I came to Boeing in 1974 with a master's in mechanical engineering. Over the next 27 years I obtained several graduate degrees, certifications and licenses. I enrolled in 1998 in the Executive Doctor of Management program at Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve University, in Cleveland, Ohio.

It was no easy task to fly to Cleveland every third week for two days of class for almost three years. Finally, I completed my research and thesis last month and graduated with an executive doctor of management degree. For this doctorate I researched how the airlines are benefiting by using e-commerce.

Boeing's Learning Together Program supported the tuition for this educational pursuit.

I want to share my story so that others may take advantage of Boeing's $80-million-a-year Learning Together Program. All of us need to keep updating our knowledge and skills in the fast-changing technological and economic world to survive and succeed. Education is one thing nobody can take away from you once you get it.

— Sowmyan Raman, Everett, Wash.

Flag protocol

I am deeply disappointed with the cover design you have chosen for your latest issue. Is there blatant disrespect for our great country, or sheer ignorance afoot here? I'm referring to the position of the American flag in relation to other nations' flags. Are we so consumed with globalization in this company that we are openly disavowing the honor and respect we all owe our country's flag to always place it first before all others?

— Ronald Harper, Wichita, Kansas

Import of export laws lacking

I read the June 2002 cover story, "Going Global," with great interest as I am currently supporting an international production offload contract.

I am concerned, however, that Boeing Frontiers did not address the responsibility of Boeing workers to understand and comply with applicable laws regarding transfer of U.S. military technology and services to non-U.S. persons. Many of us are involved with systems and services that are restricted from export without proper authority from the U.S. Department of State and other government agencies.

Boeing can go global, but many of our products and services must take a longer and more difficult path to do so than Boeing's commercial products.

— Thomas L. Andrews, Huntington Beach, Calif.

Talent scarcity?

After having read the June 2002 issue of Boeing Frontiers' cover story, "Going Global," I was quite astonished to learn that one of the reasons that Boeing is employing nearly 400 Russian engineers in Moscow is that, "it provides access to scarce aeronautical engineering talent."

I had no idea there was a scarcity of aeronautical engineering talent. In fact, based on the number of my engineering co-workers who have been laid off by Boeing, I assumed the opposite to be true.

If this scarcity does truly exist, I look forward to my currently unemployed coworkers, who already have a great deal of both scarce "aeronautical engineering talent" and direct, valuable Boeing experience, to be returning shortly.

That is, of course, assuming that they haven't taken this scarce talent and Boeing-provided training to one of our "global" competitors.

— Kevin Corson, Everett, Wash.

Safety first

I always find it a bit disturbing to see pictures like the one on page 24 of the June issue of Frontiers. Its caption read, "Torsten Ulbrich prepares the first installation of Connexion by Boeing antennas ... at the Lufthansa Technik hangar in Hamburg."

While it shows Ulbrich has his hearing protection and appears to be wearing a safety harness while working on the crown of the aircraft, he is obviously missing one of the most important safety items that Boeing requires in its factories — safety glasses.

—Tim Brogan, Renton, WA

Staying on track?

Clearly Boeing has presence in nearly every state in the U.S. and in many foreign countries. As we strive for globalization and work toward synergy, it's sometimes difficult to see how we can maintain our focus as a company.

I remember several years ago when we owned several ancillary businesses, which were a part of our aerospace focus. At that time it was deemed necessary to realign toward our core businesses and divest these holdings to become more competitive. Now we hear about exciting new technical areas such as Boeing Digital Cinema and Connexion by Boeing. These are great, forward-thinking businesses, but how do they fit in with our primary aerospace business?

— Scott Thompson, Houston, Texas

Keep tech articles coming …

I just want to tell you how much I am enjoying the new Boeing Frontiers magazine.

I've been reading [its predecessor] Boeing News from cover to cover since I retired in 1982. I enjoy the technical information most. Being retired, I have limited access to this type of information.

— Clayton I. Dissinger, Williford, AR

Milestones miscue?

Have "Milestones" for March and April 2002 been overlooked? The final issue of Boeing News, dated March 22, carried these listings [of Boeing employee service awards and retirements] from October 2001 through February.

When Boeing Frontiers debuted May 3, only May's Milestones were listed. Now, June's issue only has June's Milestones.

Other than that, Boeing Frontiers is a superb, world-class publication: great articles, good balance, and excellent pictures. Both the magazine and web site are great to look at. Keep up the good work!

— James S. Jones Jr., St. Louis, MO

Editor's note: Because of a computer glitch, some names were inadvertently omitted in the May issue's "Milestones" section. We are reconstituting this list now and hope to get caught up in future issues.

Smithsonian kudos

From all the editors at AIR&SPACE/Smithsonian magazine, a hearty congratulations on the launch of Boeing Frontiers! You and your team should be extremely proud of a first edition that offers a great variety of stories presented with crisp graphic design.

It will provide a strong connection to the Boeing family members, both active and retired, while conveying a new point of view to friends of Boeing outside the company.

— George Larson, AIR&SPACE magazine Washington, D.C.

More CII recognition

I have been involved with a Chairman's Innovation Initiative venture for quite some time. It has been a very involved process and the outcome is uncertain. Since many CII ventures exist in various developmental phases and since Boeing believes the program will be a great contributor to future growth, I'd like to suggest a column on at least one such CII venture every month.

Boeing Frontiers is an excellent venue to advertise and recognize successes and to try and generate more enthusiasm for such new ventures.

— Tim Scoville, Everett, Wash.

Editor's note: Please see the article on the Chairman's Innovation Initiative.

Letters guidelines

The Boeing Frontiers letters page is provided for readers to state their opinions. The page is intended to encourage an exchange of ideas and information that stimulates dialogue on issues or events in the company or the aerospace industry. The opinions may not necessarily reflect those of The Boeing Company. Letters must include name, organization and a telephone number for verification purposes. Letters may be edited for grammar, syntax and size.