The Levins could think of no better passengers to reinstate the ceremonial ride than the wounded men and women recovering at Walter Reed in D.C. and Bethesda, in Maryland. “We wanted to give them a first-class experience,” says Bennett. “Gourmet meals on board, private transportation from the train to the stadium, perfect seats - real hero treatment.” Through the Army War College Foundation, of which he is a trustee, Bennett met with Walter Reed’s commanding general, who loved the idea. But Bennett had some ground rules first, all designed to keep the focus on the troops alone: • No press on the trip, lest the soldiers’ day of pampering devolve into a media circus. • No politicians either, because, says Bennett, “I didn’t want some idiot making this trip into a campaign photo op.” • And no Pentagon suits on-board, otherwise the soldiers would be too busy saluting superiors to relax. The general agreed to the conditions, and Bennett realized he had a problem on his hands. “I had to actually make this thing happen,” he laughs. Over the next months, he recruited owners of 15 other sumptuous rail cars from around the country - these people tend to know each other - into lending their vehicles for the day. The name of their temporary train? The Liberty Limited. Amtrak volunteered to transport the cars to D.C. - where they’d be coupled together for the round-trip ride to Philly - then back to their owners later. Conrail offered to service the Liberty while it was in Philly. And SEPTA drivers would bus the disabled soldiers 200 yards from the train to Lincoln Financial Field, for the game. A benefactor from the War College ponied up 100 seats to the game - on the 50-yard line - and lunch in a hospitality suite. And corporate donors filled, for free and without asking for publicity, goodie bags for attendees: From Woolrich, stadium blankets. From Wal-Mart, digital cameras. From Nikon, field glasses. From GEAR, down jackets. There was booty not just for the soldiers, but for their guests, too, since each was allowed to bring a friend or family member. The Marines, though, declined the offer. “They voted not to take guests with them, so they could take more Marines,” says Levin, choking up at the memory. Bennett’s an emotional guy, so he was worried about how he’d react to meeting the 88 troops and guests at D.C.’s Union Station, where the trip originated. Some GIs were missing limbs. Others were wheelchair-bound or accompanied by medical personnel for the day. “They made it easy to be with them,” he says. “They were all smiles on the ride to Philly. Not an ounce of self-pity from any of them. They’re so full of life and determination.” At the stadium, the troops reveled in the game, recalls Bennett. Not even Army’s lopsided loss to Navy could deflate the group’s rollicking mood. Afterward, it was back to the train and yet another gourmet meal - heroes get hungry, says Levin – before returning to Walter Reed and Bethesda. “The day was spectacular,” says Levin. “It was all about these kids. It was awesome to be part of it.” The most poignant moment for the Levins was when 11 Marines hugged them goodbye, then sang them the Marine Hymn on the platform at Union Station. “One of the guys was blind, but he said, ‘I can’t see you, but man, you must be f—ing beautiful!’ ” says Bennett. “I got a lump so big in my throat, I couldn’t even answer him.” It’s been three weeks, but the Levins and their guests are still feeling the day’s love. “My Christmas came early,” says Levin, who is Jewish and who loves the Christmas season. “I can’t describe the feeling in the air.” Maybe it was hope. As one guest wrote in a thank-you note to Bennett and Vivian, “The fond memories generated last Saturday will sustain us all - whatever the future may bring.”
God bless the Levins.
And bless the troops, every one

Silk-Ways Airlines and Azerbaijan Airlines/ EAS announced the appointment of Mr. Joseph Badamo as Director of Sales at JFK International Airport. Mr. Badamo previously held the positon of Vice President of Sales for Evergreen International Airlines and numerous management positions, including Regional Director of Cargo Sales and Operations, for KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Cargo. Silk-Way Airlines/EAS also represent the cargo division of Azerbaijan Airlines which is the flag carrier of the C.I.S. Azerbaijan. Silk-Way Airlines operate a fleet of 74F, IL-76 and AN-12 freighters, offering both scheduled and charter services around the world via its ultra modern hub in Baku, Azerbaijan. Silk-Way operates regular

scheduled flights to & from such Eurasian points as BGW/KBL/DXB/LUX/BSR/ALA/TAS/TBS amongst others. For further information about Silk-Way contact Joseph Badamo at 718-995-5010 or newyork@euroasiancargo.com.

AirTran Holdings, parent of low-cost carrier AirTran Airways, has promoted Robert Fornaro to CEO after being the Chief Operating Officer. Fornaro, 54, succeeds Joe Leonard, 64, who will continue to serve as Chairman of AirTran's Board of Directors. Fornaro's appointment takes effect immediately. Fornaro said his strategies will be consistent with the vision of his predecessor. Leonard prized low costs and a diverse route structure. "You have to really look at this as a successful, stable company that has gone thorough succession planning," Fornaro said. Fornaro joined AirTran as president and chief financial officer the same year Leonard joined the company as CEO. "I think it's part of a natural succession and orderly process," said Stuart Klaskin at KKC Aviation Consulting. "It's only good for the company. There is no negative here," he said. AirTran has pursued an aggressive growth strategy in recent years, adding seats to routes as rivals shrink operations. In August, the carrier ended a hostile takeover attempt of Midwest Air Group, which for months had rejected offers.

Virgin America named a senior American Airlines Inc. executive to its top job.
C. David Cush, American's senior vice president of global sales, will replace Fred Reid as chief executive. Mr. Reid must leave Virgin America to satisfy a U.S. Department of Transportation order. Mr. Cush's appointment was announced by Virgin America chairman Donald J. Carty, former chairman and chief executive of American and parent AMR Corp. Mr. Carty, 61, also serves as Dell Inc.'s vice chairman and chief financial officer. "David's extensive industry experience, business acumen and creativity are the perfect attributes for leading the company as it continues to grow from a promising start-up to a major carrier," Mr. Carty said in recent announcement.

The day Edwin Capone starts having a job is the day he said he will stop working. That's why the 75-year-old is still employed as an aviation mechanic in Chesapeake. Capone said his career has never felt like a job because he loves it so much. The Virginia Beach resident has worked in the industry for 50 years and was recently recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration, which presented Capone with the Charles Taylor "Master Mechanic" Award. Named in memory of the first aviation mechanic in powered flight, the award recognizes the lifetime accomplishments of senior mechanics. John Beaulieu, president of Horizon Flight Center and Aviation Services at Chesapeake Regional Airport, has been a pilot for 40 years and said he has never met anyone else who has received the award. "It's one where his name is on a plaque at the headquarters of the Federal Aviation Administration in Washington D.C.," Beaulieu said. "For maintenance people, it's the ultimate award the FAA can issue. Pilots always get awards for doing this and for doing that. Behind all of those pilots are the people who do the maintenance and allow them to fly."

John Bales, Spirit of St. Louis Airport’s new airport director St. Louis, MO – The Spirit of St. Louis Airport (SUS) is proud to announce that that it has named John Bales, Airport Director. In his new position, Bales will be responsible for the administration, development, and the safe, efficient operation of the Airport. In addition, he will be responsible for all aviation activities of the St. Louis County Government. "My primary job is creating business and development, which creates jobs and has a positive economic impact," Bales said. “My goal is to maximize the airport’s potential through development, capital

improvements, operational efficiency, and providing a first-class public transportation facility that has a significant positive impact on the region.” Bales brings 18 years of aviation experience, of which nearly 13 have been at Spirit of St. Louis Airport, to his new position. During his more than 12 years of service with Spirit, Bales was the assistant director and later the deputy county director of aviation. He also served as acting director of aviation for six months, while the director was on a temporary assignment. Dick Hrabko left the airport after 42 years to take over the helm as new director at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport.