updated 4/2006, ARES press release updated 9/2006, Gallery of pictures updated 8/20/05, but waiting for official photo copies from the NASA photographer which will probably be better than our camera. Please check out all the links for cool information that I skip over. Thanks for reading!
I was supposed to be at the monthly PI&C managers and NASA civil servants meeting at 3:15 for reasons unknown... Well, as it turned out I had been submited for the Astronaut's Silver Snoopy Award and accepted. I was (and still am) totally in shock-- this is a really big deal! My legs were getting a little shaky as I stood there while astronaut Rick Sturckow talked, pinned me, and joked around. I had to shift my weight and shake my legs a little to make sure that I wasn't locking my knees and about to pass out.
Guess who else my boss sneaked in? My lovely wife, Angela. I was glad she was there though I didn't recognize her that first time I saw her, it was right after I saw the Snoopy Certificate on the table and was just a little bit freaked out. But, I did a double take and gave her a weak smile. She knew about this for about two to three weeks and managed to keep it a secret from me. The kids even knew ahead of time! Talk about conspiracies.
Each pin is flown on a Shuttle mission before it can be given out as an Award. My personal pin flew on STS-110 so it has traveled about 4.5 million miles before I received it. I don't mind it being well traveled! Rick Sturckow served on the CAPCOM (Capsule Communication) post during that mission.
Astronaut Rick Sturckow pins it on me and jokes around a little bit with his Marine Corps past. Great guy, took off too quick to get an additional autograph on the poster, but I do have it on the certificate and the personal letter. The letter reads: National Aeronautics and Space Administration Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center 2101 NASA Parkway Houston, Texas 77058-3696 August 18, 2005 Attn of: Mr. Kevin Creason ISS Program Integration & Control Information Technology Organization ARES Corporation 16441 Space Center Blvd, Bldg A Houston, TX 77058 Dear Kevin: This letter is to express our personal thanks for the outstanding support you have provided to NASA's space programs. You have successfully integrated and deployed numerous IT components of the ISS Production Facility (IPF) that have resulted in exceptional availability and quick recovery for the ISS support systems. You continuously strive to attain the best technical solution for the IPF within current budget guidelines. You expertise and dedication in support of the IPF Operational Environment are truly exemplary. We in the flight end of the business know that success in our space endeavors is measured by the performance of individuals like you. The exceptional manner in which you have carried out your responsibilities exceeds normal requirements and demonstrates pride in your work. As a symbol of appreciation, please accept the astronauts' personal award for the professional excellence, the Silver Snoopy. We hope you will wear it with deserved pride, knowing that it is given only to those individuals whom we regard as the best in their respective professions. Your Silver Snoopy was flown on STS-110. Best wishes for continued achievement in your career. Sincerely, {signed Rick Sturckow}, STS-88, 105, 117 NASA Astronaut He said he got in trouble once for bloodying an award recipient when he congratulated him USMC style... :-)
Jerry Siemers, the VP of ARES PI&C jumps in for a quick picture.
They couldn't find a Snoopy cake easily so they opted for Buzz Lightyear. That works! Everyone loves Buzz. I served cake to about thirty people. And, yes, that is a Delorean Motor Company shirt. The Silver Snoopy looks great next to the black shirt and silver embroidery.