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A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF TARPA 2000
by Bill Dixon
Seattle threw off its "Rust Belt" reputation to welcome TARPA 2000. The first part of the week was mostly sunshine; Friday and Saturday were dampish with some light rain, but not too bad. Washington deserves its designation as the "Evergreen State."The countryside was beautiful from the air flying in and out.
Convention Committee Chairman, Irv Green, and his five co-chairs had everything well organized from Badges to Banquet (fabulous meal). We all could learn from their organizational efficiency. The several hundred in attendance appreciated the excellent hotel facilities at the Double Tree, and particularly the four delicious, warm, chocolate-chip cookies presented at check-in.
The honored guest at the banquet was retired Captain Ted Hereford, who was introduced by Bill Dixon. The July issue of TARPA TOPICS featured Ted's unique TWA story. He is the only one of TWA's original pilots still living. Sharing his table was retired Captain Bob Buck, also well known for his illustrious career with TWA, which included being system chief pilot in the mid-1940's and doing weather research later for the Air Force in a B-17. He is a noted consultant and aviation writer, now working on his seventh book. He was accompanied by his son Rob, a Delta captain.
Numerous tours were available. Particularly fascinating was the Museum of Flight located at Boeing Field. The original Red Barn where Boeing started has been transported there, and all kinds of planes and gliders, including small personal craft, were spotted all over the place, on the floor and hanging from the ceiling. They included a 707, available to look through, that served as Air Force One for Eisenhower through Carter. The museum was a gold mine for flying enthusiasts.
The well-attended banquet ended with short remarks from Convention Chairman Ev Green, out- going TARPA President John Gratz, and new President Bob Dedman. Music and dancing followed. We aren't such an old bunch, after all! See you next year in the birthplace of our nation, Philadelphia.
Past & Current Pres Bob Buck and Ted Herford
Ted Herford with Bob & Ilse Dedman
