|
When one door closes….
The International
Aviation Safety Association (IASA)
The International Aviation Safety Association (IASA)
was established on 4 March 1999, in Loving Memory of Raymond M. Romano,
my husband, who perished when Swissair Flight 111 crashed into the
waters off Peggy’s Cove in Nova Scotia Canada on 2 September 1998. It
was my opinion that there was an urgent need for a financially
independent, non-political group to address long overdue aviation safety
issues which contributed to the crash.
It quickly became obvious that I was correct in
that assumption. Over the years we earned a high degree of respect
within the aviation community in the United States and many countries
around the world.
Immediately following the atrocities of 9/11, it
became painfully clear that the focus on aviation safety issues – the
basis for IASA’s establishment – had dramatically shifted to security
issues. After years of careful consideration I arrived at the difficult,
emotional but realistic decision to close IASA’s doors, as an active
instrument for pursuit of air safety ideals, on 4 March 2007. It would
be eight years to the day (of its establishment).
It was truly agonizing but with it came a great
deal of pride. Our accomplishments over eight years not only served to
address aviation safety issues, but to resolve some and enhance others.
It is my fondest desire that the International Aviation Safety
Association be remembered as one of Ray’s most important legacies. |
The International Aviation Safety Association is no
longer an operational organization but IASA’S website (www.iasa-intl.com)
will remain a valuable aviation safety reference source for anyone
wishing to take advantage of the wealth of information gathered over the
years.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank,
from the bottom of my heart, all who assisted me in establishing IASA,
as well as those who contributed to, and helped sustain, our excellent
endeavors and accomplishments.
Another door opens….
Introducing Heavenly
Brickks
I (unofficially) established Heavenly Brickks
several years ago by dedicating a section of the IASA website to bring
attention to the charities I had “adopted” during IASA’s tenure. It is
with great pleasure that I am now able to officially introduce Heavenly
Brickks - which will hereinafter be affectionately referred to as IASA’s
“offspring”.
Heavenly Brickks:
Dedicated to paving a way forward for those less fortunate.
Heavenly Brickks is dedicated to paving a way
forward, brick by Heavenly Brickk, for many in need. Our helping hands
support those enduring physical and or emotional challenges, educational
needs, homelessness, deprivation and hunger around the world, as well as
a host of other humanitarian issues where the need is greatest. From
veterans to children to the aged and beyond, our goal is to assist those
who many have forgotten.
|
Heavenly Brickks is committed to reaching out,
whether the need be temporary (due to a natural disaster) or more
permanent, such as for those who have not been blessed with the physical
and or mental ability to sustain a dignified life for themselves or
their loved ones.
Raymond M. Romano’s life may have been cut all too
short, as were the lives of all those who perished with him that fateful
night, but his legacy will live on by the good works Heavenly Brickks is
prepared to provide in his name.
In closing, please rest assured that this does not
mean my personal dedication to aviation safety has, or will ever, wane.
Many of IASA’s erstwhile helpers remain very active in aviation safety
pursuits and they keep me fully “in the picture”. The primary focus of
my endeavors may have changed, but the catalyst – that being Ray’s
legacy - has not.
Lyn S. Romano
President
 |
