Residents Provide Link to World History
WHAT: There is a strong, newsworthy connection between the upcoming 60th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift and the residents of Splendido at Rancho Vistoso. To commemorate the anniversary, Splendido will host a special program featuring several of the people who actually lived through this historic event.
The Berlin Airlift was one of the first crises of the Cold War. It began on June 24, 1948 when Soviets blocked access to Americans, British and French powers in the Western-occupied sectors of Berlin in response to monetary reform in the three German Occupation zones controlled by the Western powers. It was over on May 11, 1949, though Western forces had bypassed the blockade with an airlift of food and other provisions into the blocked off areas.
General Ross Milton, chief of staff for U.S. forces during the Berlin Airlift, as well as Guenther and Gisela Petzold, who were teenagers living in Berlin during the time, are residents at Splendido. The program will feature presentations from these brave people who were there, excerpts from films and a Q & A opportunity.
WHO: Speakers will include:
- Joan Mayer, Director of Resident Services, Splendido at Rancho Vistoso
- Ross Milton, Four Star General and Chief of Staff for the Berlin Airlift, U.S. Army
- Ian Beaton, Corporal and Author of They Also Serve, U.S. Army
- Daniel McDonald, Retired Personnel, U.S. Navy
- Guenther and Gisela Petzold, German Immigrants From Berlin
WHEN: Monday, January 14, 2008, 10:00 a.m.
WHERE: Splendido at Rancho Vistoso, Catalina Room
13500 N. Rancho Vistoso Blvd.
Tucson, AZ 85755
DIRECTIONS: Go North on Oracle Rd.
Turn Left on Tangerine Rd.
Turn Right on Rancho Vistoso Blvd.
Splendido is 2.5 miles ahead on the right-hand side.
Representatives from Splendido will be available to the media for interviews following the presentation. Refreshments will be provided.
Splendido’s Berlin Airlift Presentation is only for current and prospective residents. This event is not open for the general public.
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