From: Gaye Lyn
Sent: Saturday, June 2, 2018 11:52 AM
To: Roth, Suzie
Cc: Bobinsky, Steven J.
Subject: My Dad’s 1945 nonsked airline & my research project
Dear Suzie,
I write today at Steve Bobinsky’s suggestion to inquire about future
access to the aviation research resources of your Hazy Library.
My name is Gaye Lyn Gravely and in April 2015 I began research on the
non-sked airline founded by my father, Saunie Gravely, in 1945.
Two names, one company: Veterans Air Express and Veterans Air Line.
Based at Newark and Teterboro airports, New Jersey, for transport of
cargo and passengers.
Short-lived (1945 – 1947-ish) during the “non-scheduled” airline era.
Nonetheless, the company made history.
Flew war-surplus DC-4s under contract with the UNRRA -5 flights to
Prague and Warsaw, delivering 55,000 hatching eggs each trip to restore
their war decimated hatcheries. A 6th UN flight to Athens with 3 young
dairy breeding stock donated by The Borden Company.
Flew cargo & passengers domestically in war-surplus DC-3s — the first
one named Gaye Lyn the week I was born!
My cornerstone was a 3-page, July 1947 Air Transport article that
featured my Dad, the airline, and a list of the first 22 veterans who
found the endeavor. In December 2015, I discovered Aviation Pioneers
Association online. That, fortunately, led me to Steve Bobinsky. Just
recently, he put me in touch with your ERAU’s Professor Alan Bender —
and so it goes.
My greatest honor and joy? I found and meet face-to-face with four of my
Dad’s men, emailed with a fifth, visited three Veterans Air widows, and
befriended and been adopted by 10 other families whose fathers had
passed away. Early on, I established a website … VeteransAir.org …
as a chronicle and in hopes Veterans Air families would find me. They
have!
Suzie, this project and my findings are beyond my wildest expectations
and now an-almost full-time endeavor. I am in constant pursuit of more
— more of our people, our aircraft histories, routes flown, the legal
and anecdotal details of the company’s non-sked travails, etc.
Finally…to the point!!! Next month, I plan to drive my RV from Santa
Fe to Ashland, Oregon, for a June 20 meet & greet with Alan Bender. En
route, Steve Bobinsky and I hope to arrange a “coffee” on June 15th.
And, depending upon your response to my request and your availability, I
would also like to come to the library on the 15th to introduce myself
and explore possibilities for a full research visit in early Fall.
I hope all this detail is helpful, Suzie, and that I may hear from you
soon.
My very best regards,
Gaye Lyn
Gaye Lyn Gravely
Current day Researcher
Saunie Gravely, Founder, 1945
Veterans Air Express & Veterans Air Line
——————————————————————————–
From: Gaye Lyn
Sent: Monday, June 04, 2018 9:49 PM
To: Roth, Suzie S.; Bobinsky, Steven J.
Subject: Re: My Dad’s 1945 nonsked airline & my research project
Hello Suzie,
I’m jumping in here for just a moment to give you new dates for my
Prescott visit which I have already shared with Steve.
I am arriving late afternoon on Wednesday, June 13. That gives me all
day Thursday to familiarize myself with the library if it will be
accessible to me. Anytime during that day, Suzie, if you are available.
I would love to meet you.
Steve and I are having coffee Friday morning, the 15th, before I
continue on my way toward Ashland.
My best to you both,
Gaye Lyn
Gaye Lyn Gravely
Current day Researcher
Saunie Gravely, Founder, 1945
Veterans Air Express & Veterans Air Line
——————————————————————————–
On 6/4/2018 1:40 PM, Bobinsky, Steven J. wrote:
Suzie,
Not sure if you have already followed up, however I have been working
with Gaye Lyn Gravely on her aviation history research, which ties in
with the Aviation History, the non-skeds, project with Embry-Riddle
students and Dr. Sally Blomstrom.
Please let me know if you might need any other information to assist
with her request to use the Hazy Library for her further research.
Thanks
Steve
Steve Bobinsky
Executive Director of Philanthropy
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Prescott, Arizona
——————————————————————————–
On Jun 5, 2018 8:39 AM, “Roth, Suzie S.” wrote:
Good Morning, Gaye,
This sounds great! I would be happy to meet with you next Thursday
morning. Our summer hours are 7am – 5pm.
Per our policy, a library employee must log you on to the computer to
get you started. Just ask the employee at the check-out desk to give me
a call and I will come down to meet you and get you set up. If, for some
reason, I am not available when you arrive you can also talk with Laura
Pope Robbins and her office is directly behind the check-out desk.
Either way, we will introduce you to our library resources and get you
started.
I look forward to hearing more about your research and your connection
with ERAU.
Best regards,
Suzie
Suzie Roth, MLS
Research Librarian/Instructional Services Coordinator
Hazy Library & Learning Center
Chair, Diversity Advisory Board
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
3700 Willow Creek Rd.
Prescott, Arizona 86301
“Diversity is being asked to the party. Inclusion is being asked to
dance.”
~Verna Myers
_______________________________________________________________________
——— Forwarded message ———-
From: Gaye Lyn VAE
Date: Jun 5, 2018 11:57 AM
Subject: RE: My Dad’s 1945 nonsked airline & my research project
To: “Roth, Suzie S.”
Cc: “Steven J. Bobinsky”
Suzie, thanks so much for the welcoming message.
I look forward to meeting you as well. See you Thursday morning next
week.
My best,
Gaye