MAL CORNER
A Message from our Vice President:
We have MALs all over the country!
A Message from our Vice-president:
Greetings, Members at Large….
Well…I’ve recently returned from Convention ’26 in San Antonio and all I can say is WOW! I’m truly sorry for those who couldn’t make it because it was absolutely FABULOUS!
​
A huge congratulations and heartfelt thank you go to Convention Chair Sherri Lowe, who did such an incredible job with every aspect of planning, organization and presentation. From the moment Kiwis stepped off the elevator leading to the Registration area, you could immediately feel the excitement, energy and warm Kiwi hospitality that carried throughout the entire week.
​
The beautiful suites at the Hotel Contessa were amazing, and the San Antonio Riverwalk quickly became a favorite gathering place for Kiwis enjoying walks, laughter, sightseeing and lots of memorable conversations together. There always seemed to be something fun happening around every corner!
​
The Opening Luncheon featuring Captain Beverley Bass, was both inspiring and unforgettable. The Delegate/Officer Meet & Greet provided wonderful opportunities to reconnect with longtime friends and make new ones. And the Closing Banquet? What a perfect ending to an extraordinary week! The live band — one of Sherri’s favorites — was honestly one of the best I’ve ever heard, and the dance floor stayed busy all evening long.
​
But perhaps the very best part of Convention was simply the joy of spending time together. Exploring the city with fellow Kiwis, sharing meals, stories and laughter, and creating new memories reminded all of us why Kiwi friendships are so special.
If you’d like to enjoy some of the wonderful photos taken throughout the week, on this website click on CONVENTION, then choose Convention Photos from the dropdown menu.
​
Another special thank you to Donna Ostner and Anita Vaccaro for serving as Delegate and Alternate at the Delegates Meeting.
Are you ready to hear where all Kiwis will gather in 2028? It’s going to be in Southern California…PALM SPRINGS! We’ll be at the beautiful Omni Rancho Mirage Resort in May of ’28 and I hope to see YOU there!
​
Now, I’m finally all unpacked, a bit relaxed, and all ready for the new 2026-28 term ahead.
On another note, we’re certainly moving at a great pace toward Summer…yay! You might already be planning vacations or making arrangements to host family and friends once schools are out. Whatever you do…make it fun and memorable!
Wishing all of you May babies a most HAPPY BIRTHDAY…enjoy to the fullest!
Stay well and stay positive!
HUGS! Linda
Why Flight Attendants Never Really Retire
Most people retire from a job.
Flight attendants retire from a schedule.
​
Flying leaves a permanent imprint. Years of irregular hours, shared responsibility, and constant decision-making create instincts that don’t shut off when the uniform comes off. Staying calm, reading a room, adapting quickly, and trusting the people around you become second nature. That’s why flight attendants don’t drift quietly into retirement. They stay curious. They stay connected. And they stay alert to the world around them.
​
For Members at Large, connection may not look like monthly meetings or luncheons—but it’s no less real. Reading familiar updates, recognizing shared experiences, and speaking the same language creates community. You don’t have to be in the same room to understand one another.
​
The airline industry has changed. Routes, rules, and aircraft come and go. What hasn’t changed is the bond formed by doing a demanding job well, often under pressure, always as a team. That bond doesn’t expire.
​
It’s why retired flight attendants still recognize one another instantly. Conversations pick up without explanation. And staying connected—through stories, shared history, and familiar voices—still matters long after the last flight.
​
If you’re reading this on your own, far from a chapter meeting, know this:
You’re still part of the crew.
MAL Member Spotlight
KARIN JONES is one of our Members at Large who loves staying busy in retirement. She has participated in un-told for two years and is planning another “semi-true” story to share with a new audience in 2026.
​
"Please send me your own stories about awesome things you do and have done!"
"un-told" is a groundbreaking storytelling show, that brings laughter and inspiration to SoCal’s South Bay community. The mission of un-told is to connect people through community, laughter, and inspiration. Everyone has a story to tell and "un-told" gives those who want it an opportunity to share their (mostly) true story on stage for a live audience.
"un-told" was born in 2021 in Redondo Beach to Dawn Zarnick and Brandy Wimmer. The two friends felt like the world could use some laughter and inspiration so they set out to produce the inaugural show. It was a hit playing two nights in Southern California at San Pedro’s Grand Annex theatre to sold-out audiences each night.
​
"un-told" is going into its 4th season which will present on January 23 and 24, 2026.
Check out the website to find out more information about when story submissions are due: un-toldtheshow.com
Kiwi Club Biennual Dues
-
Dues ($50) are due and payable after September 1st and before November 1st each even-numbered year.
-
Complete information is on the "Membership Renewal" page that is located under the "MEMBERSHIP" tab.
-
Or, if you are ready to pay, simply click on the link here and get started!
​​
​​
​​​​​​​​​Starting a Chapter
If you know of other flight attendants in your area and would like to start a chapter, all it takes is five!
You can find information on the Forms page with details on How to Start a Chapter or contact our VP Linda Hessler Radke for information.
​
Airline Memorabilia? Don't toss it... Donate it!
If you come across any memorabilia or uniforms from your flying days, and you’re wondering what to do with these items, consider sending your items now to one of our Support Staff members listed below.
-
Uniform Donations - Please contact Chris Strommer Moeckel: cgmatlga@gmail.com
-
Historical/Collectible Items - Please contact: Mary Richter Thrasher: thekiwiclub@comcast.net
​
​
If you know of someone who is eligible to join The Kiwi Club, but has never joined, please consider surprising him or her with the gift of a Kiwi membership!
​
You’ll find the Gift Membership Form on the Forms page of this website.
​