by Robert H.
In 1966, a machinists strike had crippled airline
travel, mainly in the eastern part of the country, and I had to help solve a
problem with one of our suppliers in New York. Space was made available on a
company plane in Denver going to Baltimore.
We detoured to Albuquerque, picked up two passengers
from Martin Nuclear, then went non-stop to Middle River. The pilot arranged for
four of us (George Morgenthaler, two others and me) to share a room at a nearby
motel they often used. Further, the pilot said that the plane was going to
Orlando the next day, and I should be at the airport early and maybe I could
get a detour ride to New York.
Well, it was J. Donald Rauth going to Orlando, and he
agreed I could go. But I was surprised that he took over the controls! After
takeoff, he flew over a residential area, buzzed what I believe was his house,
and then flew to La Guardia. I was further surprised when he taxied to a
waiting limo and said, “There’s your car,
have a good trip.”
Well, it was a good trip, and I thought “What a wonderful company to work for.”
But trying to get back to Denver was another story. Really!
