Captain George O. Howson is a man to whom RUPA is greatly indebted.

George joined United Airlines in 1939 but was recalled to the Navy during the 2nd World and Korean Wars. After being released from active duty, he went back to United and retired as a Captain in 1964.

George's title of RUPA Secretary Treasurer, which he held for about thirty-two years, was a gross understatement of his role with RUPA. He was a founding member of the Retired United Pilots Association and managed RUPA organization for over thirty years as Secretary Treasurer. He originated the Newsletter in 1964 and edited it until the late 1980s when his failing eyesight gave him too much trouble. The Newsletter was the catalyst that made RUPA a thriving organization.

For many years, George personally copied each letter in the necessary format of the Newsletter. Every letter or check he received was acknowledged by mail! His thorough and meticulous stewardship of RUPA affairs required several hours of work every day, even after he converted from index cards and typewriter to computer.

With the assistance of his son, Owen, George also created the first computerized RUPA Data Base and kept it up to date.

George is honored by RUPA Past President Capt. Richard C. Bouska on the National Air and Space Museum Wall of Honor at Foil 9, Panel 2, Column 4, Line 89.

Compiled from the February 2000 RUPANews article by S.J. Devine.