These are all the guestbook messages for 2001. Thank you to all who left messages, memories, and thanks.
Being born two months before we first landed on the moon, I was one of those kids that went to all the Bethpage company picnics and later was a summer intern in Bethpage. To this day I have never seen such dedicated employees. Companies today in corporate America could learn a thing or two from the way Grumman was back then.
This park is well deserved.
Your website is great.
I THINK IT IS GREAT TO HAVE A PLACE LIKE THIS TO HONOR GRUMMAN'S LONG ISLAND AVIATION HISTORY
I'm an ex-20 year Grummanite (1966-1987) now at Boeing in Southern California. I'm responding to a note from Michael Fama whose Dad, Tony, I worked with and knew very well when he was on the F-14 Program. I sent an e-mail to Chris Dittmeier hoping to reach Michael. I've seen a lot of other familiar names on this site. Thanks for the memories of great times in Bethpage.
Enjoyed the photos very much. I have been an avid aircraft buff for many years and I do appreciate maintaining our traditions in the aircraft industry. Especially, being an ex-Air Force aircraft mechanic I appreciate the safety of the men and women who fly these great aircraft. Thanks to all and Grumman Aerospace for their contributions to Aviation History and the defense of our Nation.
I'm a German student of the law, aged 21. I own some books on ships, aircraft etc and try to fill gaps of these books. Please visit my homepage for further info on my books etc. Buying books in at the moment a nono for me, I'm a student, not earning so much money, and I already spent some bucks on the books I reviewed at my homepage. I also searched through all search engines I know, but this takes a lot of time and nerves to visit hundreds of pages to discover they have only the information everybody has. So search engines are only used if I seek a common item and if I have at least 3 hours for that. So I HAVE TO try other ways, p.e. asking you.
I have some questions on Grumman aircraft:
Thanks in advance to all who answer!
Visit also my homepage: http://sites.netscape.net/friedkappes
school project involving A6B planes
Enjoyed the site.
This is a question to Diane Sequeira. Is your school interested in the A-6B Standard Arm version? I was deeply involved in that project if you need help get in touch with me through this site. John A Sullivan
The Memorial Park in Calverton is so nice. Thank you to all who planned and built it. We enjoyed our visit and plan to go back in the future. Also, I'm enjoying your website...Hope to get in touch with some old friends.
Very nice!
It's nice to know that so many of us share the same feeling of pride we get when we look back at what we accomplished. I enjoyed being part of the Grumman family.
I worked for Grumman from 1964 through 1976 and am pleased that the history of this great company is being preserved and exhibited. I hope to revisit Long Island again to see the park personally.
I worked for Grumman for 14 years before I "transferred" to Boeing in 1978. I have worked for four companies since I left Long Island and have not found a company yet that compared to Grumman. I still brag about working on the LEM and the F-14. Miss you guy's.
John Lavin
Gig Harbor, WA
Thank you so very, very much for the beautiful video you sent, "Grumman Memorial Park The Beginning". It is certainly more than I ever expected when I purchased a brick in honor of my Dad, Louis Rios, Sr. How proud I was for my Dad when my husband and I sat down to watch this thoughtful video this evening. You clearly have a handle on the pride all Grumman employees had for their job. I visit the Park quite often because of what Grumman meant to my entire family. You honor my Dad by keeping that proud feeling alive! I thank you very much.
Phyllis (Rios) Casoria
My dad Mike Suspenski Sr. worked for Grumman in Plant Protection for 37 years. He was at the rank of Captain of the Calveton Facility when he retired in 1983. He was always proud that he worked for Grumman, and I was always proud of him. This morning 3/27/01 I took my mom with me to the memorial. Looking at the F-14 gave us both a sense of awe. We walked the Walk of Honor, looking at the bricks, and knowing that today 3/27/01 we sent in the paper work to have a brick installed in dad's name. This gave us such a rush of renewed pride it is almost impossible to explain. Thank you for making this experience possible.
With sincere Thanks,
The Proud family of
Captain Mike Suspenski Sr.
Plant Protection
Calverton Facility
Nice site....very interesting
When I think of Grumman I immediately think of my hometown Bethpage. I know change is inevitable in life, but this was one change I wish never had to happen. I had much fun working for Grumman and I really do miss all the people I worked with over the years. Would love to hear how ya all are doing. Please feel free to e-mail me. Best regards to all.
My work at Grumman was from 1989-1994 mostly on F-14 program, Plant 1, Bethpage. (162515) I want to say hello to Kenney Bryers and John Leniak. I really enjoyed working with them plus many others I've had the pleasure to work with.
Served in U.S. Navy from 1946 to 1948, our squadron was stationed in Oceana VA and we operated from the USS Mindoro with the submarines off Key West.
I was a mechanic on the F6F-4 and it was a great plane. Glad I found this site.
Best wishes on your Memorial Project.
I worked at Grumman Houston from 1974 to 1990.Worked on many projects including F-14, E-2C, F-111 etc. and suttle program in early days, now working on space station with Boeing.
Great Job!!!!!!!! Here I know my kids can learn a great part of history!!!!Keep it up!!
Dear Chris,
Just found out about this site in the March Retirees letter. Contributed to the Park when it was first conceived. Got a personal "thank you" from Joe Van de Wettering. Spend my winter's in Florida and belong to the Florida retirees club. Still live in Queens where I've had a home for 42 years.
Enjoyed my 23 years with Grumman and have nothing but good memories of my time there. Enjoyed working with you on the Teledyne fiasco. We only learn from screwups.
Let's hear from you as what has happened to you in the last 10 years.
Joe Rosenzveig
Subcontract Project Manager (Retired!)
Great web page!!
I grew up in Bethpage and my dad worked as an electronics engineer both there and later at Calverton. I can't wait to see the park (I've just moved back to NY after being away for years). I have a lot of pride in my dad and everyone he worked with at Grumman. Who will EVER forget those days when we all held our breath as Apollo 11 headed toward the first manned lunar landing?? What a time in our history and I'm VERY proud that my dad was part of it!
for Susan Wier,
I remember your dad very well. We both worked for Joe Ram and dick Witt. I remember the CTO engineering crew going into NYC enmasse to see a hockey game and then going to Chinatown and pigging out. Artie Gustavson, Howie Cabble, Elliot Goldenberg, Lou Cavallo, Stan Nielson, Chic Hedberg (sailing buddy), Will Manogue, John Morrow, Armond Dellamonica, Dick Mangnon, Howie Mertz, Rose Strauss, etc. What a great bunch of folks (even the 'caped crusaders, i.e. LEM vets)
HOW'S EVERYBODY DOING? IT SURE HAS BEEN A WHILE SINCE I SEEN ALL THE GANG. GOOD TO SEE THE SITE IS COMING ALONG. HOPE TO SEE EVERYBODY THIS SUMMER AT THE MEMORIAL IN CALVERTON.
great site, keep up the great work.....plant 2 vending supervisor group0325 food services
40 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE BIG G AND THIS PLACE TOPS IT. THANK YOU FOR THE GREAT JOB.
G A OKVIST
This site is excellent and we should feel proud. One comment about Armstrong's comment when he reached the moon's surface should be noted. His first words were 'it feels like slush' commenting on the feel of the surface. It's my observation that this misquote has often been repeated. Check me if I am wrong.
We just received our video and we want to express our gratitude to Joe and Steve and all the board members for doing their part to preserve the heritage of Grumman aerospace. The video really brought back warm memories.
Thanks again!
Sincerely,
Maddy and Tom
My Dad was a Grumman employee for 35 years, working as a quality control inspector with the LM, and later worked on the F-14 at plant 1. I think the site is great, and I plan on having a stone placed in his memory on the walk.
The site is very interesting. Great work!
I worked in Plant 5 in the early 80s. It was my first job out of college and boy did I learn a lot! I'll never forget the lessons I learned from my co-workers and the good times we had during those all-nighters in the Proposal Center. But the most important lessons I learned came from my father and grandfather (both long time employees) about hard work, pride in a job well done, and dedication to a great company. I'm lucky I grew up in a Delmar family.
Larry Main
Saratoga Springs, NY
I'm looking forward to seeing the Memorial Park next month while visiting my daughter. My husband Fred spent 17 years at Grumman and took great pride in his work and in the Company. Fred died in 1998. Our family is happy to know he is commemorated there.
28 yrs with Grumman food service dept. Glad to see the Grumman name being so well preserved. Retired from a job I thoroughly enjoyed all those years. Proud to have been a part of the Grumman family. Love the site. Looking forward to a trip out to see the park soon.
As a former employee, I am happy to see this endeavor. My Dad also was an employee/retiree, and we both worked in Bethpage (plants 1 and 2). This looks like a nice tribute, and we hope to see it in person one day.
JUST A HELLO TO ALL MY FELLOW HAMMERHEADS FROM 02-005, 03-005. ED JOHN .MANNIE PAT PETE AND HARRY B. DOES ANYONE REMEMBER BILVIS. I THINK WE HAD ONE OF THE BEST SHOPS IN GRUMMAN. WE LOVED TO PARTY. I MISS THE LUNCH BAND AND THE NIGHT THEY PLAYED AT THE SPORT BAR. THE BARS' D.J DID NOT SHOW UP AND THE OWNER ASK YOU GUYS TO PLAY ALL NIGHT AND EVERYONE LOVED YOU GUYS. EVERYONE HAD A GREAT TIME EVEN FRED WELGE . I WAS LOOKING AT THE COMMENTS SOME OF THE GUYS WERE MAKING AND SAW BRIAN LOW. HOW HE USED TO BANG ON THE BENCH WHEN A WELD WAS WELDING. WE HAD A LOT OF FUN AT THE END WITH THE LUNCH BAND, AND PIZZA PARTIES. I MISS THE WHOLE GANG, PICNICS ON THE EAST END. WELL, BYE FOR NOW. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK WITH THE PARK AND THE WEBSITE.
I enjoyed the website, but would like to see some photos of the Grumman Goose in the future (if possible). I am working on a book about the history of each Goose. If you are interested in more information about the book project, go to www.grummangoose.com.
Working on the Joint Stars program enabled me to work with some of the finest Grumman employees who were originally from Long Island. To name just a few...Dennis Briody, Vinny DeStefano, Don McIver, Don Schultz, Charlie Williams, Charlie Rondeau, Vinnie Paolini.... There were lots of tears in peoples eyes the day Grumman ended and Northrop Grumman began.
The next time I get to New York (maybe August 2001) I'll certainly visit the Memorial. I worked for Grumman for 25 years as a QC inspector. Worked plant 24, 06, 07 (flight line) I was that "easy inspector", But in the end the job got done. I loved the company and I still think about the guys that I worked with. Fellow inspectors, mechanics, crew chiefs, production bosses, all great guys. I would like to say hello to some of the guys that I remember from off the top of my head. Fred Heppler, Roy Ingermarson, Eddie Escobar, Randy, Doug Haviland, Vicik, Tony Bossorelli, Roy Jacobson, and Phil Force. If I didn't mention you, you're still in my heart and dreams. Thanks for the memory. Rudy Pascucci 062628.
I think that your efforts are fantastic and that Grumman's contributions to the aerospace industry were quite remarkable and should never be forgotten. As a son of a former Grumman employee who always had a gleam in his eye when talking about the F-14 and the LEM, your efforts are deeply appreciated.
Not a day goes by that I don't miss it.....
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the entries in the guestbook since finding the website this evening. My dad-Elmer Laws- was fortunate enough to have been with Grumman for 2 major events in it's long history. He worked with the LM program from 1963-1970, and again with the F-14 program in Isfahan, Iran from 1975-1978. His association with Grumman was one of the proudest experiences of his life, and he would have been thrilled to have seen this site, and to have known about the Memorial Park.
I was 12 when we moved to Iran, and, while I didn't think about it at the time, realize now what an outstanding experience Grumman provided us while there. If there are any other "Isfahanians" out there, I'd love to hear from you!
And if you remember my dad from his time with the LM program, I'd love to hear from you too....he had so many stories of those days!! I have some old pictures from that time that I'd love to share with those who would appreciate them!
I hope to make it back to LI someday and visit the Memorial Park--and I'll definitely be placing a brick for my dad. Thanks!
Imagine my surprise when I was just killing time surfing on the net. I put a name in and out came this wonderful website. It does appear from the guestbook, however, that it is not properly listed in Yahoo. The comments are outdated as well as the site. Such a shame.
Anita
I was on long island in June and went out to the memorial park. What a site at night with the lights shining on the F-14. LOOKS SO GREAT. Well I had to go back the next day. Walking around the plane was a feeling so good . I took about two rolls of film, a lot of people down in FL never heard of Grumman. I do work in a school and one of the teachers asked me to come to the classroom to tell the kids about Grumman and I did they have these rocket scientists come to the school to teach the kids how to make rocket, well they invited me out to watch the first rocket to go up. Well when they fired the first rocket the wind sent it my way and when it came down I caught it. The kids went wild yelling Mr. Bill. Sorry for going on and on but that's what it feels to be a proud Grumman worker and it goes along with the people I worked with the friendships you make over the years. Bill Kane 114280
I was interested in knowing if anyone monitoring out there knew my dad Tony Fama. He worked on the F14 project for a time. I was fortunate enough to speak with one old friend of his and the memories were fun to share. I thought with all the new comments there may be others who knew him. He loved the company and Grumman took good care of his family after his passing. I fondly remember the picnics we went to and how many of his friends became our extended family.
I would love to hear from you if you knew him.
Mike Fama
I love your web site!
I 'am a admirer of many Grumman aircraft. Not a pilot but appreciate the aircraft and history of the company. Thank you for putting the information, technology, history, on the net!Well Done!
Dear Sir or Madame:
I just wanted to send a note of thanks. I recently purchased a brick in the Walk of Honor for my Grandmother who passed away about 4 years ago. She had worked for Grumman for many years and it was a part of her. She was a woman with great pride for both her country and her work. Being able to honor her with a brick at the Calverton Memorial has brought my family much pride also. It pleases me to know that she will be remembered by many for her great deeds as an American. With a flag continuously flying above, I know that she is somewhere, very proud of her country still.
Thank you again for the opportunity to have a place dedicated to so many who worked so hard.
With Sincere Thanks,
Jeanne-Marie Schmitt
I worked in Plant 7, Material Office with wild Bill, second shift. I started as a guard, went to the crib in plant 6 then to plant 7 as an Expeditor. The seven years I was with Grumman were the best. It was a great place to work, and is the best place I ever worked. They don't make them like that any more. I went by and was glade to see the park complete. I will visit again when I am back up north. My Email is Eoconnor@mail.newnanutilities.org It would be good to hear from some people who I worked with.
Grumman will always be a place of fond memories for me. My whole family was involved with Grumman My father, Joseph Beck worked in Plant 5 in Bethpage from the early forties until his retirement in 1968. A couple of his brothers, Ted and Felix (Phil), also worked there at one time or another. My late husband, George, was a machinist in Plant 3 for 7 years. I worked in Plant 5 from 1953 until 1956. My sister Charlotte was there also. Both my brothers, Joseph and Victor Beck retired from Grumman.
Some of my earliest and best Grumman memories are of the picnics held at Timber Point back in the forties. We were told to roll down the car windows as we approached the entrance so that candy, cigarettes and other 'goodies' could be tossed into the car.
Your site brought back fond memories of Bethpage ! Grumman was my first job out of Polytech in Bklyn. It was late '80s and I was working in Plant 14 SSDL. It was a fix-based, rear-projection flight simulator inside a big 'ball'. I was single, had my first car, going to graduate night school @ Farmingdale. Many nights was spent in HQ cafeteria studying for finals .....Oh, youth !!!
Took a trip out to see the wonderful work you have done preserving our Grumman/Long Island history today. Standing there looking up at that beautiful aircraft feeling proud to have been part of the team for 18 years. Grateful that I worked for a family orientated company that stood by it's employees in tough times, and that believed in second chances. Not a day goes by at my present workplace that I don't miss that big blue ball on the way into the plant. Hi to all my friends from plt.3,csr
I just returned from the Memorial Park and I was more than impressed. As I walked around the F-14 reading all the names and comments on the bricks it brought back many many memorable and happy experiences I had with the many Grummanites that I had the pleasure of working with during my 39 years in the company. My wife and I drove up from our home in Florida to visit relatives and we are so glad that we took the time to visit the park. We are looking forward to the proposed expansion of the park. I'm sure we will return in the future and I will encourage all of my children, who work or have worked at Grumman to visit.
My congratulations to the founder and his committee in keeping up the excellent tradition of the name "Grumman".
It is with great sadness that I share this info. Quentin Mohr, a former employee of Grumman (Bethpage, NY) for over 35 years, past away this past Thursday. Services to be held at Chapey's F.H. East Islip. 11:00 am Monday, August 13th. Quentin is survived by his Margaret.
What a great way to say thanks to all Grumman workers.
I used to work for Grumman from 1984 till 1992 in Plant 02 at Bethpage. My department was Drivematic and boy, do I miss working there building the E2C and the F-14. My Leadman was Charles Briggs and he is still working for Grumman but in St. Augustine, Fl. He was a great boss to work for.
Right now, I work for Lockheed Martin, (sorry) in Pinellas Park, Fl. If I had a chance, I would jump at the chance to get back to Grumman. I do tease my Lockheed co-workers with my Grumman Beach Ball on my roll away and decals. All I do is talk about Grumman this and Grumman that. Thank goodness I kept all my tools from Grumman because Lockheed didn't have the tools we needed to build the C-130-J's transport planes. This is a new plant and they needed a Grumman worker to tell them what they needed, lol.
I'm not alone either, we have an engineer from my Grumman Plant (02) working with us, his name is Bob Keiser. So, all I can say is, "Grumman lives".
Hello, I'm looking for anyone who worked at Grumman from the war years on into the late sixties to very early seventies who may have known my Grandfather George Steinkamp. He worked on many projects in the inspection area if memory serves me and I would love to hear from anyone whom he worked with...Thanx...Matt
I have been looking at the 2000 Guest Book messages. There is one from Flaps Flanigan. I'm wandering if that is an ol' A6 Rep that helped me learn my way around the airplane when I was starting my over 30 year career as a A6 Tech Rep with the west coast Navy. Is it Artie Flanigan?
Also is Bob Griener an ol' High School and Voc. Trng. Ctr. classmate of mine from the middle 60s?
I would appreciate their E-Mail addresses if these are the guys I think they are.
Thank you,
Geo. 89553
Roy Thorstenson died suddenly in the Plant at Syosset on October 13, 1976. He started at Grumman in 1966, was a Technical Writer and Trouble Shooter for the F-14 Tomcat, generally worked in the Bethpage Plant. At the time of his death he was a Group Leader and working on the EA-6B. I do remember he worked with a Bill McFarlane and Bob Woods. It would be nice to hear of memories from those who knew and worked with him...especially for his son and daughter. My children and I have always been proud that he worked for Grumman Aerospace...as he was.
Carol Thorstenson
Ahhh memories! Great site!
As a former employee, I am happy to see this endeavor. My Dad also was an employee/retiree (Frank Brown), and we both worked in Bethpage (plants 1 and 2). This looks like a nice tribute, and we hope to see it in person one day. Worked in Grumman Houston on a 7 year road trip that was to last only 3 months. Returned to plant 1 as an Electrical Engineer and ended my love for Grumman as a flight test engineer in Calverton. I can't wait to get back to NY and see it.
We operated a 1943 Grumman Widgeon G44 S/N 1313 for many years. Does the museum have any displays featuring Widgeons?
Thanks,
Roy
A great asset to L.I.
I am writing this on behalf of my grandfather Aldo J. Scavino. Aldo worked at Grumman Plant #2 for 35 years. He was a brilliant mechanical engineer who was in charge of many, many employees.
His attributes and inventions aided Grumman and the space industry to where it is today. Aldo would be very proud to know that this website exist today and that all the people who made Grumman what it was will never be forgotten!
how do i buy an llv mail truck???
This is a really super website- the people who made it,and the Grumman Park, possible should be very proud of the results of their efforts!The only suggestion I would make would be to include the TC-4C (modified Gulfstream I)in the Aircraft Photo Gallery.The TC-4C was a "flying classroom" trainer for A-6A aircrews, having a functioning A-6A cockpit installed in the rear cabin and A-6A radar mounted on it's nose. Nine TC-4C's were built during the 1960's and 1970's and were later updated to the A-6E version.The official name of the TC-4C was the "Academe".
This is actually a question. I visited the park on December 23, 2001. I may have lost a ring that is very important to me. It is a white gold ring with a square saphire stone in it. If anyone has found it. Please email me at jonathan_wilbur@hotmail.com. Thank you
Glad to have been a part of it.
Worked on S-2 aircraft 1965-1969. Would like to see a web sight that shows the R-1820-82A They were quite the power plant