In memory of America's finest

It is the third fatal accident to hit the space program. Ironically, all came within the same week of the year, the last week of January. It is now more apparent than ever that space travel poses great peril to its passengers. The fact that we have people willing to engage in space flight in spite of its danger is testimony to their courage and their will.

Very few people have the mettle and the ability to be an astronaut. While I am not afraid of flying, I cannot imagine myself being in a tiny capsule a thousand miles in space. It takes a special person to be able to do that. Luckily there are people who still have the pioneer spirit to travel the unknown, to break through barriers and lead us into the future.

Once such person was Willie McCool, the pilot on the Columbia space ship. He died in the line of duty for his country. Terry Keith of rural Minonk was Willie's roommate for 3 years while they both attended the naval academy at Annapolis. They graduated together in 1983. Terry, a native of Pontiac, went on to serve in the Marines after Annapolis while Willie went on to pursue his ambition to become an astronaut. Terry is now retired from the Marines and works at Caterpillar and is married to the former Nancy Wells, teacher at Fieldcrest East.

Terry said that Willie was a take charge type of guy who held the respect of all his classmates. Willie graduated number two in his class and went on to earn several post graduate degrees. Although his name was William, he wanted everyone to call him Willie because his favorite track star back then had the first name of Willie. Through all his successes, Willie never boasted nor spoke bad of others. Terry said, "He was truly a great man and I was fortunate to have known him."

Terry said that Willie was motivated by his mother who encouraged Willie to pursue his goals. On the way to becoming an astronaut, he married his high school sweetheart. He left behind his wife and three sons.

The space program has always recruited people who not only were superior physically, but also had the mental capabilities for conducting experiments and doing research. In addition, they needed to have the emotional capabilities to handle the stress and danger of space travel. Obviously, those who qualified are a rare breed indeed. To lose people of this caliber is a national loss.

We take for granted the accomplishments of our space program and the abilities of our astronauts. The research that they perform is usually of more interest to scientists than it is to the average citizen. The results of their efforts may not be realized for many years into the future. However, through their efforts and dedication, they advance the potential of our space travel and help us unravel the mysteries of the universe.

One of the proudest moments that I had as an American was sitting in a youth hostel in London in 1969 while watching Neil Armstrong step onto the moon. There were people from several different countries watching with me. They were just as amazed as I was at the spectacle of seeing a man on the moon. I couldn't help but feel special during that time.

Some feel that our space program is becoming too dangerous for our astronauts and that it might be better to concentrate more on earthly matters. However, the nature of man is to attempt to uncover the mysteries of the unknown. There will always be the Willie McCools who are willing to risk their lives in that pursuit.

As Americans we are expected to lead the world into conquering the frontiers of the universe. Our space program is more of a symbol of us as leaders of the world than is our military might. Hopefully, we will learn something from this tragedy to prevent future tragedies and enable the United States to safely conquer the mysteries of space. Whether or not you agree with our space program, once we landed on the moon, there is no turning back the space odyssey.

Fellow naval graduates Willie McCool, Gordon Haines, Terry Keith