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The Tournament of Roses announced today that the Danville resident who masterfully landed US Airways Flight 1549, Capt. Chesley B. “Sully” Sullenberger III, will serve as the Grand Marshal for the 2010 Tournament of Roses festivities.
“It has long been a family tradition to watch the Rose Parade,” said Sullenberger. “I am incredibly honored to be named the Grand Marshal of such a revered American institution.”
This year’s parade theme is 2010: A Cut Above the Rest, and it will pay tribute to everyday heroes and the effort to always improve and enhance. As Grand Marshal, Sullenberger will ride in the 121st Rose Parade in front of a worldwide television audience, and toss the coin before the 96th Rose Bowl Game on Jan. 1.
“Capt. Sully saved the lives of 155 people and is an excellent example of the everyday American hero,” said Jeffrey Throop, acting president of the Tournament of Roses. “With his theme, A Cut Above the Rest, president Gary DiSano wanted to honor those who strive to make every effort better than the last. Sullenberger has certainly shown how we can do that and we are honored to have him host the 2010 festivities.”
Sullenberger became an international hero Jan. 15 when he and his crew safely guided US Airways Flight 1549 to an emergency water landing in New York City’s frigid Hudson River. The Airbus A320’s two engines had lost thrust following a bird strike. He and his crew have won international acclaim for their actions that day, including the passage of a Congressional resolution recognizing their bravery.
Professionally, Sullenberger is an aviation safety expert and accident investigator who also serves as the founder and chief executive officer of Safety Reliability Methods, a consulting company dedicated to management, safety, performance and reliability consulting.
He was born and raised in Denison, Texas. After high school, he enrolled at the U.S. Air Force Academy to pursue his childhood love of aviation. Recipient of a bachelor’s degree from the Academy, Sullenberger majored in psychology. In his graduation year at the Academy, he received the Outstanding Cadet in Airmanship Award. In addition to his bachelor’s degree he also has two master’s degrees, one in industrial psychology from Purdue University and one in public administration from the University of Northern Colorado.
Upon graduation from the Academy, Sullenberger served as a fighter pilot for the U.S. Air Force from 1975 to 1980. He advanced to become a flight leader and a training officer, attaining the rank of captain. His service in the military stationed him in both North America and Europe.
After serving in the Air Force, Sullenberger became a commercial airline pilot with Pacific Southwest Airlines, which was later acquired by US Airways. He has more than 40 years of flying experience. He has performed accident investigation duties for the United States Air Force, and also served as an Air Line Pilots Association representative during a National Transportation Safety Board investigation.
Sullenberger has served as a Local Air Safety Chairman for the Air Line Pilots Association, and as a member of the Air Line Pilots Association national technical committee, his work led to the creation of a Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circular. He was also instrumental in developing and implementing the Crew Resource Management course that is used by US Airways, and he has taught the course to hundreds of other airline members.
Sullenberger is married to fitness expert Lorrie Sullenberger and they have two daughters.
The Pasadena Tournament of Roses is a volunteer organization that annually hosts the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game presented by Citi. The 121st Rose Parade themed 2010: A Cut Above the Rest will take place Friday, Jan. 1, 2010, at 8 a.m., featuring majestic floral floats, high-stepping equestrian units and spirited marching bands. Following the Rose Parade, the 96th Rose Bowl Game presented by Citi will kick off at 2:10 p.m. and feature an exciting match-up between two of the top teams in the country.
On Jan. 7, the Tournament of Roses will also host the No. 1 and No. 2 BCS-ranked teams in the 2010 Citi BCS National Championship Game. The Game will kick off at 5 p.m. from the historic Rose Bowl Stadium. For additional information on the Tournament of Roses please visit the official Web site at www.tournamentofroses.com.
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While we are all proud of Sully for saving the lives of all those aboard his flight – lets not forget that he was ‘doing his job’ like many other pilots who probably ‘tried in vain’ to do the same, with different outcomes. A true HERO, in my eyes, is someone who reaches out to those in need, taking their OWN time and money to help Katrina survivors, or help Habitat for Humanity build homes for the needy, or who spend their ‘personal time’ delivering food and clothes to the needy. Let’s NOT forget these TRUE HERO’S.
This article was about Capt. Sully. Not Katrina or Habitat for Humanity. Renee, those are two excellent opportunities for YOU to write about. Your definition of a hero may vary from others, and you can thank a US troop or veteran for that First Amendment right. Perhaps you can share your experience with helping Katrina survivors and Habitat for Humanity with us as a role model and example of how compassion can thrive in a variety of situations, circumstances, and need. We can learn how others like you have helped these causes and be an inspiration to the community and to the world. In the meantime. appreciate that we have people like Capt. Sully and celebrate the positive aspects of saving lives.
Oh…why don’t we all just say it…Sully is a milker and he keeps milking the system…does he even fly anymore? I’ve many, many time beforE…ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. Why do we all just move on and let Sully shamefully milk as much money as he can out of the weak minded.
And all you Sully lovers, don’t even waste you time pointing at me. I really don’t care about your thoughts as you don’t care about mine. I’m so tired about your BS hero stuff…Renee has it very right…Sully is not a hero…he’s just a good pilot…
Julia……….you need help! Check your spelling “miss perfect” !!!!
Hey Greg…it’s Ms. Perfect to you and don’t forget it. By the way, you are correct. In my haste to leave my home to voluntary at John Muir Medical Center I misspelled a few words…but I’m sure you got the point. Greg, you are the type of people that can’t deal with the facts and the truth. Mr. Sully is a great, great pilot, no one doubts it. But aren’t you at least a little tried of Sully this and Sully that…talk about getting a life and getting help…Greg, I would you have Mr. Sully’s photo’s over your bed right alone Mr. Obama’s and maybe even in your wallet. I’m sure whenever possible you bring out his photo and tell people…”hey he lives near my house…he’s the hero of Danville”
You have a pleasant day Greg. Make appointment with Dr Sara Denman.
Julia…………..I don”t think Sully went and begged to be in the parade……….I am sure he was asked to be in it. And I’m sure any NORMAL person would accept the oppertunity with open arms. You are a very bitter person……it’s no wonder your husband dumped you. You will be bitter for the rest of your life. Big DEAL your a volunteer I’ll bet the people you work with can’t stand it when you show up to VOLUNTEER……….you have a lot of nerve making coments about my spelling……..look at yourself very close in the mirror!!!!
Have a great day VOLUNTEERING………you are very special….bet you have your own picture over your bed of nails!
Hi Greg…I see you’re have a wonderful day. My husband never dumped me, the old guy just dropped dead…I think he hated me and wanted to move on into a more loving spiritual atmosphere. I think he’s happier, I know I am.
If you don’t mind getting a positive from me, I think you’re right about Sully not begging to be in the parade. I think his PR manager got him the gig.
Greg, Greg, I’m not a bitter person…I just enjoy playing with Greg…if you really knew me I believe you would like me, I’m really a fun person.
Well, I think you can say I’m like Sully…a hero. At least to those folks that I comfort before they enter the OR.
Oh well enough about me…are you going to watch the Rose Parade and tell everyone he’s your neighbor?
My bed of nails…you’re a funny guy Greg…You also enjoy the day.
You go Sully! US Airways flight 1549 is a wonderful story about average Americans surviving a near disaster. We need good news in these difficult times. I was disapointed that Sully was not the Grand Marshall of the Danville, 4th of July Parade. The Rose Parade is lucky to have him! Some of you posting need to read the “Add a Comment” paragraph above.