “…I am not selling anything. Don’t hang up!” I had to laugh. That’s my line when I contact people about Veterans Air Express for the first time. So I promised I wouldn’t hang up. Glad I didn’t! Here’s the story of my first contact with John Schaus, DC-3 pilot for Dad’s company in 1946.
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A new treasure…a photo of Robert C. Chambers standing with our first DC-3 in 1945 while she still looked like the government surplus Army C-47 she had been. And breaking news…Chambers was the DC-3 Chief Pilot with Veterans! Bet you didn’t know that! I didn’t before today. Come see.
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Veterans Air Express Navigator Edward Martz regaled me with stories I have not heard before. In our face-to-face meeting last month in New Jersey, Ed Martz shared vivid memories from his 1946 flights behind the Iron Curtain. You don’t want to miss the full story!
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Look who I found!! Two sons, Craig & Robert, of 1945 1st Officer Richard Broughton. And two original crew members, Edward Martz, navigator, living in NJ and Thomas Cowart, flight engineer, living in SC. They ALL flew multiple trips for the Veterans Air Express United Nations war relief contract to Prague, Warsaw and Athens. It’s intriguing! And I am psyched!
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My research project into Veterans Air Express 1945 history gets huge boost. My face-to-face meeting with 92-year old Jack Stettner, founding member & pilot, reveals great stories. And his Logbook contains my “missing” DC-3.
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On Father’s Day, I share with you entries from my journal – to my Dad. They definitely were not written to share. But I feel it appropriate to disclose our bond & connection. To give you insight to my research. The writings are unedited and you won’t “get” all the references. But I believe you’ll get more than the gist.
Read more →My favorite photo of Dad and Veterans Air DC-3 the GAYE LYN just got posted on a very helpful website — ABCDlist.nl. It now sits among other DC-3s in a gallery frequented by DC-3 “loyalists” & crews. Hope to attract contact from those knowing Veterans Air Express.
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Saunie Gravely founded an all-veterans commercial air service in 1945 that flew freight and passengers out of Newark Air Depot. Meet my favorite DC-3 named GAYE LYN…that’s me. Read about some of the GIs who helped form & flew for Veterans Air Express and Veterans Air Line.
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