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Most people in the room had not been born the year Neil Armstrong landed on the moon, but this did not stop those in attendance at the Kisling Noncommionsioned Officer Academy on Kapaun from giving a standing ovation to Mr. Armstrong and five other members of the Legends of Aerospace Tour March 5.
From young to old, it did not matter. Excitement filled the room when the American icons walked onto the stage to thank the troops for their service.
Ramstein was the first stop on an eight-day tour to visit Airmen in U.S. Air Forces in Europe and troops downrange.
In addition to Neil Armstrong, the visit also included Gene Cernan, Steve Ritchie, Jim Lovell, Robert Gilliland and David Hartman.
The event was led by the original host of ABC Good Morning America, Mr. Hartman, and also a retired Air Force officer, who asked the Legends of Aerospace questions in a talk show-type of setting.
“It is a privilege to visit those who are doing the action,” Mr. Armstrong said. “Those of us here are now super seniors, and we all remember our days on active duty. It was always nice to know what was going on back home, and I am glad we can come and do that today. Just remember we are always rooting for you and what you are doing over here.”
For those who thought the heroes were on the stage, the greats of aerospace wanted those in attendance to take a look in the mirror.
“I needed to personally come out and thank the military members for what they do,” said Mr. Cernan, the last man to walk on the moon. “Everyone is doing what is asked of them with discipline, leadership, and these skills are so valuable.”
Mr. Cernan also stressed the importance of remembering the goals in life.
“I had a dream of doing something unique with flying, and I ended up flying aircraft to the moon,” he added.
Talking to the troops hit home with one of the legends, as his son just put on his staff sergeant stripe.
“It is so important for us to let all the troops know we respect and admire what you are doing,” said Mr. Ritchie, a retired brigadier general and the only Air Force fighter pilot Ace since Korea. “Discipline, hard work and integrity leads to success and what led to our success.”
While each success took a lot of hard work, it was well worth the pay off.
“The descent was the most exciting 14 minutes of my life,” Mr. Cernan said. “When we landed, I was looking at something no other human being has ever seen in their life.”
Being in a place no one has ever seen has raised some questions for the astronauts.
“Many people have asked me what would have happened if the engine did not start,” Mr. Armstrong said. “Well, we sure would have had a lot of time to think it over.”
During the question and answer portion of the visit, one Airman asked the Legends of Aerospace, “What do you do after you have accomplished landing on the moon?”
“When you see the earth from the moon, you realize how insignificant you are,” said Mr. Lovell, the Apollo 13 commander.
For some, childhood dreams came true by getting to meet the men they had idolized and seen on TV. For one Airman, he was so caught up in the moment, he didn’t even have words for his experience.
“I am speechless,” said Tech. Sgt. Bryan Daniel, Kisling NCOA instructor. “This was phenomenal. These are great Americans who have done things we all imagine and dream of. They showed what great leaders can achieve and proved the impossible could be possible.”
And, an important message was left with the Airmen in attendance.
“Always remember to dream the impossible and make it happen,” Mr. Cernan added. “There is a lot of dreaming left to do.”
