WHAT I DID ON MY SUMMER VACATION
Among the highlights: My trip to Kennedy Space Center in Florida (early June) for the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation dinner, FarthestReaches.com autograph show and related activities. I was honored to emcee some of those special events. Most of all, it was my "roots tour" in tribute to my good friend Wally Schirra, one of the Original Seven astronauts. He passed away in May of this year, and the trip was my chance to visit all of his launch sites and enjoy the company of many of his friends and fellow heroes. It was a very inspiring, even life-changing weekend. Hey, I was so moved to take new courageous risks (as these guys did) that I came back and quit my radio job! I think Alan Bean pushed me over the edge (it's all good).
At the Astronaut Foundation Dinner in Florida with Scott Carpenter. Only he and John Glenn remain as living members of the Original Seven. We "Friends of Wally" Schirra wore Hawaiian shirts in tribute to our buddy.
On the historic Apollo launch pad where Wally Schirra, Don Eisele and Walter Cunningham lifted off on the successful Apollo 7 mission. That was the first flight after the shocking Apollo One fire that killed astronauts Grissom, Chafee and White.
At the Astronaut Foundation Dinner in Florida with Scott Carpenter. Only he and John Glenn remain as living members of the Original Seven. We "Friends of Wally" Schirra wore Hawaiian shirts in tribute to our buddy.
Enjoying a laugh with the legendary Gene Kranz of "Failure Is Not An Option" fame (Apollo 13).
Looking oh-so-fabulous (!!!) with astronaut Dick Gordon (Gemini 11 and Apollo 12) at Kennedy Space Center''s Saturn V paviilion (with apologies to the lovely Linda Gordon).
Enjoying a laugh with Walt Cunningham (Apollo 7) and Rusty Schweikart (Apollo 9). Note: The Apollo 9 command module is currently on display at the San Diego Air & Space Museum, where I serve on the Board of Directors.
With Dee O'Hara, famed nurse to the astronauts, and General Tom Stafford (Gemini and Apollo).
Enjoying a laugh with Walt Cunningham (Apollo 7) and Rusty Schweikart (Apollo 9). Note: The Apollo 9 command module is currently on display at the San Diego Air & Space Museum, where I serve on the Board of Directors.
With Dee O'Hara, famed nurse to the astronauts, and General Tom Stafford (Gemini and Apollo).
With Tracy Kornfeld, good friend and designer of many of the astronaut websites (including www.wallyschirra.com)
Our best buddy, "Uncle Bill" Dana, aka "Jose Jimenez" the eighth Mercury astronaut. A wonderful talent and sweet friend.
Our best buddy, "Uncle Bill" Dana, aka "Jose Jimenez" the eighth Mercury astronaut. A wonderful talent and sweet friend.
With the legendary Jim Lovell (Apollo 8 and 13) at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, June 9, 2007.
One of the only remaining enormous Saturn V rockets (Kennedy Space Center). This year's Astronaut Foundation dinner was held in this amazing facility, under the Saturn.
With Buzz Aldrin, the second man to walk on the moon.
On the historic Apollo launch pad where Wally Schirra, Don Eisele and Walter Cunningham lifted off on the successful Apollo 7 mission. That was the first flight after the shocking Apollo One fire that killed astronauts Grissom, Chafee and White.
One of my photos of Space Shuttle STS-117 launch, June 8, 2007.
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