TO OUR MANY FORMER NATIONAL AIRLINES AND PAN AMERICAN WORLD AIRWAYS EMPLOYEES:
Recently it has come to my attention that we are becoming intertwined in the various databases and websites that exist to keep our different groups together. Toward that end we are presenting the following to help decipher the different entities:
1. The NATIONAL AIRLINES ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
This alumni group was started in 1983 in anticipation what-would-have-been our 50th Anniversary the following year. With the demise of our "family" in 1980 and with everyone scattered all over, the founders thought it important to honor our airline by celebrating with a reunion weekend that wound up being held in October1984 in Clearwater Beach. The effort proved so successful that these reunions have been held ever since. It is open to all former National employees and is held each year somewhere between late September and mid- October. While the locations vary over the State of Florida, normally the 5th and 10th years are held in the St. Petersburg area where we were founded (and normally at the Sheraton Sand Key in Clearwater Beach).
Added January 2015 - Our last scheduled reunion (80th) was held last year at the Sheraton Sand Key in Clearwater Beach, Florida.
See "Reunion Info for Groups by Month" above for information about other reunions.
Current Committee Chairwoman and Main Point of Contact:
Sherrill Rigot Marks sherrillrae4431@msn.com
Committee:
Bobbie Colledge thecolledgekid@juno.com
Al Keller lionsden49@earthlink.net
Marleen Volkert mv33032@aol.com
Main Point of Contact: Sherrill or Bobbie
The contact for those wishing to "join" to receive any bulletins please contact nalalumni@earthlink.net
The current webmaster is Bill Johnston, and he may be contacted for additional information.
(CHANGE #2 – ISSUED: 19JAN2015)
2A. THE NATIONAL AIRLINES BUCCANEERS
Started some thirty years ago, the Central Florida Buccaneers made up mostly of Pilots and Flight Engineers meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month for luncheon at 11:30AM normally in Ocala at the Golden Corral and all former NAL personnel are welcome (but check the website below for more definitive information). The Bucs also have an annual reunion, normally in April of each year. Please note also that the Bucs also publish a monthly newsletter and ask for a $20/yr donation for publication costs and mailing expenses - Bob Thrasher, Publisher.
Committee:
John Wentworth - Point of Contact for all snail mail/written correspondence as of 25MAY2105
15701 Willo Pines Lane (yep, no W on the end), Montverde, Florida 34756
Main Point of Contact: Steve Mills nalbucs@gmail.com
Website: http://www.nalbucs.com
Webmaster & E-Mail point of contact: Steve Mills: nalbucs@aol.com
Snail address: Central Florida Buccaneers,
P. O Box 120835, Clermont, Florida 34712
(CHANGE #2 – ISSUED: (24APR2010)
2B. THE NATIONAL AIRLINES WESTERN NC Group
An adjunct to the above group is another association also begun some 30 years ago. Started as an annual gathering of Flight Crews in the area, this reunion is held traditionally in late August or early September on a Saturday and is open to all NAL personnel. For many years the group held a picnic in or near the town of Franklin (NC) – and in recent years the now all-day event has grown to include a late afternoon social hour on Friday followed by a dinner at a nearby hotel where accommodations are available.
The main point of contact has been Florence Webster 706-867-0789; however, she does not use the internet/e-mail to communicate.
Main Point of Internet Contact: Steve Mills nalbucs@gmail.com Steve will be able to answer or re-direct your questions to the proper individuals.
(CHANGE #1 – ISSUED: (13JUL2014)
3. The FLIGHT ATTENDANT Group aka THE SUNDOWNERS
This alumni group met in the Orlando area for years attaining almost 400 attendees at times but halted their reunions after 2003 as it became extremely time consuming along with a great deal of work; however, their database is still maintained and any former NAL Flight Attendant is welcome to join.
Website: http://www.nationalsundowners.com
Main Point of Contact: Mary Cahill Daniel, and she may be reached via e-mail at NAL4ever@aol.com
(ORIGINAL – ISSUED: (01OCT2013)
4. The PAN AM AND NATIONAL ALUMNI Group
This group was formed to keep both airlines and their former employees together and informed. You may go to the following to become a member: http://panamnationalalumni.ning.com
The founder and originator of the website is Alicia Cirino (Robinson) and you may contact her via the website although all the information you probably need is on the site itself where you can sign up to become a member.
Main Point of Contact: Alicia mail@panamnationalalumni.ning.com
(ORIGINAL – ISSUED: (01OCT2013)
5. The PAN AMIGO Group
Also a website, it is basically for former Pan Am employees. The Pan Amigo News is published six times a year and mailed via snail-mail to former Pan American Airways (1927-1991) employees for the purpose of keeping in touch, dissemination of information, and providing travel benefit programs.
The website is as follows: http://www.Panamigo.com
The website is run by Patti Jackson, PAAmigo@aol.com and she is the publisher of the newsletter. Cost is $15.00 per year.
Main Point of Contact and for Mail Correspondence: Mary or Patti Jackson
8004 NW 154th Street, Suite 659, Miami Lakes, Florida 33016
(ORIGINAL – ISSUED: (01OCT2013)
6. The PAN AM – NATIONAL RETIREES ASSOCIATION, INC.
This group is also for all National and Pan Am employees and is centered in Miami and meets monthly for lunch in the area along with a few excursions over the course of the year including an annual weekend reunion held the last few years in Sebring in April.
Miami President: John Jackson THIS ASSOCIATION IS NOW DISBANDED AS
Vice President: John Bridges OF DECEMBER 2013
Recording Secretary: Helen Everett
Membership Secretary: Edward Gansert
Newsletter Editor: Bobbie Colledge
Main Point of Contact: Bobbie Colledge thecolledgekid@juno.com
For Luncheon Reservations contact: Sherrill Marks at 305.688.4149
(CHANGE #1 – ISSUED: (05DEC2013)
There is also a chapter in the Clearwater area called the Florida Sun Coast Chapter (FSC)
President: David McLay
Treasurer/Membership Chairman: Donald Bansen
Main Point of Contact:
(ORIGINAL – ISSUED: (01OCT2013)
North Central Florida (NCF) – chapter has recently advised that they are disbanding due to dramatic drop in participation.
(ORIGINAL – ISSUED: (01OCT2013)
7. The SKYMATES Group
Also a website, created just a year or so ago by one of our NAL Londoners. The purpose of the site is mainly to connect the Interline folks that knew each other in the British Isles and on the Continent and also for a place to stage reunions.
You will find the site at: http://www.skymatesreunited.com
Main Point of Contact: Mike Scoates at mikescoates@skymatesreunited.com
(ORIGINAL – ISSUED: (01OCT2013)
8. The Pan Am Aware Group
The Pan Am Aware function, "Thanks for the Memories," is sponsored by the Pan Am Aware Store at the Flight academy on NW 36th Street in Miami. Mary Goshgarian is the backbone of the store and the mastermind behind the function that is held once a year on the Saturday nearest to December 4, the date when Pan Am ceased to exist.
More information can be obtained from Mary at 305.642.4591.
Time: 12NOON - 4PM
Location: Pan Am Flight Academy - 36th Street, Miami, Florida
Info also available at the PanAm and National Airlines Alumni website:
via the “Events” tab at http://panamnationalalumni.ning.com
Main Point of Contact: Mary Goshgarian
(CHANGE #1 – ISSUED: (13JUL2014)
9. The Houston Area Reunion Luncheon
Held once a year in late October or early November
Coordinator: Dian Groh - see further info under October or November Dates
All of the above groups are independent of each other – there is no “umbrella” organization.
Recently it has come to my attention that we are becoming intertwined in the various databases and websites that exist to keep our different groups together. Toward that end we are presenting the following to help decipher the different entities:
1. The NATIONAL AIRLINES ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
This alumni group was started in 1983 in anticipation what-would-have-been our 50th Anniversary the following year. With the demise of our "family" in 1980 and with everyone scattered all over, the founders thought it important to honor our airline by celebrating with a reunion weekend that wound up being held in October1984 in Clearwater Beach. The effort proved so successful that these reunions have been held ever since. It is open to all former National employees and is held each year somewhere between late September and mid- October. While the locations vary over the State of Florida, normally the 5th and 10th years are held in the St. Petersburg area where we were founded (and normally at the Sheraton Sand Key in Clearwater Beach).
Added January 2015 - Our last scheduled reunion (80th) was held last year at the Sheraton Sand Key in Clearwater Beach, Florida.
See "Reunion Info for Groups by Month" above for information about other reunions.
Current Committee Chairwoman and Main Point of Contact:
Sherrill Rigot Marks sherrillrae4431@msn.com
Committee:
Bobbie Colledge thecolledgekid@juno.com
Al Keller lionsden49@earthlink.net
Marleen Volkert mv33032@aol.com
Main Point of Contact: Sherrill or Bobbie
The contact for those wishing to "join" to receive any bulletins please contact nalalumni@earthlink.net
The current webmaster is Bill Johnston, and he may be contacted for additional information.
(CHANGE #2 – ISSUED: 19JAN2015)
2A. THE NATIONAL AIRLINES BUCCANEERS
Started some thirty years ago, the Central Florida Buccaneers made up mostly of Pilots and Flight Engineers meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month for luncheon at 11:30AM normally in Ocala at the Golden Corral and all former NAL personnel are welcome (but check the website below for more definitive information). The Bucs also have an annual reunion, normally in April of each year. Please note also that the Bucs also publish a monthly newsletter and ask for a $20/yr donation for publication costs and mailing expenses - Bob Thrasher, Publisher.
Committee:
John Wentworth - Point of Contact for all snail mail/written correspondence as of 25MAY2105
15701 Willo Pines Lane (yep, no W on the end), Montverde, Florida 34756
Main Point of Contact: Steve Mills nalbucs@gmail.com
Website: http://www.nalbucs.com
Webmaster & E-Mail point of contact: Steve Mills: nalbucs@aol.com
Snail address: Central Florida Buccaneers,
P. O Box 120835, Clermont, Florida 34712
(CHANGE #2 – ISSUED: (24APR2010)
2B. THE NATIONAL AIRLINES WESTERN NC Group
An adjunct to the above group is another association also begun some 30 years ago. Started as an annual gathering of Flight Crews in the area, this reunion is held traditionally in late August or early September on a Saturday and is open to all NAL personnel. For many years the group held a picnic in or near the town of Franklin (NC) – and in recent years the now all-day event has grown to include a late afternoon social hour on Friday followed by a dinner at a nearby hotel where accommodations are available.
The main point of contact has been Florence Webster 706-867-0789; however, she does not use the internet/e-mail to communicate.
Main Point of Internet Contact: Steve Mills nalbucs@gmail.com Steve will be able to answer or re-direct your questions to the proper individuals.
(CHANGE #1 – ISSUED: (13JUL2014)
3. The FLIGHT ATTENDANT Group aka THE SUNDOWNERS
This alumni group met in the Orlando area for years attaining almost 400 attendees at times but halted their reunions after 2003 as it became extremely time consuming along with a great deal of work; however, their database is still maintained and any former NAL Flight Attendant is welcome to join.
Website: http://www.nationalsundowners.com
Main Point of Contact: Mary Cahill Daniel, and she may be reached via e-mail at NAL4ever@aol.com
(ORIGINAL – ISSUED: (01OCT2013)
4. The PAN AM AND NATIONAL ALUMNI Group
This group was formed to keep both airlines and their former employees together and informed. You may go to the following to become a member: http://panamnationalalumni.ning.com
The founder and originator of the website is Alicia Cirino (Robinson) and you may contact her via the website although all the information you probably need is on the site itself where you can sign up to become a member.
Main Point of Contact: Alicia mail@panamnationalalumni.ning.com
(ORIGINAL – ISSUED: (01OCT2013)
5. The PAN AMIGO Group
Also a website, it is basically for former Pan Am employees. The Pan Amigo News is published six times a year and mailed via snail-mail to former Pan American Airways (1927-1991) employees for the purpose of keeping in touch, dissemination of information, and providing travel benefit programs.
The website is as follows: http://www.Panamigo.com
The website is run by Patti Jackson, PAAmigo@aol.com and she is the publisher of the newsletter. Cost is $15.00 per year.
Main Point of Contact and for Mail Correspondence: Mary or Patti Jackson
8004 NW 154th Street, Suite 659, Miami Lakes, Florida 33016
(ORIGINAL – ISSUED: (01OCT2013)
6. The PAN AM – NATIONAL RETIREES ASSOCIATION, INC.
This group is also for all National and Pan Am employees and is centered in Miami and meets monthly for lunch in the area along with a few excursions over the course of the year including an annual weekend reunion held the last few years in Sebring in April.
Miami President: John Jackson THIS ASSOCIATION IS NOW DISBANDED AS
Vice President: John Bridges OF DECEMBER 2013
Recording Secretary: Helen Everett
Membership Secretary: Edward Gansert
Newsletter Editor: Bobbie Colledge
Main Point of Contact: Bobbie Colledge thecolledgekid@juno.com
For Luncheon Reservations contact: Sherrill Marks at 305.688.4149
(CHANGE #1 – ISSUED: (05DEC2013)
There is also a chapter in the Clearwater area called the Florida Sun Coast Chapter (FSC)
President: David McLay
Treasurer/Membership Chairman: Donald Bansen
Main Point of Contact:
(ORIGINAL – ISSUED: (01OCT2013)
North Central Florida (NCF) – chapter has recently advised that they are disbanding due to dramatic drop in participation.
(ORIGINAL – ISSUED: (01OCT2013)
7. The SKYMATES Group
Also a website, created just a year or so ago by one of our NAL Londoners. The purpose of the site is mainly to connect the Interline folks that knew each other in the British Isles and on the Continent and also for a place to stage reunions.
You will find the site at: http://www.skymatesreunited.com
Main Point of Contact: Mike Scoates at mikescoates@skymatesreunited.com
(ORIGINAL – ISSUED: (01OCT2013)
8. The Pan Am Aware Group
The Pan Am Aware function, "Thanks for the Memories," is sponsored by the Pan Am Aware Store at the Flight academy on NW 36th Street in Miami. Mary Goshgarian is the backbone of the store and the mastermind behind the function that is held once a year on the Saturday nearest to December 4, the date when Pan Am ceased to exist.
More information can be obtained from Mary at 305.642.4591.
Time: 12NOON - 4PM
Location: Pan Am Flight Academy - 36th Street, Miami, Florida
Info also available at the PanAm and National Airlines Alumni website:
via the “Events” tab at http://panamnationalalumni.ning.com
Main Point of Contact: Mary Goshgarian
(CHANGE #1 – ISSUED: (13JUL2014)
9. The Houston Area Reunion Luncheon
Held once a year in late October or early November
Coordinator: Dian Groh - see further info under October or November Dates
All of the above groups are independent of each other – there is no “umbrella” organization.