Airline pilots out at 60

Last week, when Billy's long-time friend Chuck Corder retired from Southwest Airlines, we got to see first hand what happens when an airline pilot retires. Chuck and his wife Cheryl have been my husband’s close friends since they lived next to one another in south Plano almost 30 years ago. They became my friends when we married.

We were excited when Billy got the call from Cheryl that we were invited to participate in the festivities. It meant we would join 17 of Chuck and Cheryl's family and friends as passengers on Chuck's final, Southwest Airlines flight as Captain. We had no idea what to expect but it was an experience we’ll never forget.

Federal aviation regulations mandate an airline pilot’s retirement at age 60. Since Chuck’s birthday was Tuesday, Dec. 4, Monday was the last day he could legally fly as pilot for a common airline carrier, although he can still fly for private charter companies.

We met Chuck in the waiting area at Love Field for gate No. 7 about 90 minutes before our scheduled flight to Amarillo. Chuck was in his dark blue pilot’s uniform set off with captain’s bars. It was clear that Chuck was the star for the day by the way so many people stopped to shake his hand.

Finally it was time to board, and for the first time in our lives, we got to pre-board. The attendant at the microphone asked for the crowd’s indulgence as the pilot’s family went in to take their seats. It was explained that this would be a special flight because their pilot would be taking his final flight before retiring.

Our group took seats closest to the pilot’s cabin. We wanted our pilot to hear us cheering which we did on take offs, landings and every time we heard his voice on the intercom. The flight itself was fairly uneventful. It was a beautiful day for flying.

When we left the Amarillo terminal, turning back to the runway to head to Dallas, the airport fire engines formed a water arch over our plane to honor our retiring pilot. The same thing happened in Dallas as our plane taxied from the runway to the terminal.

It was great fun watching Chuck get the rock-star treatment from Southwest Airlines and there was more in store. When passengers deplaned, our group waited to go last and then we lined the corridor just outside the aircraft door joining Southwest personnel and others who knew Chuck who were already there. When Chuck finally emerged, there was applause all around. Everyone wanted to shake his hand and let him know how special he is.

The forced retirement of our country’s pilots is a hot issue today. During a time the demand for airline pilots is not being met, the sense in forcing experience out of the workplace when they don’t want to go seems like a waste and the consumer will likely pay, at least through inconveniences.

In January, after a fight that’s lasted more than 40 years, the Federal Aviation Administration said it will propose to raise the mandatory retirement age for U.S. commercial pilots from 60 to 65. It was considered a huge victory for pilots.

“Speaking before pilots and aviation experts at the National Press Club, FAA Administrator Marion C. Blakey said that the agency plans to propose adopting the new International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standard that allows one pilot to be up to age 65 provided the other pilot is under age 60. The international standard became effective last year.” reported Seniorjournal.com.

But, so far, there’s not been much progress on the battle to make the change and pilot’s, like Chuck Corder, are being forced out. Also, airlines and their consumers are loosing veteran pilots with years of experience. The growing shortage of pilots is placing pressure on airlines as baby boomer pilots are forced out while fewer young people are coming in.

With salaries and benefits in decline for airline pilots and U.S. carriers also strugggle againt strong competition for young recruits from the military and from overseas airlines. It seems inequitable that the international rules allow pilots, age 60 to 65, to fly into U.S. airports as long as one on the pilots is younger than 60 but U.S. pilots are not allowed the same privilege.

Airline Pilots Against Age Discrimination have led the charge from a grassroots level to see change in a rule that’s been in place for 47 years. Paul D. Emens, chairman and founder of APAAD says the rule was the result of a labor dispute and it’s long past time for the rule to be revised. Forty-seven years ago was the beginning of the jet age and much has changed since that time.

Attempts were made in 2006 to make changes in the age 60 rule through legislation but it never came to a vote. In 2007, new legislation (S.65) has already been created with Senators Inhofe (R), Lieberman (D), Stevens (R) and Feingold (D) as the lead sponsors.

Happy Birthday Daddy

Today (Thanksgiving) is my father’s birthday, and if still on this earth, he would be turning 100.

I’m not sure if he ever thought he might reach 100 but he often said, “Getting old is no picnic, but it’s better than the alternative.”

Today, families are gathering around the dinner table for a traditional feast of turkey and trimmings while others take a less traditional approach to include a menu of family favorites. If it’s anything like my family, they’ll each say something for which they’re thankful this year.

What I usually say is something like, being thankful for my faith and family and a free country. This year I’m thankful for my parents and all they’ve invested in me.

My father, Joseph Montry, was a “jack of all trades.” He was one of those guys who could truly do just about anything with his hands. He could fix or build anything, and he could talk your ear off. He was a people person and, though he never finished the eighth grade in formal education, he never stopped learning. He was one of the top managers at the National Supply Company in Gainesville and provided a comfortable life for his family. I always thought that was remarkable. He made sure each of his children had every education opportunity they wanted.

I still have vivid memories of him sitting in "his" chair, usually reading a book. It was the highlight of many a grandchild to sit in the chair with Papa. He demonstrated untold patience with each grandchild, and it wasn't hard to see, he loved them deeply.

I bring this up to point out we are each a product of what our parents have instilled in us. I learned from my dad how to work on a car’s engine and how to build things. I realize now, his investment in me gave me a sense of confidence and made me believe I could do whatever I put my mind to.

My dad was also patriotic and taught me to appreciate what the sacrifice of others has provided for me.

So, today, I say thanks to the military men and women standing in the gap for our freedom. Also, “Thank you, Daddy, and happy birthday.” And to all of you, “Happy Thanksgiving.”

Wednesday in the Big Bend

Wednesday began the trek into the Big Bend National Park. The first picture is of Billy helping Frances out of the truck at our first stop. We carried a stool that Billy took out religiously every time Frances was to emerge from our ride.

We stopped at a viewing point to look out over the Homer Wilson Ranch which is said to look the same as it did before it was abandonded in 1945.

We stopped in several other overlooks and drove into Burro Mesa Pouroff Trail where we got a close-up look of the rock wall that formed it.

Looking for a place to stretch our legs, we came upon a store and museum close to Santa Elena Canyon and had a good time talking with the rangers and other park employees who were there. We found it interesting that many of the employees live in the park.

After a snack and soft drink, we loaded up again and continued on our way.

We were awestruck to get a close look at the Santa Elena Canyon and read about its history.

Then we found a road that took us right down to the Rio Grande River.

The scenery was beautiful everywhere we looked.

One more stop came on the way out of the park when we stopped at a park store and information center.

After lunch in Marathon, we headed for San Angelo. Wednesday was our longest day of driving and we watched the sun set from the truck.

Frances and I worked at getting the sunset picture by opening the sliding back window and shooting through the opening.

Tuesday in the Big Bend

Tuesday began early with Billy and Joyce preparing a breakfast of scrambled eggs, sausage, toast and coffee. Then we took off for more adventures on the roads of the Big Bend area.

We stopped at the first paved road for a photo op with the Chinati Hot Springs sign before traveling around 15 miles to Candelaria.

We met Sergio who manages a ranch owned by several of Billy’s high school friends. Sergio showed us some pictures taken of him by a Dallas Morning News reporter. They were downloaded and printed from a Dallas Morning News Web site. Apparently there is a story about him on DallasNews.com titled “Two Towns, One Border.” Sergio is quite the horse trainer, and apparently, that’s what the story was about. I haven’t had a chance to look for the story so I’m not sure. Also, Sergio doesn’t speak much English so I couldn’t ask him for more details.

Sergio was warm and welcoming and we all enjoyed him. He stayed with us for most of the time Billy was showing us through the houses in the compound of the ranch at Candelaria called El Rancho Pensado. There is a picture of Jessie and Frances looking at Sergio’s pictures. Also see the picture of Frances in the compound of the ranch. Some of the horses are in the background.

From Candelaria, we went a short distance to Presidio. Frances lived there for about a year in the 1940s but not much was familiar for her today. Just outside Presidio we stopped at Ft. Leaton and that’s where we took the picture of Jessie and Frances by a huge cart. We tried to keep the walking to a minimum but Jessie had a little trouble before we were finished. He enjoyed the museum area, though, and spent quite a lot of time reading the exhibits on display.

From Ft. Leaton, we lined up with the Rio Grand River and followed it to Lajitas along River Road. Jesse remarked he was surprised we don’t hear more about the Big Bend area and said he thinks it’s prettier than the Grand Canyon. He and Frances were both surprised to see such beauty and “big country” right here in our own state.

There is a picture of Frances and Jessie sitting on a rock that overlooks the Rio Grand. This particular point was way above the river and you can see the river winding behind them. The next picture shows Billy pretending to give Jessie a shove over the cliff. After the picture was snapped, Jessie pretended to resist and the two clowned around together.

We ate a late lunch in Terlingua and then drove through the ghost town before settling into the Easter Egg Motel. The bungalows in the back are painted Easter-egg colors like lavender and yellow. Billy and Jessie said the colors are ugly but I like them,

The four of us sat outside our two rooms and just enjoyed being there. Finally, there’s a picture of Tuesday’s sunset sky.

Jessie and Frances on a Big Bend adventure

Frances and Jessie began their big adventure in Midland Sunday night watching the Cowboy game at the home of Dennis Grubb, otherwise known as Wemus. The adventuresome couple toured the Wemus museum of entertainers and were greatly impressed by the vast array of experiences fostered through Wemus Entertainment which is run by Grubb and his wife Cynthia.

The president’s (George W. Bush) minister of music showed everyone (including Joyce and Billy Wayne Godwin) a good time at LaBodega Restaurant.

The first stop on Monday was at Balmorhea State Park where Jessie and Frances saw a large, spring-fed swimming pool and were amazed at the mountainous backdrop and the clear, crisp water.

Back in the truck and down the highway the foursome continued and landed once more at Ft. Davis where a good lunch at the Ft. Davis Drugstore gave strength enough to continue the trek down State Highway 17 on the way to Marfa..

The travelers marveled at the beauty of the Marfa Courthouse and toured the streets of Marfa before resuming their journey south to Pinto Canyon where the pavement ends,

Not to be dissuaded, the King Ranch 150 (the travelers’ chariot) continued on the unpaved road to their destination — Chinati Hot Springs (www.chinatihotsprings.com). The arrangements may have been a little more rustic than Frances and Jessie expected but the night still turned out to be great fun for all. First, a lengthy soak in the restoring mineral waters of the hot springs, while a beautiful sunset painted the evening sky. Then Billy Wayne furnished a meal for the four of them at the common kitchen building.

After a few cocktails and lots of shared stories, Joyce showed the others a slide show of pictures taken up to that moment. Jessie exclaimed a few times, “Well, that was just a little while ago and you haven’t been anywhere to develop the pictures.”

Everyone turned in around 9:30 p.m. to get ready for another day of travel.

At this time of year thoughts often turn to ghostly talk and children of all ages dress up as goblins and ghouls. Make-shift and temporary haunted houses appear for the purposes of scaring visitors who dare to enter — all in the fun of Halloween.

I visited a Web site out of curiosity, after doing a Google search on U.S. Hauntings. I found a state-by-state, country-by-country listing of haunted places. We’ve all heard the local lore of ladies on the lake, ladies in the mist, ladies in white, haunted inns and much, much more. The big question being, do we believe it.

The closest listing to Grayson County I could find was McKinney, Texas where a lady in white is said to look out the window of the old courthouse building at night. It is supposed to be the spirit of a woman who hanged herself in 1896.

One of the more interesting cases close by is in Dallas at Flag Pole Hill on Northwest Highway. There is said to be a narrow road on which there is no place to turn around. Once you start on it, you must continue. Mysterious rocks are said to fly at vehicles from weird angles “sudden, unforeseen vehicular body damage” can occur. The Web site states the local police department will verify this as far back as 1976.

You must admit, that is just plain intriguing for curious minds looking for answers. Don’t you just want to go there to see if it’s true and find out about what brought those spirits of unrest to be causing such havoc?

Let me try to save you a trip. I’m not saying suspicious things don’t happen there. With so many reports, it’s hard to deny. But what I am saying is there are no ghosts. That is, people who die do not come back in their spirit to be able to haunt anything.

A look at the Bible tells me that just can’t happen. Ecclesiastes 9:5-6 says “For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; they have no further reward, and even the memory of them is forgotten. Their love, their hate and their jealousy have long since vanished; never again will they have a part in anything that happens under the sun.” So the dead won’t return to this universe for anything.

For me, that settles the question of whether or not ghosts really exist. Once someone dies, he or she has no part in anything under the sun. So, they won’t be throwing rocks at cars on deserted roads nor looking out windows during the night.

So what is it that’s going on in these “paranormal” events? Some of these events can probably be explained away through science, given enough time and the proper scientist. But other occurrences may indeed be the work of something not from this earth.

If my Bible-believing mind and heart can’t accept the explanation of ghosts and science can’t explain it, then the only thing left comes from those fallen angels we read about in God’s holy word. And it also says, “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness,” Ephesians 5:11.

I think we should not take lightly these instructions. We really can’t pick and choose what we want to accept from the Bible. If it’s wrong, there is no hope for man’s salvation. We’re stuck with what we have.

But, if it’s right, it’s right all the way through. And, the explanation that “you can twist the meanings of the Bible around to say whatever you want,” is old and tiresome to me. Anybody can read it for themselves and understand if they have the Holy Spirit to guide them and want to make the effort. The Holy Spirit comes after you’ve surrendered your life to Jesus Christ.
What you gain from reading the word of God far exceeds the little bit of effort it takes to understand it.

Joyce Godwin is a Herald Democrat staff writer/editor and may be reached by e-mail at jgodwin@heralddemocrat.com. She lives in Van Alstyne and attends the First Baptist Church there.

John and Johnnie Godwin

My father-in-law went home to be with the Lord more than 10 years ago — gone but not forgotten. He was born and raised in Whitesboro where some older residents may remember him by the moniker “Big Boy.”

One of the things I loved about him was his eternal optimism. For as long as I’ve known him and probably for most of his life on earth, John Godwin never passed a pay phone without checking to see if there was change in the change slot waiting to be claimed. There’s no telling how much money he garnered in his lifetime by doing that very thing. Our family still finds joy in remembering his funny quirks, of which there were many, to keep us entertained.
My brother-in-law may have found the most fun in remembering John’s habits recently, and to our laughter, he called to share the experience.

Johnnie Godwin is my husband’s older brother. A Baptist preacher by trade, an author and consultant. Entering his name in the Internet’s Google search engine will reveal a few of his accomplishments. He spent a career with the Sunday School Board which is the official publisher for the National Baptist Convention and is located in Nashville.

Johnnie seems to be enjoying retirement and has even written a book about how to do that. Though retired, he’s still busy with speaking engagements and consulting jobs across the U.S.
He called to tell us he was walking through an airport and spied a pay phone. We don’t seem to see pay phones much anymore. I guess the burgeoning cell phone market has cut into their marketability.

Anyway, brother Johnnie thought of his dad when he saw that pay phone and couldn’t resist sticking a finger into the coin-return slot. To his shock and amazement, he withdrew three quarters and a penny.

Is there a lesson here? I think it’s “never doubt someone’s positive thinking.”