March 25, 2026
PRESENT: 18
FIRST TIME: 0
LONG TIME: Marv Olson, Ken Litton
GUESTS: 0
SICKNESS: None Reported
Deaths
Gwendolyn McAllen (Gwen)
Passed Away April 3, 2026
Gwendolyn McAllen (Gwen), daughter of A. James Jr. and May Nelson, passed away on April 3rd, 2026.
A lifelong and voracious learner, Gwen earned a B.S. in Science and Engineering from Tulane University, followed by both a Master of Arts and a Ph.D. in Physics and Mathematics from Vanderbilt University. She later completed a master’s degree in Computer Science at the University of Texas at Dallas.
A true tech pioneer, Gwen worked for software start-up DCA in the early ’70s, while also working in the computer lab at the Georgia Institute of Technology. After moving to Dallas and starting a family, she worked for Standard Oil Company. Once her daughters were in grade school, she embarked on a career as a systems engineer at E-Systems, later acquired by Raytheon Corporation, retiring after more than 25 years of service.
Gwen was an accomplished flautist, performing with the Garland Symphony Orchestra, local churches, and at her own beloved St. John’s Episcopal Church where she also sang in the choir. She inspired her grandchildren to become accomplished pianists, leaving them with her lifelong love of music.
Above all, Gwen devoted her life to her Lord and Savior. She gave to innumerable charities, funded scholarships, and drove around Dallas passing out refreshments to the homeless-always looking for ways to help others. In all she did, she sought to glorify Him and was a beacon of God’s light and love to those who knew her.
She is survived by her two daughters, Allison (Andrew), and Laura (Billy), her five grandchildren, her brother Richard (Barbara), seven nieces and nephews and their children.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, please donate to St. John’s (stjohnsepiscopal.org/give), North Texas Food Bank (give.ntfb.org), or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org).
Kemp Derrick
Passed Away September 2, 2023
Kemp Derrick 87 of Garland passed away peacefully at home on September 2nd , 2023 with his beloved wife Suebelle and his favorite daughter Kim by his side.
Kemp was born on December 22, 1935, to parents Cecil and Hazel Derrick of San Angelo, Texas. After Kemp graduated from San Angelo High in 1954, he went on to study Engineering at Texas Tech University. After graduation with a degree in Industrial Engineering Kemp married the love of his life, Sue Smith on June 22, 1963. Kemp worked for 30+ years at E Systems in Garland, Texas and retired in 1994.
Kemp was a member of the Sigma Chi Epsilon Nu Chapter at Texas Tech University, Garland City Council and was involved with youth sports and PTA. Kemp enjoyed many hobbies after retirement which included traveling with family and friends, golfing, and woodworking. Woodworking was something he loved and became incredibly talented. Kemp enjoyed making handmade wooden toys for children at the Hobby Crafters in Garland for many years.
Kemp is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Sue Derrick. Daughter Kim Faulkner and husband Tim. Son Steven Derrick and wife Christy. Grandchildren Casey McKown and husband Addison, Preston Derrick, Katelyn Derrick, and Lauren Derrick. Great grandchildren Carter, Brady, Nolan McKown. Niece Amy Smith and husband Brad, daughters Libby and Sydney. Nephew Cory Peavler and wife Regina, daughter Maya, along with many other family and friends.
Announcements
Marv Olson has been a devoted caregiver for several years, taking care of his wife who suffered from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) disease. He has been absent from the lunch get togethers while caring for her. She recently passed. Our sympathies go out to Marv.
From Mike Donohoe:
“I read an article today (April 21st) saying the government cancelled the GPS-OCX contract with RTX yesterday.”
- April 20, 2026
- Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (AFNS) — The Global Positioning System Next Generation Operational Control System program was cancelled by the Defense Acquisition Executive on April 17, based upon the recommendation of the acting service acquisition executive.
OCX was intended to update command and control of the GPS satellite constellation, replacing the current system, known as the Architecture Evolution Plan, as well as replacing the Launch, Anomaly and Disposal Operations system. However, the program was unable to deliver needed capabilities on an operationally relevant timeline at an acceptable level of risk to meet the GPS constellation modernization needs.
“It’s important we refine and update acquisition processes to prioritize rapid, incremental capability delivery versus complex ‘all or nothing’ system deliveries,” said Acting Service Acquisition Executive Tom Ainsworth. “The Department of War has made clear that we need to deliver warfighting capability at a faster rate. We must continue to work with industry to meet the needs of our warfighters as we focus on delivering the right technology on the right timeline to enhance our capabilities and maintain space superiority.”
In July 2025, following a multi-year regimen of factory testing, the Space Force contractually accepted OCX from Raytheon and began extensive integrated systems testing to resolve liens carried over from factory testing, as well as to ensure the system could operate within the broader GPS enterprise of ground systems, satellites, and user equipment.
As of January 2026, the program cost was approximately $6.27 billion which included complete Raytheon funding to date and other government costs, such as the cost of government testing and support costs to the OCX acquisition program office.
“Regrettably, extensive system issues arose during the integrated testing of OCX with the broader GPS enterprise,” said Mission Delta 31 Commander Col. Stephen Hobbs. “Despite repeated collaborative approaches by the entire government and contractor team, the challenges of onboarding the system in an operationally relevant timeline proved insurmountable. We discovered problems across a broad range of capability areas that would put current GPS military and civilian capabilities at risk.”
Due to past delays on the OCX program, the Space Force has made incremental improvements over the last 10 years to AEP. These successful upgrades provide confidence that further upgrades to GPS ground systems will continue to support the enterprise and deliver new capabilities.
“Ultimately, we analyzed the work remaining on OCX and compared this with the current GPS control system capability,” Hobbs said. “The analysis revealed additional investment in OCX was no longer the best solution for protecting and advancing GPS capabilities. Instead, we will continue enhancing the current control system to operate the GPS satellite constellation.”
From John Hancock:
Lockheed Martin is in a position to benefit. LM maintains the legacy system (AEP) and earlier this month received a $105 million contract for additional upgrades.
Annual Funding Notice for our Pension
How Well Funded Is Your Plan The law requires the plan administrator to explain how well the Plan is funded, using a measure called the “funded percentage.” The funded percentage is calculated by dividing Plan assets by Plan liabilities. In general, the higher the funded percentage, the better funded the plan. Plan liabilities are the present value of the benefits promised by the Plan, determined using a market-related interest assumption.
The chart below shows the Plan’s funded percentage for the Plan Year and the two preceding plan years. It also lists the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for those years. Plan liabilities for the Plan Year in Line 3 of the chart reflect the plan administrator’s reasonable, good faith estimate.
If the Plan terminates, the Plan’s liabilities calculated by PBGC may be greater than the Plan liabilities shown in the above chart. When PBGC takes over a terminated plan as trustee, it guarantees benefits up to a legal limit. See the section of this notice titled “Benefit Payments Guaranteed by PBGC” for additional information.
Participant and Beneficiary Information
The following chart shows the number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the Plan on the last day of the Plan Year and the two preceding years. The numbers for the Plan Year reflect the plan administrator’s reasonable, good faith estimate.
Medical Claims for reimbursement can be mailed to:
Alight Smart Choice Solutions
PO Box 64009
The Woodlands, TX
77387
This info was posted on our Facebook group.
Alight has a benefits “Gateway” website that will be used for benefits administration. If you haven’t created an account yet go to www.alight.com to do so. Scroll all the way down to the bottom. Click on “Find Your HR Website” and type in RAYTHEON under “Who is your employer?”. This will pop up a link to www.yourtotalrewards.com/rtx and select “New user?”. The “New user?” selection links to a couple of identifying questions and then steps you through the account setup. It recognized me and I was able to set up my account so I could create my profile and preferences. They had my old employee email address in my profile and I had to call Alight to get that corrected (800-243-8135). Be sure to check your beneficiary information. This was blank for me so I corrected that. Also, if you are married, your personal information probably transferred over as single. This would cause any medical reimbursement claims for your spouse to be denied. Call the benefits people so they can correct it.
Alight will manage the medical reimbursement and we will be able to check our DDB balance, submit claims, authorize direct deposit, etc. online.
If you need help setting up your Alight account, reimbursement claims, Direct deposit, etc. please email me at emmawahlstrom@aol.com. Terry Gaus has offered to help the retirees who may have questions. I can also help navigate the swamp if you need assistance.
Eileen continues to collect eye glasses for donation to the Lion’s Club. Thank you all who have donated.
Our next luncheon will be May 27th. Tell your fellow retirees! Bring a guest!
People who wonder whether the glass is half empty or half full are missing the point…
The glass is refillable. Or, the engineer says the glass is the wrong size.
Garland ESY/Raytheon Retirees 
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