Chesley A. Moroz

Dear Chesley,
   After reading all the other messages, I realized that I didn't get a chance to know you as well as the others, but wanted you to know that you DID leave a lasting impression at the last manager's meeting in Atlanta.
   We had a "hat contest" and, after awarding prizes in the various categories, you awarded a "special" prize for my Fort Macon hat. That was lovely, but what impressed me most was the notation "loved the hat" you wrote at the bottom of my next extra compensation award letter. Just the fact that you remembered someone you had only met once and made mention of a silly little hat made me feel part of Eastern National. Thank You.

Our parks are on the rather small side, and certainly not much on the profitable side, but for the last 14 years I know beyond a doubt that we had the support of Eastern National.

A few years ago, I cannot remember what year, Chesley did our annual audit herself here, and, as usual, I frenzied myself to make the store and the park look good. Within five minutes she had all of us at ease, and was truly a pleasure to work with and supportive of what we were trying to do here.

Eastern National has been nothing but supportive to the National Parks in Western Pennsylvania, and for that I'll be eternally grateful.

Dear Chesley,

It’s very hard to encapsulate our 30 year fun ride called Eastern National, but I’ll try. When Eastern hired us both out of “grade school”, little did we know that it would be a 30 year run of hard work mixed in with a lot of fun!!!

It started on our first trip together when we laughed all the way home from NY on the train because of the lady with the box.

It continued with our trek home from Chicago when our flight was cancelled at one airport and we had to race across town to catch the last flight back to Philly at another.

It continued with the great tarmac adventure when we saw every Alaskan airport in four hours.

It continued with our skiing (if can call it that) down the “easy slope” from the top of the mountain in Alaska.

It continued with our last manager’s meeting together in Atlanta where we spent every night playing Apples-to-Apples at the hospitality suite.

Along the way we worked hard (at least you did) to make sure the mission of Eastern National was fulfilled. I want to thank you for your support throughout the years and for all of the “it continued” stories that we shared.

Pete

Chesley,

The SE Region will miss you. I especially will will miss you. My first time working with you was at San Juan when we needed your assistancee for our 50th Anniversary celebration. Later when some of our employees lost everything in a hurricane you and EN raised funds to help them. One employee broke down crying when I handed him a check from you. EN, and most importantly you, have always been there for us and have made a diffence. I hope that I can repay in some manner by ensuring that EN concerns are raised constantly during the Cooperating Associations Steering Committee deliberations. Thank you for everything that you have done for the SER and for me.

Our thoughts and prayers go with you.

Dear Chesley, working with you at Eastern National on the Board (and earlier in the National Park Service) is an experience I will always remember. Your leadership, decisiveness, knowledge, and dedication shaped all of us in many ways, and set the stage for the strength of your organization. Plus the trips we took -- remember that beautiful day in Moab, blue cloudless sky, red rock and cool pool? What fabulous experiences we have had. All the best to you and your family. Fondly, Mary

Hi Chesley, I been thinking about you. Some news from my world...sales are finally on a upward trend in my region. Yippee!!! Fredericksburg had a wonderful 145th Anniversary celebration in December and that has propelled sales to be the best they've had in awhile. We are preparing for the 145th at Chancellorsville in May, so I am confident the trend will continue. It is a good feeling to be able to report that! I spoke to Rebecca Harriett today, and she asked about you. Did you know that Cindy MacLeod is now Supt. at Independence? And, Vidal Martinez is now at Upper Delaware. Lots of changes in my Region.

Thanks again for all of your work for Eastern. It has ben a pleasure to be part of a wonderful organization!

Anne

Dear Chesley,
I did not get to know you as I have only been with Eastern National at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area less than a year. Johnnie Pilk that works here remembers working with you and said you were a dear person and a very good person to work with. I wish you all the best and for you to be able to enjoy your retirement. Take care and may God Bless You.

Edited by author 03-16-2008 04:17 PM
Chesley-- I was so saddened to hear you're retiring from Eastern. I remember the excitement I felt when I first heard you were going to get that position and I have kept that excitement as you have wended your way and Eastern's way through wonderful situations and not-so-wonderful ones. You've done it all with aplomb and resilience, with good humor and a clear eye. Bringing Parks and History into Eastern was long needed; I only wish every park were fully part of Eastern/Western. Maybe someday. When I go into parks and see all the books I think of you (and help by buying several);when I watch over people pour over Eastern's glassware at Jamestown I think of you. May you find ways to enjoy your time now and may you be with us a long time. You are always welcome to visit Charlie [Clapper] and me in Williamsburg-- the guest room awaits you. So do the daffodils. You and your family are in our prayers. Cheers, and thanks for ALL you've done to serve your nation, history education and the NPS, Heather

Dear Chesley, I'm a vendor with Eastern National. My company is called The Historic Animation Station. Being a part of Eastern National has become a huge part of not only my company but my life as well. I feel like I'm part of the family. All the work that you have done has touched so many people. Thank you for all that you have done! Best wishes to you and everything that you do......Repectfully,
  Greg S. Gongaware

Hi Chesley,

I was sad to discover that you had retired from Eastern National. I wish I had the opportunity to see you before you retired. I appreciate the opportunity you gave me to be of service to you and Eastern National. It was indeed a pleasure. I consider myself blessed to have known you. Get the rest that you need and take care of yourself. Hopefully our paths will cross again.

Hi Chesley--Sorry it took some time before I posted a message. I can never forget you--we have been through some amazing times together...of course workwise you were always there to support and advise whether it was a Northeast bookstore or assisting international parks. But being with you--was how I will always remember you...We were together on 9-11 in Miami and you and I drove ourselves through Florida to finally catch a plane in Jacksonville for Philly. We spent a terrifying time on a rail cart going up a mountain in Cinque Terra--if you can do that you can do anything. We spent many hours talking about fund raising and doing the best to support our parks. We were friends not just co-workers. I know that the last few years have been painful...but you hung in; you always have and will continue to hang in. Enjoy the next chapter in your life....write it the way you want.

Love
marie rust

Chesley, Federico and Laura

Chesley in Bella Italia, 2002