On Saturday April 7, 2007, I had the great pleasure of
attending a meeting of the 1st Marine Division Association of Central
Florida in Winter Park, Florida. The guest speaker that day was
former U.S. Marine and now Director of NASA at the
Kennedy Space Center,
William "Bill" Parsons.
Bill enlightened the room filled with retired Marines about about the
current and future projects that NASA is working on. The great part
about hearing this talk, from a Toastmasters point of view, is that Bill
knew his audience. He was speaking to comrades
from his military days, keeping his focus on their respect for American
goals and values. He spoke of the importance of the U.S. Space
Program in regard to keeping a presence in outer space at all times.
Why do we explore space? "It tames the explorer beast in all of us.
Mankind is always curious as to what lies just over that hill. The
technology NASA creates and their scientific advances benefit every aspect
of our daily lives including medicine, communication and education."
 One
of those present asked "Why bother going back to the moon?"
Bill answered "We went there the first time, because President Kennedy
told us to. We were to win the race into space... and we DID!
There wasn't as much focus at that time about in depth studies of this
foreign celestial body. Now, our goal is to learn more about
long-term existence outside of our atmosphere if we are to ever think
about journeying to Mars."
"A trip to Mars", Bill said, "...will take six months of travel time to
get there. Then we'll stay for a year of study and exploration,
followed by another six month trip home. Keeping a human alive for
two years outside our atmosphere will take an inordinate amount of study,
research, planning and re-planning if it is going to be accomplished
safely. Using the moon as our close by testing ground will be the
most critical part of our research".
When I was given a chance, I asked Bill what the favorite part of his job
is. His answer? "Making smoke, fire and putting human beings into
space!" Should Bill become an active member of
Toastmasters International (as Astronaut James Lovell was) he will be a
tough act to follow when it comes to International speaking competitions.
Speaking of Toastmasters, Bill, did you know that there are several
Toastmaster Clubs (South Cape Club #3631, Kennedy Space Center Club #3695,
LC-39 Club #9260) at the Cape that would love to welcome you as a new
member?
Thank you Bill, for sharing your time with your fellow Marines and fellow
Americans.
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