Dr. Heidi Kraft

Lt. Comm and Psychologist for US Navy in Iraq

• Gramps Monthly Luncheon Meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday of each Month and Feature a Variety of Guest Speakers and Topics.
• GARDEN GROVE ELKS LODGE (11551 Trask Ave., Garden Grove, 92843 --- 714-534-0226) -
• Click HERE for a Map to the Luncheon Location
• Hangar doors open at 1130, Luncheon is at 1200, secure at 1330
• $15.00 for RSVP before 10am on the Monday prior to the Meeting
• $17.00 for RSVP made thereafter or at the luncheon
• Email or Phone in RSVP - 562-431-3780 - Speak Slowly & Clearly

Brief Overview of the

ANA GRAMPAW PETTIBONE SQUADRON, INC

• Started in 1970 as an aviators' luncheon group at NAVSTA Long Beach, soon graining approval to use the name of Robert Osborne's aviation safety cartoon caricature “Grampaw Pettibone.”
• In 1975 joined newly formed Association of Naval Aviation as ANA's first squadron n the West Coast. In a late 2005 merger, ANA and its squadrons became part of the Naval Aviation Foundation (NAF).
• Largest ANA squadron for many years; spun off the Two Block Fox Squadron (San Fernando Valley) in early ‘80's and the Desert Strom Squadron (Palm Springs) in early ‘90's.  Still among top three squadrons in total membership.
• As bases dwindled, GPX moved from NAVSTA Long Beach to NAS Los Alamitos, to MCAS Tustin, to MCAS El Toro, and, since 1998, at NAVWPNSTA Seal Beach. 
• GPS benefited from great command support from each in the form of office space, inclusion in command activities (invitation to ceremonies and events, etc.) and in recognition of the ANA mission. 
• GPS contributed to the host base, with major examples (on now closed bases);
• Promotional ANA/GPS booths at MCAS El Toro air shows and MCAS Tustin open houses, sharing proceeds from aviation memorabilia sales with the base's MWR fund.
• Re-Carpeted the MCAS Tustin Enlisted Club – GPS's way of welcoming the troops home from desert Storm (and in a tight budget year for the Tustin C.O.).
• Supporting the active duty Navy, GPS has, since early 1999, recognized NAVWPNSTA Seal Beach Junior and Senior Sailors of the Quarter and Year by presenting each with a GPS Certificate of Achievement and a monetary gift.  From 1996 through 2004 GPS carried out a similar recognition program with the USS KITTY HAWK.
• GPS hosted ANA's annual national conventions at Anaheim in 1982 and 1989. 
• Established a GPS chair at the National Museum of Naval Aviation's IMAX Theater.
• Dynamic speakers program at monthly luncheons and periodic field trips keep members appraised of naval and other aviation matters, past, current and future, and other national defense issues.
• Camaraderie among naval aviators, and those interested in naval aviation, is a key element of all GPS programs.  Each is structured to be enjoyable and informative, with 100-120 members typically attending the monthly luncheons. 
• Several overnight visits to aircraft carriers (via COD aircraft) were arranged for GPS members in the 1990's.
• The GPS website at www.gpsana.org contains a wealth of information about the squadron, and each month promulgates the squadron newsletter, the informative full color GPS Op-Plan, with information on future programs as well as past programs and activities.  By request, the Op-Plan can be received by U.S. Mail for those who do not have internet access.
• GPS incorporated in June 1996, and established an IRS 501(c)(4) tax-exempt status.
• GPS has no dues, other than to require NAF membership.  Income comes mostly from a monthly raffle and from the continued generosity of members (the “Great Guys” listed monthly in the Op-Plan).
• GPS membership of 400 is about 80% active and retired military (50% Navy, 25% USMC, 5% other service), and 20% civilian (many with past military service).