Private Pilot Visits Warren Classroom to Discuss Cross Country Flight

WARREN, NJ — Third graders at Angelo L. Tomaso School recently heard firsthand from a private pilot who made a roundtrip solo flight from New Jersey to California to raise money for a charitable organization that benefits wounded members of the military.

“I got to meet people from all over the country,” said Gerard Randolph, about his 6000-mile, 16-day journey in a Cessna 172 Skyhawk last June. “That was the best part.”

Randolph detailed his trip to a rapt audience of third graders in Deanna DeRoner’s class (which included his son, William) on Nov. 18. He said he decided two years ago to combine his love of flying with an effort to support a worthy cause, raising more than $3,600 for the Semper Fi Fund which provides financial support to wounded members of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Throughout his flight, Randolph posted updates to his Facebook page about crossing the Continental Divide, visiting Dayton and the home of the Wright brothers, “running around the rain clouds near John Day Fossil Beds” in Oregon, soaring over the Grand Canyon and much more.

— By Mary Ann McGann

(Photo by Warren Township Schools: Private pilot/dad Gerard Randolph speaks to his son’s 3rd grade class on Nov. 18, detailing his roundtrip solo flight in a Cessna 172 Skyhawk to raise money for a charitable organization for wounded military members.)

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