Three men are basically responsible for
starting the organization that became the SAGES. Nine retirees of McDonnell got together for breakfast one day and decided
to meet once a month. Among these nine were Ray Bassen, Monty Monachella and Art DeRousse. At a breakfast meeting in February
1981, 24 retirees attended and Ray, Monty and Art took it upon themselves to organize a
club. At a June meeting, with 140 in attendance, the nominating comittee nominated Monty for President,
Art for Vice-President and Ray for Treasurer. These three men became the first officers. The first Board
appointed by the President consisted of Claude Wiese, Herman Barkey, Russ Berg, Ed Pohl and Dick Heydt. Dick Heydt resigned
shortly thereafter and Larry Fitch was appointed to take his place.