The meeting, held on August 14, 2008, gathered Pete Deery, Lenore Semmler, Ed von Vecchio, and Gloria King to discuss Pete’s extensive history and contributions at the Navy air station in Goodyear. Pete served in the Navy for six years, stationed in the South Pacific and later at the Litchfield Naval Air Facility, significantly impacting the city, including through civic leadership roles.
He detailed his personal timeline, arriving in Goodyear in 1945, and living there for 62 years, noting his deep involvement in the community and the Lutheran church. Post-Navy, Pete worked on airplane preservation, pioneered techniques, and faced challenges such as theft issues which involved the FBI.
The meeting also covered Pete’s roles at the air station, daily operations, workforce dynamics, and the need to scan and preserve historical photographs and other memorabilia discussed. Action items include scanning Pete’s photo collection and locating a specific historical photograph from the base’s closure.
- Introduction and Background(00:03-01:21)
- Navy Service and Contributions(01:04-02:05)
- Timeline and Personal History(02:07-03:30)
- Community and Church Involvement(03:51 -05:21)
- Post-Navy Career and Airplane Preservation(05:49-07:04)
- Security and Theft Issues(07:36-09:03)
- Photographs and Memories(16:00-18:12
- Airplane Operations and Incidents(22:35-24:50)
- Workforce and Job Roles(26:27-28:53)
- Daily Operations and Challenges(31:02-36:33)