Volunteer Spotlight
Meet George Baney! A Bellefonte High School graduate, George is one of very few BHRS volunteers who is native to Bellefonte. Following high school, George enlisted in the Air Force and began his long (and first) career as an aircraft mechanic. Some of his time in the Air Force was spent as flight engineer, where seated between and behind the pilot and co-pilot, he monitored and maintained the engines, fuel system, hydraulics, and electronics of C-118's and other planes. During a one year assignment in Vietnam, he inspected, repaired, and reclaimed C-123 planes. Additionally he served on the presidential squadron, supporting Air Force One and other aircraft that accompanied presidential trips. Retiring from the Air Force after 21 years, George started his second career, working for the United States Post Office.
After two years as a rural carrier in Centre Hall he transitioned to a city carrier in Bellefonte for nine years, before spending his final ten years behind the service window of the Bellefonte Post Office. Well known in Bellefonte, it is a very rare BHRS excursion when George is not recognized by many passengers. Around 2010, and prior to George’s retirement, the post office got a new money order machine. As a dedicated employee, George wanted to test the machine prior to using it for a sale. Fortunately for us, he decided to test the machine with a personal money order to BHRS. His donation was more than enough to cover the BHRS membership fee, so willing or not, George was added to the BHRS member roster! A true railroad enthusiast, George’s knowledge of local railroads is interesting and useful for BHRS. Additionally, he has devoted hundreds of hours serving as excursion crew, helping with speeder events, and working on the Lemont track and the RDCs. At home, George’s N-scale model railroad dates back to 1967 (with a break during his time in the service) and continues to be updated including adding replicas of his friends’ speeders. Somewhere along the line he amassed more than one railroad lantern - but to keep peace at his home, we won’t say how many. Around 2006, wanting something larger than N-scale, George purchased a speeder, which is now painted in a New York Central RR scheme. He and his wife Gloria have gone on countless speeder excursions and George has used his speeder for BHRS functions. Speaking of Gloria - based on their youthful appearance and boundless energy, it’s hard to believe that George and Gloria celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last year! Their family includes a son and daughter and their spouses, two grandsons, two great granddaughters - and one more great grandchild on the way, with everyone residing nearby. With a soft spot for cats, George and Gloria currently have one house cat, and many abandoned cats seem to find their yard. Maybe it is those hobo cat symbols on their garage…..
George, THANK YOU for your long time support of BHRS. Your dedication and involvement over many years has helped to keep BHRS on track.