Page 7 - Salesianum - Winter 2019

BWilliam Press ’58
ill’s long career in journalism and politics started at Salesianum, when a young Senator John F. Kennedy was
interviewed by the Review’s own Bill Press circa 1957. Bill obtained degrees from Niagara University and the University
of Fribourg before starting his career in journalism and politics.
Most notably, Bill’s political career included several different appointed positions, such as Chief of Staff to Republican California State Senator Peter Behr from 1971 to 1973. From 1975 to 1979, Bill served as Director of the California Office of Planning and Research under Democratic Governor Jerry Brown. Later, he was chair of the California Democratic Party from 1993 to 1996.
AEdward Scully ’58
fter graduating from Salesianum, Ed joined the U.S. Army, serving from February 1961 to June 1988. During
his 27-year career, he was promoted five times, retiring at the rank of Lt. Colonel. Ed received many awards and decorations during his years serving in the Army.
He was awarded the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with Valor, Purple Heart, the Joint Services Meritorious Service Medal,
Air Medal, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Special Forces Tab, Parachute Badge, Senior Aviation Badge, Vietnam Jump Wings, and the Special Forces Combat Patch.
After graduation, he joined the Air National Guard Reserves and quickly transitioned to the Army. He served his country during the Vietnam War. Ed was no ordinary soldier; he
joined the Special Forces and earned his Green Beret. Later, Ed served in many capacities and attended a variety of schools. He attended flight school, and aviation became his passion. During his career and the decades that have followed, Ed has been referred to as a true American hero. His support and love of country did not stop when he left the Army.
After retiring back in Delaware, Ed’s support of the military and country continued. He began a second career at Summit
Bill’s broadcasting career began in Los Angeles for TV stations KABC-TV and KCOP-TV. Later, he worked as a political commentator for CNN and MSNBC.
He is best known for co-hosting CNN’s Spin Room opposite Tucker Carlson, Crossfire and MSNBC’s Buchanan and
Press. Bill is a U.S. talk radio host, political commentator and author. Crossfire was one of the first television programs in the genre of opposing viewpoints discussing current affairs with various national and international guests. Since 2005, Bill has been a contributing blogger at the Huffington Post, and also contributes blogs to the online version of Washington’s D.C.’s non-partisan newspaper, The Hill.
Aviation in Middletown. Summit is a 500-acre airport, which appears benign and boring. Ed was able to use his military connections to allow the team to support the warfront from home. He began several programs with various military and government agencies to support the troops
and create the right aviation support in the field and in the war.
The relationships he established and the work that was done
also support the local community in Delaware. Summit was an early supporter of the Delaware State Police Aviation Branch, building a hangar and providing all aircraft maintenance. To this day, Summit is a top employer of veterans in the state. Ed retired from Summit in June 2013, after 25 years. Prior to his retirement, Summit named its new modification center after him — the Scully Modification Center. He continues to work at Summit, advising the leadership team on many critical matters. There are few people who can say that they have dedicated their lives to their country, but Ed can. Many of St. Francis de Sales’ teachings can be seen in Ed’s life’s work. He has served his country bravely for 56 years, with a Salesian spirit set by the foundation of his years at Salesianum. The Salesianum community was saddened to learn of the passing of Ed Scully in December 2018.
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