A hero's welcome
Grand Marshal Capt. ‘Sully’ Sullenberger is a cut above the rest
By Sara Cardine 12/24/2009
It was a frigid January morning when US Airways Capt. Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger and his crew safely guided a commercial jet with two blown engines to an emergency landing on the icy Hudson River. The lives of all 155 passengers on board were spared by this effort, thanks largely to Sullenberger’s level head and steady hands.
This year’s Tournament of Roses theme, “A Cut Above the Rest,” aims to pay homage to everyday heroes, which is why officials selected Sullenberger to serve as the 2010 grand marshal.
“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.
The theme was selected earlier this year by President Gary DiSano, who had served the Tournament of Roses for 37 years before his death in September at age 62. DiSano began his tenure as a volunteer in 1972 and served on and chaired various committees overseeing nearly every aspect of the tournament, including community relations, the formation area and float entries. He was elected to the Tournament's Executive Committee in 2002.
Earlier this year, DiSano told members of the media he wanted this year’s tournament to honor those who strive to make every effort better than the last. Sullenberger’s heroic actions in the face of danger made him a logical choice for grand marshal, Throop said.
Professionally, Sullenberger is an aviation safety expert and accident investigator who is also the founder and CEO of Safety Reliability Methods, a consulting company dedicated to management, safety, performance and reliability consulting.
He was born and raised in Denison, Texas, and enrolled at the United States Air Force Academy after high school to pursue his childhood love of aviation. While there, Sullenberger earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology; he later earned two master's degrees, one in industrial psychology from Purdue University and one in public administration from the University of Northern Colorado.
In the Air Force from 1976 to 1980, he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a flight leader and training officer before attaining the rank of captain. When this year’s rescue occurred, Sullenberger had more than 30 years experience as a pilot under his belt.
Despite his newfound hero status, Sullenberger accepted the title of grand marshal in November with an air of proud humility.
“It has long been a family tradition to watch the Rose Parade,” he said after the decision was announced to the public in November. “I am incredibly honored to be named the grand marshal of such a revered American institution.”
In his official capacity, Sullenberger will ride in the Rose Parade and toss the coin before the Rose Bowl Game.
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