I just had the pleasure of meeting Ann at the Amelia Earhart Festival in Atchison, Kansas this past weekend. What a woman! She is sharp as a tack and generous with her time and stories. They say you should never meet your heroes but that does not apply in this case…she was fun and funny, sweet, witty and wicked smart, too! I’ll always treasure the time we spent together and the stories she shared with me. The only thing that surprises me about this article is that she was quiet during your visit! She’s amazing.
Readers asked if Ann Pellegreno’s books are available? Ann tells me, “yes,” and contact her directly pellegreno@hotmail.com
–Paul Berge
Good morning Paul. This is one of the best written articles about any topic that I’ve ever read. I laughed out loud several times. My path crossed with the Pellegreno’s at the Hagerstown Aviation Museum on Monday when the meticulously restored XNQ returned to it’s birthplace to be put on permanent exhibition for the world to be able to admire up close and personal. John & Kurtis the President & Curator of the museum are old friends and we helped document the return of this beautiful one of a kind plane. I really hope that Ann can come to the museum and enjoy the XNQ’s “retirement” home. Her story is amazing. I hope that you come. I’d love to meet you. The only thing I’ve flown are camera drones…but I have great admiration for pilots. It was my very good fortune to be able to take the planes last pilots, Doug & Kim back to BWI and to hear their stories. Your style reminds me of Brock Yates at Car & Driver. All the best, Mike
I love this! Ann is as smart as she is funny, and an encouragement to those who like to find the best possible outcome in every situation. I wish Don were still with us today, would have loved to meet him. Thanks Ann, for all your great stories (and in advance for your forthcoming book!), and to Paul as well, for this superb description of your time with the Pellegrenos!