Foundation Officers

Foundation President: Zane Lemon
Vice President: Rick Owens
Executive Director: George Dennis
Captain George Dennis retired from American Airlines in 2005. George graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a BS degree in Aerospace Administration. Captain Dennis joined American Airlines in 1978 as a Flight engineer on a B-727. He later checked out as Captain on the B-727 in 1985. He flew as Captain on several airplanes for American both domestically and on the International routes. Captain Dennis became an instructor in 1991 on the F-100 and later the B-737. He resides in Shelbyville, Tennessee with his wife Kay.
Captain Zane J. Lemon retired from the B-777 International flying after 30 years at AA. He was hired in 1978 and checked out as a Captain in 1988. Zane worked as a Check Airman on the MD-80, B-727, 757,767, and 777. He also served as a Chief Pilot at DFW 1993-1995, and Director of Flight Operations and Chief Pilot at DFW 1999-2005. Retired USAF and a Vietnam Veteran flying the F-4 Phantom.
Rick was first introduced to the DC-3 as a boy by his father, a Delta Airlines pilot for over thirty years. Like his father, he earned his Wings of Gold as a Naval Aviator in a career that spanned over twenty five years with a highlight of serving as Commanding Officer of an F-14 fighter squadron. Rick retired after thirty years with American Airlines having served in numerous positions including Instructor, Check Airman, Base Manager, Fleet Manager, and Chief Plot. He last position was flying the B-777 in DFW.
Foundation Secretary: David Gorrell
Foundation Treasurer: Jon Reilman
Growing up on a farm in the west Arizona desert, it was only natural that David would choose the Navy to learn to fly, earning his Wings of Gold in 1969. After 8 years, 2 combat cruises, and 300+ shipboard landings he joined American Airlines in 1976. 29 years later, after flying the B-727, MD-80, B-737, B-757/767, and B-777, he retired from airline flying to enjoy summer and winter sports in Utah and the airshow scene with the Detroit.
Coming from an Eastern Airlines family, Jon learned to fly at age 15. The family would eventually produce five Airline Captains. Starting his 35 year career in the early 1950’s, Jon’s father, Bob Sr, flew the venerable DC-3 for Northwest Airlines. During Jon's 28 years of Air Force service he flew the T-37 and RF-4C and served as a squadron commander. Today he has accumulated 24 years at American Airlines, flying the A-300, MD-80, MD-11, B-727, B-737, B-757, and B-767.  On the ground, Jon manages investment properties and volunteers at Habitat for Humanity. His current hobbies include remodel construction, sailing, SCUBA, skiing, soaring, and musical performance. He also mentors his four grown children. Jon is currently an active B-757/B-767 Captain flying international routes out of DFW.