Dear AMFA Members:

Effective January 1, 2008, National Director O.V. Delle-Femine (Dell) will be retiring after serving our profession and Association for nearly half a century. Dell was one of the founders of AMFA in the early 1960’s and has been a tenacious advocate and leader in the effort to bring recognition and respect to the important work of aviation technicians.

AMFA’s success in this area is largely attributable to Dell’s unequaled determination to see that the professionals on the ground were acknowledged for their contribution to aviation safety.

In the early years, before AMFA, technicians had no choice but to belong to industrial unions that viewed all workers as having the same physical needs without considering their professional needs.  Recognizing that important issues of safety, government regulation, and compensation were not being properly considered, coupled with the fact that no real effort was being put forth by industrial unions to pursue improvements, AMFA created the first craft union for aviation mechanics.

While Dell is retiring from the position of National Director, he will still be available to contribute as an advisor for the future and to provide valuable historical reference and information which will be helpful as we continue to grow the Association.

Please join me in thanking Dell for his unwavering belief in, and support of,the men and women of our profession who, day in and day out, keep the flying public, flight crews, and fellow workers safe as they travel the skies.

We are planning a retirement party for Dell in the coming weeks (if he will allow us to honor him with one). As soon as we have specifics, we will be announcing the details so those wishing to attend the proceeding can make plans.